Hypnosis

I often incorporate hypnotherapy into my psychotherapy work because I believe that hypnotherapy is an invaluable tool in promoting lasting psychological and behavioural change.

What hypnosis is:

• Hypnosis is a natural and empowering way to access and amplify your natural abilities and resources.
• Hypnosis is a state of focussed attention often accompanied by feelings of deep relaxation.
• We experience similar states in everyday life, for example when absorbed in a film or driving a car.
• Hypnosis has been shown to be an effective tool to moderate or change, emotional states and thoughts that are driven by unconscious habits and beliefs.
• The therapist and participant work on agreed outcomes.
• Most participants enjoy the sense of relaxation during the process (although relaxation is not a prerequisite for successful hypnosis).

Common fears about hypnosis:

• During the hypnotic process you will be aware of all that is going on around you.
• It is a fallacy that you can be made to do anything against your will. You will only accept changes and suggestions that are of benefit for you.
• You will remain in control of your mind and body throughout the process.
• Hypnosis is not ‘sleep’ and you will be able to remember what has happened during the session, although there may be times when you are less aware of exactly what is said.

Source:  British Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

For some conditions and issues hypnosis can be an effective tool in isolation. 

• Sport and performance enhancement
• Managing anxiety
• Managing labour
• Weight loss
• Management of pain
• Losing unwanted habits
• Phobias
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

My approach to hypnosis is ‘Ericksonian’, developed by the American psychiatrist Dr Milton Erickson. Erickson believed that over-emphasis on any one theory of psychological intervention led to rigidity of practice and consequently he adhered to no particular theory of psychotherapy or personality. Erickson’s work was therefore client-centred and participants were actively involved in the therapeutic process. Ericksonian post-hypnotic suggestion is less authoritarian than traditional hypnosis and is characterised by invitation, questioning and the use of narrative and metaphorical approaches. I believe that this is a respectful, empowering and effective method.

Hypnosis for birth and weight loss
I have developed hypnosis programmes to help pregnant mothers with labour and sessions people wanting to lose weight. These programmes tend to be focused interventions over six sessions.