What exactly is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process between client (you) and hypnotherapist (me) using hypnosis. Usually, the client wants to effect a positive change into their life and needs help and support to do this. In this case, the hypnotherapist uses a number of techniques to engage the help of the client’s unconscious mind.
It is true that we all hold the key to our own well being and think we can think of our unconscious mind as the keeper of that key. Hypnosis will guide and focus your attention. This enables direct communication with the unconscious mind, so facilitating the achievement of your objectives.
So, how can clinical hypnotherapy help me?
Clinical hypnotherapy can help you to embrace and incorporate positive changes which you wish to bring into your life. These changes can be behavioural, emotional or physical.
Hypnotherapy can help people overcome fears and phobias. It can help reduce stress and anxiety levels and even address post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If new ways of thinking are needed, hypnotherapy can be used to help incorporate these and so help in issues such as diverse as weight management, addictions, smoking cessation, confidence and self esteem. When an increased focus, performance and sense of ease is needed, such as is the case with sporting events, public speaking or interviews, then hypnotherapy can help you embrace new and appropriate behaviours.
Hypnotherapy can also help support people through difficult issues such as serious or chronic illness and bereavement. It can also help with physical issues such as blood pressure, stammering, blushing and scratching.
We can use hypnotherapy to address emotional or energetic blockages too, especially helpful if you want to move on in a particular area of your life, but feel that for some reason you are holding yourself back, or indeed, self-sabotaging.
In short, hypnotherapy is a very powerful and flexible tool which can help you adopt positive changes into your life, to bring about a greater sense of emotional, behavioural and physical well being.
What is involved in a course of hypnotherapy?
First of all, we will have a brief chat over the telephone or in person, to see how and if hypnotherapy could help you.
We would then have an initial consultation where full details of your history will be taken. This is a chance to discuss all your hopes, fears and preferences, and to identify the therapeutic goals and priorities for treatment. This discussion is very helpful and helps us to plan an appropriate treatment plan for you involving one or more subsequent hypnotherapy sessions. Each session will be tailored to your needs, some involving alert hypnotherapy techniques and others a hypnotic trance.
Your treatment will be a collaborative process. You will usually be given exercises and self hypnosis tasks to undertake at home. Don’t worry, we will teach you how to undergo relaxing, self hypnosis. It’s not difficult to do by yourself at all.
In certain circumstances and for certain medical conditions, it may occasionally be necessary to obtain a GP’s or specialist’s permission to proceed, or else inform them of our planned work together.
How many sessions will I need?
At Amethyst Tiger, we adopt a solution focused approach to hypnotherapy which facilitates a positive mindset and a quicker resolution. In some cases, you may only need one or two sessions. However, between four to six sessions are usually required to create lasting, positive change.
It is important that the treatment is effective and long-lasting so to achieve a sense of momentum, we would usually recommend a week to ten days between your first few sessions for best effect. Time between treatment sessions may then be stretched out if desired after that, with follow ups as appropriate.
I’ve never been hypnotised before, will I be able to enter a hypnotic trance?
You probably don’t realise it, but we enter into trance like states every day. If you have ever found yourself driving on automatic pilot, or ‘zoning out’ as you concentrate on a task or hobby, then you have entered a trance. Entering a hypnotic trance does not feel too dissimilar, it’s just a state of focused concentration.
With a hypnotic trance, the hypnotherapist will gently guide you into trance, when that is required as part of your therapy, often using relaxation or other induction techniques to guide you there.
With a light trance, you’ll probably be aware of sounds in the room, perhaps the sound of the hypnotherapist’s voice and that is perfectly normal. Indeed, you don’t even have to actively listen to that voice at times – you can drift off, as it is the unconscious mind that hypnosis communicates with.
It is important to note that hypnosis is a collaborative experience and you will still be in control.
What’s being hypnotised feel like?
Each experience of hypnosis is different and unique, but it is most often relaxing and calming. There is no right way to experience hypnosis. It really is just like relaxing and zoning out, although you will be able to focus your attention on the issue at hand. You will always be guided into a hypnotic trance by the hypnotherapist.
Who is in control? Will I say or do anything that I don’t want to?
People often think of stage hypnosis where the purpose of the hypnotic trance is entertainment. Clinical hypnosis is quite different. You will be in control. The hypnotherapist can make helpful suggestions and guide you, but only if you agree. You can always open your eyes at any time if you feel apprehensive.
Clinical hypnotherapy is a therapeutic partnership. The hypnotherapist won’t be able to make you say or do anything or reveal any information that you don’t want to. Additionally, you will not be able to say or do anything that would ever harm you. Your unconscious mind always works towards your benefit and well being.
What about awakening? I wouldn’t want to be stuck.
No, you won’t become stuck in trance at all, it doesn’t work like that. Trance is just a state of focused attention and your awareness will always be brought back fully into the room at the end of the session. Additionally, you will be able to bring yourself out of hypnosis whenever you wish. Some people may drift off into a natural sleep during hypnosis (usually self hypnosis) but you will be woken gently should this happen.
What if there is something that I don’t want to share. Will it come out in trance?
No this is not possible, you don’t have to worry about this. You can be assured that you remain in control.
How should I choose a therapist?
You want to choose a therapist that you feel you have a rapport with and feel comfortable with. The initial discussion is a good way to do this. Furthermore, you want to make sure that your therapist is properly qualified, insured and a member of a professional body.
I hold a PCHyp and PDHyp qualification and full professional insurance. My training was with the International College of Clinical Hypnotherapy Practitioners (ICCHP).
How do I go ahead and get started?
If you would like to find out if hypnotherapy could help you, please contact us>> for an initial chat.