What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy involves a safe state of absorbed focus, rather like when you are engrossed in music or a film. Your subconscious mind becomes more receptive to suggestion and change, and it doesn’t matter whether you reach a light or a deeper state as it will still absorb what it needs to. Hypnosis encourages the subconscious mind to mobilise its own resources, and to look more deeply to resolve anything that is holding you back.
Hypnotherapy is completely natural and safe and there are no harmful side effects. When used by a professionally trained and skilled therapist the benefits are long lasting and often permanent.
Which conditions can hypnotherapy treat?
Breaking unwanted habits e.g. smoking, addictions, nail biting, stuttering – Relief and remission from conditions such as asthma, migraine, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders – Dermatological conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, neuro-dermatitis, and herpes simplex – Gynaecological and sexual problems – Pain control for minor surgery, dentistry, arthritis and general neuromuscular aches and pains – Overcoming phobias, compulsions, insomnia, inhibitions, depression and anxiety – Self-hypnosis to help prevent stress and tensions caused by modern day living, reduce high blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases – Weight control, increasing work/study/sporting performance, improving concentration and memory, developing the imagination, boosting self confidence, and achieving personal potential.
Conditions that may be caused by serious underlying disease, i.e. where the cause of the symptom is organic or serious psychiatric illness, are not suitable for treatment. (adapted from hypnotherapyawareness.com)
I can’t decide between hypnotherapy or coaching – help!
Coaching is best suited to practical situations: examples are changing career, setting up in business, moving on after redundancy, or weight loss or fitness goals. I encourage you to find your own solutions by utilising the resources at your disposal, helping you to develop strategies to tackle challenges along the way in order to reach your potential.
Hypnotherapy has proven benefits where the cause of the problem is not generally known, or all else has failed – examples include losing an unwanted habit, performance or exam nerves, and depression and anxiety. Even where the cause is known, such as a demanding job or domestic situation, I can help you manage your stress better.
Feel free to call me on 07947 475721 for a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your individual circumstances before making any commitment.
Can you tell me about some of the techniques you use?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the basis of the hypnotherapy approach of the same name, and focuses on unhelpful thoughts, emotions and behaviours which can interact and ‘snowball’. It has been clinically proven to help with conditions such as depression and insomnia.
Ericksonian hypnotherapy is based on the techniques of the American psychiatrist and psychologist Milton Erickson, who specialised in medical hypnosis and took the approach that the unconscious mind is creative and solution-generating.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ method, and I tend to incorporate a mixture of techniques with an overall solution-focused approach to best tailor treatment to you as an individual.
What does hypnosis feel like?
You are in full control the whole time. First we drop down from the conscious – which is only 10% of the mind – into the subconscious. Now we are addressing the whole person, 100% of the mind, rather than just treating the symptoms. I will help guide you into a state of relaxation where your attention may stay focused on what I am saying, or may drift away, or perhaps a bit of both. I will then return you to normal consciousness and you will be fully alert and re-energised, ready to continue with the rest of your day.
How long will it take, and what do I need to do?
Our sessions will be a co-creative process where we work together towards whatever your definition of a successful outcome is. While sometimes only one or two sessions are needed to achieve this, everyone is different and there are no guarantees – we are complex beings, and symptoms which may have been present for many years may realistically take closer to 4-6 sessions to reach a resolve. This will require some commitment from you in order to succeed, and there may be some ‘homework’ (for example, keeping a food/sleep/exercise diary, depending on what you have come for). I will also teach you self-hypnosis so you can take this skill away with you to use any time.