onetherapy

What Exactly Is Hypnotherapy? Hypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that enables a client to enlist the help of the unconscious mind to bring about therapeutic changes. A therapist will help the client to access his or her inner resources to achieve realistic goals. He will normally do this by inducing a ‘hypnotic trance’, which is simply a state of altered awareness, not sleep or unconsciousness.

What can Hypnotherapy be used for? It is worth remembering that not only doctors use hypnotherapy. Dentists are often trained in use hypnosis as a means of reducing stress in patients (some patients even report zero pain) and some people use Hypnosis in major clinical operations and child birth. However, the most common use of Hypnosis is to use the subconscious mind to investigate and support resolution of anxiety states and phobias.

Is Hypnosis Safe? Absolutely. Hypnosis is a natural state; almost everyone has been in trance many times today! It is not possible to become stuck in trance, as the client is always in control, although he may feel so comfortable that he may decide to remain in trance a little while longer. No one can stay in trance indefinitely; even if the therapist stopped talking for a while, the client’s bodily functions would eventually arouse him. The worst thing that can happen is that the client may become too comfortable and fall asleep! Following the latest guidelines, we do not use Hypnosis on anyone who is addicted to recreational (or mind altering) drugs and those suffering from clinical depression. If you are suffering from a medical condition, or are unsure, then ask your GP.

What is a trance? The trance is a state of extreme comfort in which you allow yourself to enter. Everyone experiences trance differently. For some, it may not feel any different to the normal ‘waking’ state. But normally it’s similar to that feeling of deep calm that we experience just before falling asleep at night or just before waking in the morning. It’s an entirely natural state; every time you get absorbed in a book or a TV programme you are in trance.

You have been hypnotised before! We all experience this altered state of awareness on a daily basis. For example, when you are driving and suddenly realise you don't remember the last few miles of your journey or when you are reading a good book and become so absorbed that you lose all track of time. You will find that hypnotic states are characterised by a tremendously pleasant state of relaxation, calmness and comfort. Your therapist will help you to access this natural trance state allowing beneficial suggestions to be given directly to your subconscious mind.

What will happen at your hypnotherapy session?Your session of hypnosis will take approximately one hour. Your therapy session will be tailor-made and goal directed. You will hear everything that is being said, whilst remaining comfortable, relaxed and in complete control. You may still be aware of your surroundings and remember everything that has taken place. After the first session clients often find they sleep better and feel more confident about everything.

What if I don’t come out of hypnosis? This is just not possible - remember control stays totally with you. You will simply return to your normal awake state feeling refreshed and with a great sense of achievement.

Will I Lose control of myself? Hypnotherapy is not a passive experience - it is not something that the therapist does to his client. It is more like a partnership, with the therapist guiding the client to focus on his internal world and access the huge store of resources held in his unconscious mind. The client remains fully in control and will be able to come out of trance at any time he chooses. He will not be made to do or say anything against his will, or give away any secrets. He will only be asked for sufficient information to enable the therapist to help him with his current problem.

Why do so many people use Hypnotherapy? Maybe you, like so many others, visit a Hypnotherapist regularly to relax your mind and reduce the stress in your life, in the same way as you would go for a massage to relax your body. This proactive approach to health and well-being is becoming increasingly popular.

Alternatively it may be that you want to come for something specific, perhaps to stop smoking, lose weight or overcome a phobia.

It could be that you have an awareness for a need to change and want the therapist to guide you on this journey to realise your potential and make the change for good.

Do I need to see a Hypnotherapist or will audio tapes work as well? General self-hypnosis tapes will give you a generalised result. We have produced some very effective audio material which is available through our online secure ordering shop Tapes, CD and DVD. Audio and visual self help tools can be effective, even more so if used over several days or weeks. However, I have found that individuals do better when they are treated as individuals, it is only by getting to know you as an individual that your therapist can correctly tailor the right approach for you. So I think you’will understand why I feel that a personalised approach is better.

Of course you may not be able to travel to our clinic, perhaps through disability or anxiety, or there may not be a trained hypnotherapist near your home/place of work, equally it may not be practical to meet with them immediately and you wish to start the self help process now. In which case, talk to one of our trained Hynotherapists.

How do I choose a good hypnotherapist? My first recommendation is that you shop around, look for those approved by the British Academy of Hypnosis or listed on the UK's General Hypnotherapy Standards Register. You will also find that many of the professional training colleges encourage their students and tutors to provide hypnotherapy whilst they are learning additional core subjects (e.g. psychotherapy). The added benefit of using a student is that they are learning current best practice and have not developed their own techniques!

During your first consultation, ensure that your hypnotherapist listens to you, understands your needs and that you relate to them. You should also ask about their techniques, level of experience, professional memberships and professional insurance. The professional therapist will also suggest a plan of action, based on their initial diagnosis, alternatively ensure that you have discussed cost issues with them. Finally, ask yourself, how I feel about this first meeting, does it feel right to me?

What is a trance? The trance is a state of extreme comfort in which you allow yourself to enter. Everyone experiences trance differently. For some, it may not feel any different to the normal ‘waking’ state. But normally it’s similar to that feeling of deep calm that we experience just before falling asleep at night or just before waking in the morning. It’s an entirely natural state; every time you get absorbed in a book or a TV programme you are in trance.

