Hypnotherapy is a form of complementary therapy that utilises the power of positive suggestion to bring about subconscious change to your thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
The process itself aims to alter our state of consciousness in a way that relaxes the conscious part of the mind while simultaneously stimulating and focussing the subconscious part. This heightened state of awareness – reached using skilled relaxation techniques – allows the therapist to then make appropriate suggestions.
When might hypnotherapy be useful?
Hypnotherapy is widely endorsed as a treatment for habit breaking, stress related issues and for a range of long-term conditions, and in recent years has been gaining more recognition in the medical world after a recommendation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recognised hypnotherapy as a treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). While more evidence is needed to support the use of hypnosis in additional areas as an alternative to conventional medicine, many have found the process has been incredibly effective either when used in tandem with traditional treatment or when used independently after other avenues have been exhausted.
Solution focused hypnotherapy
Solution focused hypnotherapy looks at what the client would like to achieve, rather than the reason why they booked the appointment. It focuses on the present and the future instead of the past, which is why it can provide a positive effect in such a short space of time.
Does everyone respond to hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis has the capacity to work for the majority of individuals but some are more susceptible to suggestions than others. The most important thing to remember is that you must be fully committed to the process and feel that you can place your trust in your hypnotherapist. It’s also important to keep an open mind, as any scepticism may subconsciously dampen your susceptibility. With hypnotherapy you are always in control of what is happening and can stop at anytime.
Are hypnotherapists regulated?
As it stands hypnotherapists are not currently regulated in the UK, meaning that there are no laws in position which outline the level of training and experience required in order to practice. The Hypnotherapy Society’s verification process however, ensures they only list hypnotherapists who have provided proof of a relevant qualification and insurance cover, or proof of membership with an industry professional body. I am a registered member of the society.
Registration /Accreditation
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means that a hypnotherapist has achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved and recognised by their professional body.
Hypnotherapy can help with a range of problems:
Addictions
Anger Management
Anxiety
Blushing
Bruxism (Teeth grinding)
Depression
Eating disorders
Exam nerves
Public speaking
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Low self-confidence
Low self-esteem (how you see yourself)
Obsessions and compulsions (OCD)
Pain management
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Relationship issues
Relaxation
Sleep disorders
Stuttering
Weight-loss
In my experience of working with clients to date I have found that with some people combining counselling and hypnotherapy in sessions has been very effective.