Hypnotherapy is a combination of Psychotherapy and Hypnosis. Psychotherapy in itself is extremely beneficial and its effects are enhanced by the application of Hypnosis, which enables the subconscious mind to make beneficial changes.
Hypnosis, or being in a trance, involves changes in our level of conscious awareness. The type of trance used in hypnotherapy is very different from what you might see in theatrical or stage hypnosis.
In our everyday routines, we naturally slip in and out of trance states multiple times. For instance, this can happen while driving, reading, or even doing household chores. These moments are like daydreaming, where our awareness shifts, and our unconscious mind becomes more attuned to receiving constructive thoughts and suggestions.
Trance is a completely natural and safe state. Contrary to how it’s sometimes portrayed on TV, it is not a form of mind control. Even when in a trance, we remain in control, filtering information and suggestions to determine what is beneficial and refusing anything that conflicts with our will.
Experiencing a trance is usually very soothing and something we frequently encounter in daily life. Such states of altered awareness are essential for our existence, allowing us to unwind, process information, and engage different parts of our brains for various activities.
From a scientific viewpoint, changes in consciousness can be tracked using Electroencephalography (EEG), which records brainwave activity. Our brainwaves fluctuate throughout the day and especially when we fall asleep. Techniques such as guided relaxation and imagery during therapy can induce a trance, leading to natural changes in brainwave patterns. This transition might take us from a state of alertness (characterized by beta waves, common during active work) to more relaxed states with alpha and theta waves, facilitating calmness, visualisation, and contemplation of beneficial ideas.
How Does Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy Differ?
Unlike other hypnotherapy forms, Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy follows a structured approach, integrating Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) principles with insights into brain function. This method doesn’t delve into your past; instead, it helps you devise future-orientated plans and goals. Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy is effective because it merges solution-driven conversations with trance, enabling the brain to explore and utilise the discussed solutions positively.
The Benefits of Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy concentrates on the present and future, not the past. During our sessions I will encourage you to envision your preferred future by asking questions like “What improvements would indicate progress?” or “What would change if the problem improved?” This approach makes potential solutions clearer and provides a goal for you to pursue.
The hypnotic process helps reduce anxiety through relaxation and visualisation, prompting you to focus on positive aspects of life, which fosters a shift in perspective.
As a Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist, I work collaboratively with clients, aiding those with confidence and self-esteem issues and addressing stress, low mood, anxiety, and physical concerns like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and chronic pain. Phobias such as fear of spiders, water, flying, and public speaking, as well as traumatic memories, can also be addressed. It’s also extremely effective in helping smokers become non smokers.
What to Expect During an Initial Consultation
First of all, it’s free!
The initial consultation typically includes:
- Signing a consent form detailing therapy terms and data protection policies.
- Discussing your issues, desired changes, and goals (such as feeling more relaxed, overcoming phobias, or adopting healthier habits).
- Collecting general information, such as contact details and relevant medical history, to help the me provide the best support.
- An explanation of how the brain works in making you feel and behave in the way you do and how solution focused hypnotherapy can help.
- An estimate of the number of sessions required, based on your situation and therapy goals.
- Providing a sleep relaxation mp3 recording to use between sessions, enhancing relaxation and reinforcing hypnotherapy benefits.
This consultation is free (did I mention that?!) and is an opportunity for us to understand each other, discuss your reasons for seeking support, and outline your goals. It also allows you to ask questions and feel informed about the process and its benefits.
What to expect during sessions
Many people believe that Hypnotherapy is something that is ‘done’ to them; that they explain their issue to the therapist who then simply hypnotises their problem away, as if by magic.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a much more collaborative process and it is important to understand that change happens because you want it to and because you are prepared to take the necessary steps to allow it to happen.
As above, The Initial Consultation is designed to assess what you want to achieve, how Hypnotherapy can help you, and how many sessions you are likely to need.
Subsequent Hypnotherapy sessions involve much more than Hypnosis. During the first part of each session we’ll talk about the progress you have made, and I’ll be encouraging you to express yourself positively, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
I’ll help you to imagine your preferred future, a future where you have a more useful perspective on the quality of your life. I’ll then guide you into a beautifully relaxed trance so that we can consolidate what we have discussed.
It’s a gentle, highly effective and deeply relaxing process, so please —>>> Book your free initial consultation today!