Will I reveal private issues under hypnosis? You are fully under your own control and it is just not possible to force anyone in hypnosis to act against his or her will. Anything you wish to remain private, with us, shall remain so.

Will you swing a watch in front of my eyes? There are many different techniques, known as ‘inductions’, available to the therapist. Your therapist will use the methods, which he considers to be best for each individual client. The swinging watch is a ‘classical’ hypnosis technique, which clients will be unlikely to experience with any therapist trained in modern techniques. In most cases, the therapist will use only his voice to take the client gently into trance, although he may use other techniques in appropriate cases.

How do I know hypnosis will work for me? The question is easier to answer by considering these three ways in which we psychologically sabotage ourselves.

Firstly, our subconscious will want to repeat the behaviour with the strongest emotional charge associated to it. We will tend to do what we feel like doing or what feels most familiar whether or not it is good or bad for us - just ask anyone who wants to give up smoking why they smoke, it is likely that they will say "I enjoy it," or "it gives me pleasure." So often we invest more feelings in worrying about the problem and then switching to being in denial that the problem even exists. That is why bad habits are so hard to break.

Secondly, as Emile Coue once said, "When imagination and reason are at war, imagination always seizes the day."” This is how our greatest fears tend to be realise: we allow our imagination to stray into all that could go wrong. We usually do not consciously invest our imagination and feelings toward the solution, keeping us stuck in bad habits.

Thirdly, the subconscious mind does not respond to negatives. Telling yourself what “not” to do is like trying “not” to think of a pink elephant, trying “not” to smoke, or trying “not” to eat French fries. That strategy often fails

Can anybody be hypnotised? Nobody can be hypnotised against their will, so an individual cannot be hypnotised if they choose not to be. Equally a hypnotist that may suit one person, may not suit another.

How do I know if I can be hypnotised? If you can focus your attention, use your imagination, and desire to be hypnotised, you can enter at least a light state of hypnosis anytime you wish. In a private session, it just becomes a question of how deep are you willing to go in the presence of another person.

There are only three types of people that cannot be hypnotised:

◦ A person with a a psychotic process or with a thought disorder

◦ A person who is drunk or using recreational drugs

◦ A person who really does not want to be hypnotised

So I won’t be made to bark like a dog? Absolutely not! The difference between hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis is one of context. They both involve hypnosis, but a hypnotherapist uses it for therapeutic purposes, not for entertainment.

How does Stage Hypnosis work? In order to hypnotise a person into performing silly or bizarre behaviour on-stage, the circumstances must warrant the behaviour, such as in an acting class. The stage hypnotist takes the stage with much flourish, in front of an inquisitive audience and uses the emotionally charged atmosphere to motivate his willing subjects (meaning volunteers who are willing to be on stage performing these acts) to conform and act.

After the initial hypnotic induction the Stage Hypnotist will then reinforce compliance by asking all non-compliant volunteers to leave the stage. And the Stage Hypnotist does little in the realm of educating the audience on how it all works, thus creating a state of surprise, wonderment, and awe (like a good magician) so they can book more shows.

It is all done in the name of good fun, there is much laughter and clapping present, but the Stage Hypnotist most certainly does not have “control” over the participants.

Clinical Hypnotherapy differs greatly from Stage Hypnosis in that it works for the client only and does not promote the illusion that the Clinical Hypnotherapist possesses “magical powers”.

Why does the cost vary? There are two reasons for this. Firstly, we are all individuals, the world is a very enriched place because of the way in which we all differ; we think in different ways, our minds respond to different stimuli, we hold different value and we have vastly differing expectations. Because of all these things, we always recommend a service personalised to you. Of course this tailored service is not like buying a suit, it does not need to cost more, but, just like the tailored suit, it will fit your needs and therefore be much more effective. Secondly, the actual fee structures that good hynotherapists use varies greatly depending upon expertise, experience and in some cases, your own ability to pay.

What if I am unemployed or on a low income? Some therapists will provide their services linked to income or ability to pay. If your issues are urgent or reducing the quality of your life then speak to your family GP first, they will often be able to refer you to a therapist via the NHS. If this fails or you can not secure an appointment with your GP, ask your local therapist or contact one of the colleges.

What if I am seeing a Doctor already? Many Doctors refer their patients to hypnotherapists and councillors, they refer to this as complimentary medicine. Many doctors and dentists recognise the benefits of hypnosis and will be only to happy to discuss this option with you. If you prefer not to discuss this with your doctor, you must ensure that you continue the treatment provided by your Doctor.

Can I get treatment on the NHS? Hypnosis is a recognised form of treatment for some conditions. As such many hypnotherapists are registered with the NHS or private hospitals (such as BUPA). Each of these organisations have their own rules about how you apply, and what are qualifying ailments. If you are not the person paying, always check before you undertake the course of treatment. Remember, hypnosis is a complimentary medicine, that works well with the medical profession - not against it!

For further information please contact One Therapy telephone 0870 112 1763  or email info@onetherapy.co.uk