Category: Hypnotherapy

1. In person therapy versus online therapy

   Posted on 7:00am Friday 28th Apr 2023

   When it comes to therapy, online and in-person options both have their pros and cons so there is no right or wrong. You’ll have the same quality of therapy with me whether it’s online or in person but some people find they have a personal preference for one over the other.  I’m always happy to work in whatever way you prefer, and some clients even like a mix of face-to-face appointments and Zoom appointments.  Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or you’ve been in therapy for some time, it might be useful for you to consider the differences between online therapy and in-person therapy. Below I’ve outlined a few considerations so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to your mental health and wellbeing. 

    

   Benefits of face-to-face therapy 

   One of the biggest benefits of in-person therapy is the opportunity to build a strong personal connection with your therapist and some people prefer to do this face to face. Lots of people find swapping your usual work or home space for a specific therapy environment useful as it helps to “switch-off”, relax and prevents distraction.  In-person therapy space is also a safe and relaxing environment which can help you feel more comfortable and open. Lots of people like having travel time before and after therapy to get to and from the session, an hour therapy session can turn into two hours away from your usual life stresses.Againthis allows time to decompress from work or home stresses and allows time after the therapy session to reflect on the content or continue with the feelings of calmness or relaxation from of the session. I offer face-to-face therapy sessions from my home in Elymeaning you won’thave to spend time looking for a carparking space in the city center either.  

   Considerations for face-to-face therapy 

   One of the main drawbacks of in-person therapy is the amount of time it can take up as you will need to factor in travel time to make your appointment (again, this can be a nice benefit for somepeople, so you see each person’s preference is completely unique!) Think about your schedule and what might work for you best.

    

   Benefits of online therapy 

   One of the most significant advantages of online therapy is its accessibility wherever you are in the country or even the world. Provided you have a stable internet connection, you can have therapy sessions from anywhere you want. Hypnotherapy in particular is incredibly relaxing and some clients love that they can be sat in the comfort of their own home, snuggled up in their slippers for a session. Because there are no travel commitments some people find online sessions easier to slot into a busy schedule which means you don'thave to worry about missing work or other commitments. 

   Considerations for online therapy 

   You will need a stable internet connection and if you live in an especially rural area, with temperamental access you’ll need to weigh up if it will be effective enough for you to have a useful therapy session. The internet has come a long way since the days of dial up connections from the early nineties/noughties so for most people this isn’t usually a problem. With hypnotherapy 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, you’re completely safe. You need to have a space you can speak without being distracted. Although you might be able to go to a different part of the house to other family members or house mates it might be worth considering if you’ll be able to completely disengage with any sounds other people may make in other areas of the around you, or if you’ll find them distracting.  

   In the end, whether you choose in-person or online therapy is up to you. What matters most that you feel safe and supported, so you can get the help you need to achieve greater wellbeing. You’re always welcome to try either method when working with me and even mix and match what you choose to do depending on your scheduling needs that week.  

   

2. Is hypnotherapy the same as stage hypnosis?

   Posted on 2:00pm Thursday 27th Apr 2023

   The short answer: No

   The longer answer: 

   Stage hypnosis tends to be what people think of when hypnosis or hypnotherapy is mentioned, both are completely safe although that tends to be where the similarities end. Essentially, one is therapy and the other is entertainment.  Stage hypnosis is a show set up for audience enjoyment whereas hypnotherapy for therapeutic purpose is all about the client’s needs and is far less dramatic.  A hypnotherapy session certainly won't have you acting like a farm animal...what would be the point in that?  Stage hypnosis uses a range of techniques and strategies to amplify dramatic effect and audience enjoyment to keep people buying tickets and generating a healthy profit.  Audiences believe they are watching a hypnosis stage show but in reality many if not most of the theatrical elements are created via deception, distraction and the illusion of stage magic themed around hypnosis.   The seemingly randomly selected volunteers are often plants or carefully selected subjects.  These people are chosen because they have a strong likelihood to ‘perform’ and act as if “under the control” of the hypnotist all in the aim of audience satisfaction, after all it is all about entertainment. 

   If the outlandish performances of stage hypnosis are at one end of the scale then hypnotherapy is arguably at the other end.  A hypnotherapy session is remarkably low key, relaxing and is all about you the client and your needs.  Although the therapist may be talking you through different ideas in a hypnotherapy session you’ll never be “under their control” and you can stop at any time.  The content of the therapy session is usually mutually agreed to ensure it is working towards the client’s therapy goals which means that the process is very collaborative.  Hypnotherapy absolutely has an element of client satisfaction, however unlike stage hypnosis it would be fairly boring for audience to watch as the really purposeful work occurring will be happening in yourimagination and ongoing mindset after a session, unlikely to sell out any theaters but amazing for making changes to your mentality, mood and wellbeing.  In a hypnotherapy session the therapist will be talking you through some really valuable points and unlike stage hypnosis where subjects often can’t remember their outlandish stage antics by the end of a show, the therapist will want you to be listening and paying attention to what’s being said during the hypnotherapy in order to make positive change in your life.