What is Hypnotherapy??

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The Therapy - Hypnotherapy or using therapy in a state of Hypnosis.

Hypnotherapy is a serious and well established form of therapy. It uses the state of hypnosis as a relaxed state in which to work. When hypnotised into a state of relaxation, the client becomes suggestible.  In this suggestible state a number of forms of psychotherapy can be used.

No claim is made to cure any medical condition. Complementary health assistance must be with medical doctor's permission and following the client consulting a medical doctor.

Hypnotherapy and Hypnotism share the common relaxed state of "hypnosis". However there is NO other similarity to stage hypnosis.

HYPNOTHERAPY IS NOT STAGE HYPNOSIS !!!!

Stage hypnosis is a form of entertainment that many feel is degrading. Is is a stage show like any other. Stage hypnotists are not therapists (although some may also be therapists). Do not go to a stage hypnotist expecting hypnotherapy !!  Always check that the person you are consulting is a qualified THERAPIST!

In hypnotherapy the process of relaxation is usually also different to that in Stage Hypnosis. The professional and experienced hypnotherapist knows that the process of gradual relaxation is itself a form of healing therapy. It should where possible be gradual, relaxing and beneficial.  Indeed in many schools of psychological therapy (psychotherapy, psychology etc) it is recognised that the process of relaxation on a regular basis is useful for interrupting the "stressed out" or "depressed" state.  Depth is not always important in professional therapy and even light trances can be used.  Conversely in stage hypnosis speed and depth are of the essence.  Therefore there are major differences between the two fields and they should not be confused.

Most professional therapists working in the field of Hypnotherapy now have major reservations about stage hypnosis, and it is becoming increasingly common for hypnotherapists to be more counselling and psychotherapy based. Indeed many consider themselves "hypno-analysts".

Recent research published in the Journal for the Hypnotherapy Research Society has indicated that for safety reasons therapists should not address conditions with hypnotherapy unless confident enough to address them with other therapies. Therefore it is wise to seek a therapist who is experienced in counselling, psychotherapy and analysis.

What happens in Hypnotherapy ?

Many different psychotherapeutical techniques can be used. It is therefore hard to give a straight and simple answer. These are some possibilities:
 

• Basic, simple relaxation only - using the relaxation as a therapy
• Direct suggestion - giving "commands" to the subconscious
• Indirect suggestion - giving "ideas" to the subconscious
• Metaphor or imagery - using stories, images, comparisons to set up processes of thought, consideration and action within the subconscious.
• Visualisation - using images so as to set goals, practice situations or handle difficult situations.
• Hypno-analysis - using analysis techniques such as word association, questioning, topic discussion, while relaxed.
• Time distortion - as the name suggests - can be useful in a variety of areas.
• Regression - going back and fore in time to examine events and issues.
• Past Life therapy - a more controversial area sometimes addressed.

How will I feel ?

Another question which has no straight answer. Everyone feels slightly different, just like when normally awake. No two people feel the same way as it is !

Common descriptions include:

• Pleasantly relaxed
• Heavy
• Numb
• Drifting
• Dreamy

Normally physically the following are included as symptoms:

• Slowed breathing
• Lower blood pressure
• Slower heart rate
• Increased / changed circulation
• Less muscular tension

Does it work?

YES !!!  Obviously , as with all therapies, medication etc, it does not cure everything. It is not a magical pill !  However it is one of the most effective methods of dealing with many issues, and it has the ability to positively assist or improve an impressive range of complaints. It is a seriously useful tool in any therapist's arsenal !

NOTE: Hypnotherapy is a complementary form of healing. It does not claim to "cure" an illness or injury. Instead it works holistically, boosting the body in its attempts to heal itself.

We adhere to and support the National Occupational Standards for Hypnotherapy

Healing Practitioner:

• Crystal Healer
• Hypnotherapist
• Crystal Kinesiology
• Pastoral Counsellor
• Ordained Multi-faith Minister
• Reiki 2 Practitioner
• Crystal Colour Therapy

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Is it safe ?

Normally Hypnotherapy is very safe. It carries an element of risk as in all therapies and activities.  As long as your therapist is properly qualified, is subject to enforceable codes of conduct and ethics and is properly insured, you should not have need for worry.  Hypnotherapy and NLP have two particular risks not normally associated with other therapies:

• Increased danger of being influenced by the therapist

• Possibility of addressing a "should".  What this means is that an inexperienced therapist may address a problem without ensuring it is ethical to do so. If for example a client wants to "improve" an aspect of themselves for the benefit of their partner, this may be right, or wrong. If the person is being told to change, not because they need to for themselves, but because the partner wants them to, then this is unethical. In a similar way sometimes there are issues that may be "symptoms" of a larger problem. In such cases the main problem needs to be addressed, otherwise the symptom may return, or a new symptom may pop up.

The risk of both of these is less if your therapist is also a counsellor or psychotherapist since they are more likely to understand and address underlying causes, and avoid client dependence.

Some cultures and religions have an ethical problem with the state of hypnosis which is used.  This is because of two issues:

• Some believe that being hypnotised is a religious or eastern mystical act
• Some believe that the person can become possessed while hypnotised.

These fears are completely unreal. Hypnosis has nothing to do with religion or mystics.  The fact that some people have misused hypnosis for political, religious or occult purposes does not make professional therapy a bad thing! Such people have also misused medical drugs, the media, the bible and a wealth of other things. They are no more to blame than hypnosis is !!   And as far as the possession thing is concerned - wow !!  Quite incredible since as you wake up and fall asleep every night you pass through the exact same state !  You also enter the state when in deep prayer, meditation, listening to relaxing music and day dreaming.  If you can be possessed under hypnosis, then watch out while falling asleep !!  All joking aside, the fact is that neither fear is real. In fact most MAJOR denominations accept hypnotherapy as a therapeutical tool. Also in one major association alone (ASM) in over 100,000 cases (by 1995) no cases of possession were ever reported !

See the Therapy Safety page for further general information.
 

Conclusion

Hypnotherapy is typically pleasant and enjoyable. It is one of the nicer therapies to have. It is suggested that you read the information on the "choosing a therapist page".  If you find a good therapist, you have a good chance of making real positive changes in your life.

The above page is only a brief guide to the topic. If you have further queries, email for details.

 

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Denise is a well qualified therapist with an ASET Level 4 award in Professional Therapeutic Counselling, an ASET Level 4 Award in Clinical Nutrition, and a range of other diploma qualifications in related issues.  She does not specialise in Hypnotherapy, but uses hypnotic processes and skills during other therapy applications. Paul Specialises in Hypnotherapy.

Both practitioners adhere to NOS National Occupational Standards and are professionally registered and insured. Both are Fellows of the Society for Holistic Therapists and Coaches.