Hypnotherapy can be used to treat a wide range of physical and emotional disorders, but is often misunderstood or feared thanks to comedy stage shows which encourage people to say or do things that they would never normally do.

In truth, hypnosis involves nothing more than a deep state of relaxation. There is no loss of control or loss of consciousness involved, and many people are not even aware that it has 'worked'.

"Anyone can be hypnotised, although not everyone should be, including those with severe depressive illnesses, epilepsy or psychosis," says Registered Hypnotherapist Carol Burge (leoniburge@aol.com). "It is generally considered to be a fairly short-term treatment, with most clients feeling the benefits within a few sessions. The results are permanent, and the only side-effects are positive ones, such as improved sleep and a greater feeling of well-being." We find out how it can work for you:

If you want to lose weight
Dieters have long used hypnotherapy as a means to boost their willpower, but it has recently received considerable publicity thanks to Paul McKenna's 'I Can Make You Thin' weight-loss system. Unlike conventional diets, McKenna claims that he can he can show you how to eat what you want and still use weight. His system boasts a 70 percent success rate and doesn't call for one-to-one time with a therapist. All techniques are fully explained in his book 'I Can Make You Thin' and the accompanying hypnosis CD (Bantam, £10.99), with many devotees opting to attend one of his day-long Weight Loss Events. For more information visit www.paulmckenna.com

If you want to stop smoking
Since the smoking ban came into force on July 1, more of us than ever are struggling to quit. If you're determined to give up, then hypnosis could help you to stub out your very last cigarette. Studies show that hypnosis is three times more effective than nicotine replacement therapy - with long-lasting results. Hypnotherapy works because it helps smokers to use their imagination to create a non-smoking future, where they will no longer have any desire to light up. This helps them to feel like their decision to quit is a positive step rather than a miserable sacrifice - and boosts willpower until the addiction is broken.

If you want to boost your confidence
Low self-esteem, lack of confidence and nervousness can cause huge problems in all areas of life. Sufferers may find it hard to make friends, cope with exams and job interviews, or sustain happy, loving relationships. Others may have more specific concerns such as a fear of public speaking, anxieties about driving or panic attacks. Hypnotherapy can boost self-confidence through a series of visualisation exercises, which will help sufferers to picture a more positive future. A therapist can also use regression sessions to guide their client back to the times when the anxiety began, enabling them to reprogram their beliefs and dramatically improve their quality of life.

To find a registered hypnotherapist in your area visit the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council website at www.ghsc.co.uk