What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is not a therapy in itself. Rather, a therapy is conducted in hypnosis, which is known as hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is a state of relaxation and concentration at one with the state of heightened awareness induced by suggestion. It is a natural trance state, like daydreaming, when the mind is relaxed and focused, where time passes very quickly, accompanied by good feelings of deep relaxation of mind and body.
Hypnotherapy is a treatment that is based on the premise that the mind and body do not work in isolation. By sending the patient into a hypnotic state, the therapist aims to trigger the body's mental and physical self-healing processes that lie in the subconscious.
Anybody can be sent into a hypnotic state; it is not a sign of gullibility or suggestibility on the part of the patient. Hypnosis induces a state of relaxation and concentration that practitioners claim is a natural manifestation of the mind at work.
When undergoing hypnotherapy, patients are conscious and aware, but are open to the power of suggestion. They cannot be induced to do anything against their will.
What Happens in A Hypnosis Session?
Each session is tailored to the individual clients needs but this is a general guide.
The client is guided into a state of mental and physical relaxation. ( You are not asleep. See FAQ ) Acceptable suggestions will then be given to the subconscious mind to change the old thought patterns to new thought patterns that the client wants. This may last from 30 to 90 minutes depending on what we are working on to change. At the end of the session the client is emerged with these new thought patterns established
Forms of therapy
Suggestion Therapy
This method is the one that people are most familiar with. In Hypnosis the therapist makes a series of suggestions aimed at creating a fundamental shift in the subconscious mind. This is commonly used in a once off session for weight loss, smoking cessation, exam nerves etc.
Hypno-analysis
In many cases a process of hypno-analysis is recommended. This is a model devised by the Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy (ICHP)that is unique to ICHP trained therapists. This program is aimed at uncovering and removing the underlying cause of a stressful symptom. For example, a person may be overweight because of over eating. Suggestion therapy will change the habit of over eating but what if the over eating is "comfort eating"? Taking away the desire for food does not take away the cause of the problem. It is vital that the original deep routed cause of the need for "comfort eating" be uncovered, otherwise a process of "symptom substitution" can occur.
Initial Consultation
We have a 30 min consultation with each new client .We discuss what changes the client wants and why they want them. During that consultation a full explanation of hypnosis is given. What it is, how it works and why it works. If we decide to work together we then start the first session.
Hypnosis - frequently asked questions
Does Hypnosis Really Work?
Yes. Hypnosis has been shown in studies to be the most effective method of stopping smoking and losing weight. It has been used for hundreds of years for anesthesia in surgery and is the most effective and fastest method of change available today.
Can the hypnotist control me?
The simple answer is no. Before I start a session I always show my clients how to emerge by themselves if they find I am suggesting something that is un-acceptable to them. To date this has never happened and I don’t expect it will but the client always has the option of stopping a session if they want.
Will I be asleep?
No. Hypnosis has nothing to do with sleep. You are actually more aware of what is going on around you when in hypnosis than you normally would be.
How many sessions does it take?
For a quitting smoking, it takes 1 session and I offer a free backup session if required. For weight loss it is generally 4 to 6 sessions.
For other changes you want to make, please phone or email for estimates.
Will I remember the session?
In general you will remember the whole session. But just like watching a movie, if your mind wanders or you daydream you may forget parts of the session.
Will I reveal personal information I don’t want to?
No. You are more aware than normal and you will only reveal what you want to.
Symptoms
Hypnosis is the easiest way of reprogramming old or unwanted behaviour pattern or creating new, positive patterns.
Some symptoms treated include:
Fears / phobias Panic attacks IBS
Pain control Insomnia Lose weight
Alcohol and /or drug issues Quit smoking Public speaking
Exam & Interview nerves Relaxation Stress management
Nail Biting Hair Pulling Blushing
Pain Control Male impotence Sports Motivation
Attention Deficit Disorder Self Confidence Insomnia
Depression Motivation Alcohol Problems
Drug Problems Enuresis (bed-wetting) Asthma
Eating Disorders Frigidity
If you suffer with any of these symptoms or any other and especially if it's causing problems in your life, simply telephone, or email for an appointment