What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that utilises hypnosis to induce a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility in individuals. In this altered state of consciousness, often referred to as a trance, individuals are more open to positive suggestions and can explore and address various issues, behaviours, and emotions. Hypnotherapy aims to tap into the subconscious mind to promote positive changes, overcome obstacles, and enhance overall well-being.
The conscious mind can only remember around 7 things at the very same time, whereas the subconscious mind is incredible, working at many, many things at once like keeping our bodies going by working our heart, lungs, pumping our blood round our body, and so on. So, it is this incredible subconscious mind that we address during hypnotherapy, so that it can store the information we give it and act on it without relying on our conscious mind at all.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is like slipping into a deeply relaxed state, similar to daydreaming or that cozy feeling when you're just waking up completely relaxed. When in hypnotic state, your mind is not busy wandering or distracted, this makes it perfect for focusing in achieving our goals. Everyone experiences the depths of trance differently, therefore it's totally normal for your journey through hypnosis to be different each time. If you think of your mind as having two main parts, a conscious mind, the one that's always chattering and the subconscious, which is about feelings and emotions. The subconscious is our protector, relying on past experiences to keep us safe, but it's not exactly the most logical thinker, where as our conscious mind likes to weigh/analyse things up before making decisions.
So, our unwanted behaviours and habit, usually stem from the subconscious mind. Hence, this is where the hypnosis, helps us to dive deep into our subconscious, to work out the root cause of our behaviours, to make changes without even having to consciously think about it. Therefore, it’s important to open your mind to allow someone to guide you toward new habits and behaviours that actually benefit you. So, next time when you do something on autopilot and it ends up keeping you safe, give Thanks to your subconscious for a doing a great job!
What should you expect from Hypnosis?
All that is required is that you listen to my voice and follow my instructions your eyelids will start to close allowing you to drift into hypnosis guided by my voice. Once in hypnosis, you will still be alert and aware of your surroundings, you will hear sounds as usual, you will not be “out of it” you will just be in a wonderful state of deep relaxation. You are perfectly able to bring yourself out of this state if you so wish, but it really is such a lovely feeling that it is rare that people want to do that. This is good as it ensures that you are in control at all times. So once in hypnosis, you are still able to move & talk, and at some points I will more than likely ask you questions.
Did you know?
No one can hypnotise anyone that does not want to be hypnotised, you need to be willing for it to happen. Once you are in a state of hypnosis, also known as deep state of relaxation, or hypnotic trance, it allows a hypnotherapist to present direct suggestions to the subconscious mind for beneficial change, such as controlling negative feelings, eliminating phobias, controlling unwanted behaviours or habits.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) was crafted back in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. It's like a deep dive into how our brains work—how we organize our thoughts, emotions, language, and actions to achieve specific results. NLP, short for Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a fascinating blend of cognitive-behavioural and humanistic therapies, intertwined with elements of hypnotherapy. Its premise lies in the belief that our life experiences, starting from birth, shape the lens through which we perceive the world. With NLP techniques, we can tweak these internal representations by adjusting the images we visualize, the inner voices we hear, and the sensations we feel.
In our sessions together, I'll guide you through uncovering how you've learned to think and feel, empowering you to take charge of your actions. We'll delve into your past successes, using them as stepping stones to develop even more effective skills and behaviours. It's all about understanding your journey thus far and leveraging it to create a brighter path ahead.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful therapeutic technique, known for its swift and efficient resolution of traumas. Initially crafted by Francine Shapiro in 1987 to address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it has since found success in treating a wide array of other disorders.
Here's how it typically goes: I'll ask you to track my fingers with your eyes as I guide you through a sequence of eye movements. During these sessions, you might notice various sensations—physical, shifts in thoughts, or internal dialogues, and even changes in emotions as we navigate through your trauma or inner conflicts. This process, known as 'processing', enables your brain to release the grip of negative emotions tied to the event while retaining any positive insights gleaned, resulting in profound shifts in your cognitive and emotional landscape.