Category: CBH - Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy

1. 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.   

2. Can therapy help you manage your stress?

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 26th Apr 2023

   

   Lots of people benefit from cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy to manage stress. Not only are sessions relaxing, which is therapeutic in itself, CBH sessions can support you find strategies to manage your stress in your day to day life.  
   

   What is Stress? 

   Stress is how we react when we feel under pressure or threatened and is a normal part of life. It usually happens when we are in a situation that we don't feel we can manage or control. Some stress is a normal part of everyday life and in small doses it can be good for us, like motivating us to complete a project before a deadline. Some people thrive on a little bit of stress in their everyday lives-it can help us focus on the task at hand and get things done quickly. However, too much stress can have adverse effects on our bodies and minds, leading to both mental and health problems. Over time too much stress can leave us feeling burnt out and negatively impact our health, relationships and life in general. 
    

   How does stress feel? 

   Everyone experiences stress slightly differently, people have different triggers that cause stress and feel the effects of it differently. For some it may be in the form of excessive thinking or highly negative thinking. For others it may manifest in physical symptoms such as tight neck and shoulders. Stress might even impact the way we behave – attempting to over plan and micro manage everyday situations in order to cope with stressful situations. Often there is no one-size fits all description of how stress feels. 

    

   The benefits of managing stress 

   Improved mental health: Stress can cause low mood and anxiety, but by managing stress you can reduce the symptoms of these conditions. 

   Better physical health: Stress is one of the leading causes of illness in America today. It can lead to heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses if left unchecked. 

   Increased productivity: When you're feeling stressed out it's hard to focus on work or school projects because your mind is elsewhere. By learning how to manage your stress levels you'll be able to get more done while feeling better about yourself 

   Improved relationships: Stress can also have a significant impact on relationships. Communication, understanding and listening are all important aspects of healthy relationships. When you're stressed out, your ability to communicate effectively may be hampered by negative emotions such as anger or frustration. You might also find yourself withdrawing from others because you don't want them to see how stressed out you are feeling. This can lead to misunderstandings between couples as well as friends, family members and coworkers who care about each other but aren't able to help because they don't know how much stress is affecting someone else's life 

    

   Managing and reducing stress 

   Talking with a trained professional can help you learn how to better manage your stress and find ways of coping with stress effectively.  Therapy sessions will look at a range of strategies to support you to manage and reduce stress in your life, this can include: 

   • Discussing and identifying situations (or even people!) that you find trigger your stress 

   • Discussing ways to reduce stress in your life through problem solving strategies 

   • Planning and practising strategies to build resilience to stress 

   • Learning and practising ways to help you cope and even thrive in situations you would have previously found stressful.