Hypnotherapy
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy put simply is the use of the state of hypnosis within a therapy session.
It is a complementary therapy used to treat anything from phobias and fears to confidence issues and exam nerves.
During the state of hypnosis our conscious mind is bypassed, whilst our subconscious mind; the part of our minds that contains all of our habits and old patterns, takes centre stage and can accept any beneficial suggestions we offer it. The subconscious mind can only focus on one idea at a time, it is a very powerful part of our minds that is susceptible to suggestion, so whilst you are in hypnosis you are able to absorb whatever you need to, without the distraction of your conscious mind.
To illustrate how susceptible to suggestion the subconscious mind is, think about when you are engrossed in a film. You might feel some of the emotions taking place within the story, you might even shed a tear or feel anger at a character, even though you know it’s not real, because your subconscious at that moment accepts it as real and reacts.
In the same way, it can accept positive suggestions that you require within a hypnotherapy session, and it can react to those too.
What does hypnosis feel like?
The myth is that whilst in hypnosis you are ‘under control’ or asleep in some way, well that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
If you have ever sat and daydreamed or become absorbed in a book or a film, then you have already experienced the state of hypnosis.
It can feel like anything from a deep state of relaxation where your body feels either heavy or weightless, to a very light relaxation where you simply feel as though you are sitting in a chair having a rest. Some have even reported feeling so light they are not aware of their bodies at all, or that they are so relaxed they just can’t be bothered to move! It really does differ for everyone, but the common link is the feeling of relaxation.
Have you noticed that when you are giving your full attention to a book, your surroundings almost seem to fade into the background? But you are awake when reading aren’t you? And should a fire alarm go off or should your phone ring, your conscious mind will quickly come forward again to tend to your needs.
If you decide that a particular suggestion does not inspire you or benefit you, you can easily discard it, because while you are in hypnosis, you still have full control and can even open your eyes at any time should you need to.
What can hypnotherapy help me with?
Hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of conditions by using various techniques, visualisations and suggestions that can change the way your subconscious mind has been running things.
The good thing about hypnotherapy is that things can be dealt with a lot quicker than with various other talking therapies and without the side effects of many medications that are taken to treat some psychological or psychosomatic conditions.
Here are just some of the conditions it can help with:
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Agoraphobia
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Anxiety
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Claustrophobia
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Confidence
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Exam nerves
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Fear of flying
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Fear of spiders
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Fear of public speaking
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Increasing motivation
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Increasing athletic performance
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Insomnia
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Nail biting
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Panic attacks
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Phobias
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Self esteem boosting
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Shyness
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Stop smoking
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Stress
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Weight loss
All cases are different for everyone, and in some cases such as insomnia a doctor’s referral may be required so please do contact me to discuss further.
What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
Initially there will be a telephone consultation session. During the consultation I can find out more about what you would like me to help you with and how it is affecting you, so that I can prepare the best possible sessions that will help you to help yourself.
It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and clarify any doubts or uncertainties you may have regarding hypnotherapy.
After that should you wish to book further sessions, they will involve you sitting comfortably and listening to my voice so that you can be guided into a relaxed hypnosis where a variety of visualisation and suggestion techniques will be used depending on the individual case.
The number of sessions needed depends entirely on how you progress, on the type of condition and on how much you want the change you seek!
Some sessions such as the stop smoking can be done in 1 or 2 sessions, others in 3-6 sessions. Hypnoanalysis which involves childhood regression, may take longer.
You will receive a dedicated high level of help from me, and you have my guarantee that you will only receive the number of sessions that you truly need.
I can also offer instruction on self-hypnosis so that you may continue the work indefinitely.
