Hypnotherapy is a form of guided relaxation influenced greatly by the works of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. Hypnotherapy is guided by a clinical hypnotherapist to achieve positive changes in the clients life, so long as the client has a conscious desire to initiate change. As a focused state of concentration, hypnotherapy is used in order for clients to redirect their attention to their internal resources without the distractions of their surroundings. When the client enters this altered state of consciousness they can more readily access the unconscious, which is not so easily achieved in the waking state.
What Can Hypnotherapy Be Used For?
Hypnotherapy can be used in adjunction with talking therapy or medical treatment and has many applications, some of which include; anxiety disorders, phobias, substance abuse, sexual dysfunction, pain management and interpersonal relationship issues.
View our services for more information on what hypnotherapy can be used for.
What To Expect?
Clinical hypnotherapy is performormed in a calm, therapeutic environment, with the therapist guiding you into a relaxed, focused state. Contrary to dramatic portrayals of hypnosis in the media, clients in fact remain awake, and in control of their thoughts, actions and subsequent behaviours. Whilst in this guided state the therapist may make suggestions however it is up to the client whether they cooperate with these.
Scientific findings show that whilst in a state of hypnosis, heart rate and breathing slows, blood pressure drops and no stress hormones are released into the bloodstream. Which indicates a calm state and indicates why hypnotherapy is useful in treating physical problems. Whilst, the measurement of brain waves indicate a physically relaxed yet mentally alert state, contrary to brain activity shown in sleep.
Hypnosis is in fact a naturally occurring phenomena. If you have ever wondered what it feels like to be in a state of hypnosis, can you recall a time you have; stared out of a window to a far away object and thought intently about a particular thing, or read a really good book and being so absorbed you forget where you are?
In everyday terms, this is referred to as daydreaming, not guided hypnosis. However the two share similar qualities. You are in intense focus that diminishes the importance of your surroundings however if someone calls your name you can be ‘snapped out’ of the daydream. In this sense hypnosis can be demystified and understood. The hypnotherapist intentionally guides the client into this trance like state at the clients will, to focus on the presenting issues.
Also see: Hypnotherapy: What Is It, How Does It Work
How It Works
Hypnotherapy deals with aspects of the unconscious mind, such as emotions, imagination, memories and the autonomic nervous system. These four main functions work closely together to establish cycles of behaviour. Hypnotherapy redirects the client inwards, where they are and who they are with becomes less important. The hypnotherapist will often use imagery to guide the client in the session and enable them to actively visualize certain situations. Whilst the hypnotherapist will use words for suggestions that can be recalled consciously by the client, like positive affirmations to influence the trajectory of behaviours and the clients specific issues.
Suggestion therapy is one way in which hypnotherapy can be applied, this is particularly useful for issues related to substance abuse or negative habits. The use of hypnosis in this method enables clients to be more receptive to suggestions to change behaviours than they would be in a . The hypnotherapist assures the client of the safe environment they’re in, so they can explore, and/or face, their issues more readily.
Another way in which hypnotherapy can be used is to analyse the client in their relaxed state in order to explore their problems. This may involve exploring an individual’s social history to uncover events that may play a role in their current distress and symptomatology. After which, the client may wish to proceed with psychotherapy.
What To Look For In a Hypnotherapist
Clinical hypnotherapists should have a qualification approved by either the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH), the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (GHSC) or the National Hypnotherapy Society. When looking for a hypnotherapist word of mouth is a great tool to go by, to give and receive recommendations of a great practitioner. It is also possible to ask your GP or psychologist for a referral to a hypnotherapist they may collaborate with.
