Clinical Hypnotherapy

So what is hypnotherapy and what can it do for you? 

Before we explore this further, let me first explain that sadly most people's conceptions of hypnosis are driven by hypnosis stage shows, which are purely for entertainment and have little to do with therapeutic clinical hypnotherapy. Unfortunately this misinformation can prevent people from seeking and benefiting from all that hypnotherapy treatment can offer.

To clear up some common misconceptions. Hypnotherapy is NOT a state of mind control. You cannot be made to do or accept anything being suggested, unless you chose to do so. 

As a hypnotherapist, I am not doing anything to you, but I am working with you. Hypnosis is not a sleep state or a state of unconsciousness. 

You cannot get stuck in hypnosis.

Hypnosis is completely safe when used in a competent, responsible, professional manner.

Hypnosis is a hyper focused, naturally occurring state, similar to being completely absorbed in a good book or movie. This hyper focused state elicits an increased ability to respond to positive suggestion, given by the therapist and is often but not always accompanied by a deep state of relaxation.

Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process, whereby you allow yourself to follow the suggestions and guidance of the therapist, using your imagination, in order to elicit positive change.

Hypnotic suggestions are a way for you to experience positive, helpful ideas and concepts at a profound level, which may directly influence your behaviours and emotions.

Many emotional and psychological issues can be a result of negative thinking and hypnotherapy aims to encourage, by way of helpful, positive suggestion, positive ideas to develop improvement.

Hypnotherapy can help with a range of issues, such as:

• Sports performance
• Pain management
• Smoking cessation
• Weight loss
• Confidence, self esteem
• Fears and phobias
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Worry, procrastination, rumination
• Insomnia, sleep disorders
• Habit control
• Overcoming fear of medical or dental procedures
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (recommended by NICE)

Thousands of positive experimental and clinical research studies on hypnosis, have been published. It was recognised as an effective treatment by the British Medical Association and the American Medical Association, in the 1950's and more recently by the American Psychological Association for obesity and NICE guidance for Irritable Bowel Syndrome used by the NHS.

Hypnotherapy, with the possible exception of smoking cessation, generally requires more than one session. However, it is still one of the briefest forms of psychological therapy, with clinical studies showing the average number of sessions to be between 4 and 6.