Hypnotherapy

What is it?

Clinical Hypnotherapy is gaining acceptance as a method of therapy for helping people to overcome their fears, phobias, certain addictions and other emotional and physical problems.

Therapeutic suggestions are introduced while the client is in a very relaxed and receptive state. It is important to note that no one can be hypnotised against their will and no one can be forced to do things while under hypnosis that they do not want to do.

What does it involve?

Hypnotherapy is normally carried out on a one-to-one basis in a therapeutic setting.

The session normally begins by taking a brief medical history appropriate to the condition being presented, followed by discussing with the client how hypnotherapy may be of use.

The second part of the session will be where the client is assisted in entering the trance state and once a deep level of relaxation has been achieved therapeutic suggestions will be made which are relevant to you.

You will then gradually be brought out of your relaxed state and back into the present. It is impossible to get ‘stuck’ and if the need arises, you can indeed bring yourself out of the hypnotic state in an instance.

You may be given self-hypnosis exercises to carry out at home, which typically involve:

• Relaxation

• Deepening - counting yourself down into an increasingly relaxed state
• Suggestions - repeating positive statements that relate to your intended goal
• Ending - counting yourself back into a fully alert state

Alternatively you may be given a recording of the session that you can listen to at your leisure in order to increase the effectiveness of the therapy even further.

What's it used for?

Hypnotherapy is often used to help overcome anxiety, insomnia, stress, panic attacks and phobias, as well as to treat pain, headaches, and irritable bowel problems.
It can also be used to help with the treatment of some addictions or as a weight loss aid, and has been used as a form of analgesia.

How does it work?

As you enter a relaxed state, your breathing, heart rate and metabolism all slow down and your brain waves change.
Once in the hypnotic state (which is about half-way between wakefulness and sleep) it is possible to ‘reprogram’ the subconscious mind, the effects of which, are normally long lasting.

Depending on the depth of trance achieved, people may find they have little or no recall, this is normal, and however any concerns will be addressed.

It is important to note that one must be motivated and committed to seeking change through hypnosis. The Hypnotist is merely a facilitator, and cannot change your life for you. You are the one who needs to be ready and willing to improve your life.

Hypnotherapists do not diagnose, and it is often the case that a Doctor must have diagnosed medical conditions for which people seek assistance, and permission received from them that hypnotherapy is appropriate for them, before treatment for the condition can begin.

How many treatments will I need?

One or two treatments may effect a change, but a normally a short course of three to six treatments at specified intervals are often recommended. The estimated number of sessions required for a specific condition will normally be given before treatment commences.