Hypnosis is a relaxed state on mind in which you achieve heightened focus and concentration. When under hypnosis you will feel incredibly calm and relaxed. The mind is relaxed and you become more receptive to suggestions. Hypnosis works by allowing us to harness the power of our imagination to change our negative thoughts and replace them with new positive suggestions. Although hypnosis might look like sleep, you will be fully aware of what’s going on and will stay in control of your behaviours and actions. At no point, will you be made to do things against your will.
What is CBT?
CBT is a talking therapy that helps people change their attitude and behaviours for the better by focusing on the thoughts, feelings and beliefs held by a person and how these thoughts and feelings affect the behaviour of the individual. The therapist and client work together to identify the negative and very often inaccurate beliefs that might have held back the person. By identifying the negative patterns, the client is taught how to respond to them in a more effective and positive ways.
What is Cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy is a practical goal orientated therapy combining a mixture of hypnosis and CBT techniques to help with a wide range of emotional and physical issues. Combining CBT and Hypnosis has been proven to be very effective in treating many issues including anxiety, mild depression, phobias and bad habits. Clients are taught practical techniques to improve how they feel, think and behave. Evidence proves when used together treatment plans are not only shorter but more effective than CBT alone.
Will I lose control?
No, you remain in full control of the situation the whole time. You can move and talk while you’re in hypnosis. It’s easy to take yourself in and out of hypnosis whenever you want. All hypnosis is essentially self hypnosis. Many clients report finding it very soothing and relaxing or others liken it to drifting into their imaginations. You won’t be asked or forced to do things against your will and at all times will remain aware and in control. You can always choose to bring yourself out of hypnosis at any time and if anything all hypnotherapy is self hypnosis.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Yes anyone can be hypnotised. You don’t need to have specific abilities, you just need to follow the instructions and you will very quickly reach a wonderful state of hypnotic relaxation. However it is important to come to therapy, motivated and willing to embrace hypnosis. It doesn’t matter how deeply you go into hypnosis as good results can be obtained even when you feel you were not deeply hypnotised. Hypnotherapy may not be appropriate for those who have been diagnosed with severe long-term depression, psychosis, epilepsy and some breathing problems.
Is it safe?
Hypnotherapy is proven to be powerful in treating a wide range of issues. It’s a tried and tested therapy that’s recognised as effective by the British Medical Association, the American Medical Association and the NHS’ National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE). Hypnosis is very safe. Although, it might look like you are asleep you are aware of everything that is happening. You are in control throughout the session and will choose to accept suggestions only if you want to.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different but many people often notice a great improvement after a single session. However, to create a meaningful, lasting change, between 4 and 6 sessions are usually required. It is also worth noting that our work carries on outside the treatment room, and there may be things you need to do in between sessions, such as keeping a thought/mood/food diary, or listening to a self-hypnosis recording. While we can achieve a lot in our sessions together, the more you can commit to the process, the more you will be able to enjoy the benefits.
What happens in the first session?
In our first session, we will discuss the issue you would like to overcome. We will talk in detail about it, how it’s affecting you and agree some clear objectives. I will then explain to you how the therapy will work, for this reason our first session will be longer.
What about stage hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis does not involve entering into some sort of mystical 'trance' in fact hypnosis in hypnotherapy is a million miles from the TV/ Theatre magic shows which are purely for entertainment and use a combination of play acting and magician skills. You won’t be asked or forced to do things against your will and will be in control at all times. Some clients report it soothing and relaxing and liken it to drifting deep into their imaginations.
Does therapy work online?
Research shows that online therapy is as effective as seeing your therapist in person. Many people prefer working online, they are often more relaxed when they start as they have not had to get to spend time getting to the appointment and are more often completely comfortable in their own home. So it is ideal for busy parents, those living in remote areas or with disabilities, social anxiety and phobias.
Learn more from my blog or I offer a free 20 minute consultation, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me via email or phone.
