Category: Hypnotherapy

1. Hypnotherapy....what is it?

   Posted on 9:00am Monday 1st May 2023

   What is hypnosis? 

   Hypnosis is simply focused attention on an idea, you can use your imagination in a way that feels similar to daydreaming or getting lost in a good book meaning it is incredibly simple but very powerful.   It is not something I, as the therapist, do to you - it is something you willingly do yourself simply by listening.  In this way all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The experience of deep relaxation in hypnosis can be truly transformative. During hypnosis I’ll use positive suggestions or ideas help you guide your imagination, evoke positive emotions and mentally rehearse or explore new ways of thinking/behaving.  It is a very safe and does not involve entering into some sort of mystical 'trance' whereby you’re under the control of someone else.  You’ll only be able to take on suggestions you are comfortable with and you can stop at any time.  I would definitely encourage everyone to give hypnotherapy a try, but if you're feeling unsure about it then all the therapy I do can also be undertaken without hypnosis.  

   What is hypnotherapy? 

   Hypnotherapy is using hypnosis as a method to bring about positive therapeutic change.   Our sessions may begin with a chat, sometimes teach you different ways to manage your thoughts, feelings and actions.  We can then use hypnosis to support you to make these changes. Hypnosis is proven to be effective at helping with many issues, particularly useful for managing anxiety or stress, controlling pain, sleep problems, and conquering bad habits.    

   Will I lose control? 

   No, you remain in control at all times and are free to come out of hypnosis at any point. It is a gentle, safe, respectful process.  You can stop any technique at any time; we will go at your pace, with you in control.  

   How will hypnotherapy feel?

   Hypnotherapy can feel different from person to person.  It is incredibly relaxing as you just have to focus on relaxing in your chair and listening to my voice.  What I say during a hypnotherapy session will be tailored to your unique needs and what we have decided to focus on in that particular session. People usually end a hypnotherapy session feeling incredibly calm, relaxed and confident.  Often the more sessions you have the more comfortable you'll feel with the hypnotherapy process and the more benefits you'll feel.
   

   Can I be 'stuck' in hypnosis after a session ends? 

   The simple answer is no. Even if our online session gets disconnected mid way due to any technical reasons, you will be able to bring yourself back to the room once you no longer hear my voice. Equally, once the hypnosis session ends, you will become once more fully in the here and now. Hypnosis is completely safe and no one has ever been ‘stuck’ and you're never "under the power" of someone else.
   

   How can hypnotherapy help me? 

   Cognitive behavioral hypnotherapy can be a great way to gain insight into yourself and make positive changes in your life. By using techniques such as guided relaxation, visualization, positive affirmations, and suggestion therapy, hypnotherapy can help you make positive changes in many areas of your life. Through our discussions in session we can also start to help you to better understand your emotions, thoughts and behaviors so you can make better decisions for yourself; enhance your confidence and self belief and lift your mood. Another significant benefit is that it can help you identify and address negative thought patterns and behaviors and replace them with positive ones. Because hypnotherapy is so relaxing clients often report to having improved sleep quality as the sessions allow them to let go of life worries and feel that they have strategies to manage them. Therefore hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment for a range of issues from stress, anxiety, insomnia, low mood, low self-esteem as well as many other problems. 

    

2. Are you getting the most from your therapy session?

   Posted on 8:50am Saturday 29th Apr 2023

   Starting any therapy is a great way to take care of your mental health. However, if you don't know how to make the most out of your therapy session, you may not be getting the full benefits. In this blog post, we'll discuss the top tips to help you get the most from your therapy appointments.  

   Be open and honest 

   One of the most important things to remember when going to therapy is to talk openly and honestly. It's not always easy to be completely vulnerable with a stranger so don't feel pressured to reveal everything in your first session. Therapy is a process, and it may take time to feel comfortable enough to open up. However, the more open and honest you can be, the more productive and beneficial your therapy sessions will be. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and trust that your therapist is there to help guide you towards healing and growth. 

    
   Try and commit to more than one session 

   Coming to a therapy session doesn’t mean you will need to commit to a weekly or monthly session for life. However, just as a single session at the gym won’t make you instantly “fit” most people benefit most from a series of sessions.  The first session will usually be a combination of initial discussion so the therapist can get to know you, to find out what you’d like to achieve from working together and begin the therapeutic process.  Many people find that just taking the time to talk though their issues is incredibly beneficial to their mental health and wellbeing and they can feel an improvement after this first session.  However, very often it’s the subsequentsessions are often when longer lasting improvements happen as your therapist will get to know you better over time and be able to support you and your needs as your professional relationship is built. 

   Be open minded to new ideas 

   You don’t have to agree with everything your therapist says and it’s great to speak up if you’re unsure of something.  Equally though it’s useful to approach a therapy session with an open mind to new ideas.  

   Prioritise 

   While therapists can help you improve your wellbeing in lots of areas they may ask you which are your priority areas to work on.  Sometimes it can be more effective to focus on one or two specific issues at a time to ensure session time is focused and purposeful (of course though, the sessions are your time so if you don’t want to do that you don’t have to!) Very often by being more focused on a specific area you’ll not only find quicker improvement but you may find the benefits from this will then naturally transfer to other areas of your life.  Equally if you feel like your initialissues have been improved you can always move on to other issues you’dlike to work on in future sessions whenever you’reready. 

   Ask questions 

   It's important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and you and your therapist are a team working together towards your wellbeing. As such, don't hesitate to ask questions during your session - no question is too small or silly. Whether you want to clarify something your therapist said, ask for more information about a certain technique or approach they are using or are just curious about something, your therapist is there to provide answers and support you on your journey. 

   By asking questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of the therapeutic process, learn more about yourself and your thought patterns, and make the most of your therapy sessions. If you're feeling hesitant or unsure about something, bringing it up with your therapist can help alleviate any fears or doubts you may have, and help you build trust and rapport with your therapist. 

   Don’t leave your therapy in the therapy room 

   This isn't about adding more work to your plate or feeling like you're failing if you don't manage it. It's simply about finding ways to continue the work you're doing in session and use it to support your everyday life.  After each therapy session, it's important to try and take some time to reflect on what was discussed and what insights you gained. This can help you process the emotions that came up and can also give you time to think about any action steps you want to take. Perhaps try practicing what you've learnt. If you and your therapist have discussed specific strategies or techniques, try to practice them in your everyday life. For example, if you've been working on managing your anxiety, try using some of the coping mechanisms you've learned the next time you feel stressed. You can always reach out for support from your therapist if you're struggling between sessions. They may be able to offer additional sessions to help you through difficult times.