"There is more scientific evidence for hypnotherapy than any other complementary therapy" – The Health Education Authority
Advanced Hypnotherapy is an extremely valuable agent of change, and I use it in conjunction with Psychotherapy. I work with advanced, structured techniques which include therapeutic tools within the hypnotic setting. This is quite different to the average Hypnotherapist, who might use a combination of relaxation techniques and suggestion.
Complex problems can often be resolved in a matter of sessions. We are largely driven by unconscious or subconscious habits, patterns and programming that we have learned over the years. Some programmes are learned by repetition (your times tables, singing Happy Birthday) while some are learned by a ‘one off’ event (fire burns, for example). Many of these habits, patterns or programmes support or help us in life, but sometimes we’ll have ones that don’t, or that are destructive. Rogue programmes or erroneous beliefs drive unwanted emotional responses, thoughts and behaviours.
The subconscious is like a loyal computer. It faithfully runs the programmes that are installed - even if a programme is unsuitable. It is early programming that forms our core beliefs and values, as well as patterns and habits. Anything we do 'automatically' - without thinking - is a subconscious programme that was learned at some point.
Hypnotherapy allows us to work directly with the mechanism that houses and runs those inner programmes – the subconscious mind. During hypnosis, we are completely safe - in fact, most people feel incredibly relaxed and comfortable. In hypnosis, we can work directly with the subconscious to 'uninstall' undesired programmes so that they no longer run your life. We can even create new, empowering programmes to replace them.
If you are completely focused on something and lose track of time (reading a good book, listening to a story), you are in a light trance. Hypnosis deepens that state. You can still hear and understand everything. You will not be asleep and you will not be unconscious. Nor will you do anything against your will because one of the most important jobs of the subconsious is to look after you in case of threat.
I tend to work with advanced, structured, clinical hypnosis, which has proved to be very effective for most of the issues that are presented to me. The technique itself has a history and track record or success. It is fast and to the point, and uses a combination of advanced techniques and therapies within the hypnotic session.
I am also trained in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, which is indirect, relaxing, and tailored specifically and individually to you – often incorporating metaphors, stories and teaching tales to profound therapeutic effect. It is gentle and conversational, and works very well with NLP techniques. The trance state is not always so deep, but we can work very effectively with it.
Many people do not realise that there are different types and levels of hypnotherapy. The most basic level is to use progressive relaxation (often taking you down steps to a relaxing place such as a garden or beach) followed by a suggestion that the problem is no longer there (or that you have what it is you want - for example, you are confident when you give that speech). Providing the client has gone into hypnosis, this can work in some cases, providing the problem is not complex or linked to some kind of trauma.
The next level is to use more sophisticated forms of hypnosis, and then incorporate therapeutic tools such as NLP (neuro linguistic programming) or CBT (behavioural therapy). This is a more powerful type of hypnosis, because it can often resolve complexities and traumas that are holding a problem in place. It gives the mind a 'new programme' so that it can handle that situation differently in future. This will work in a higher proportion of cases, depending on the problem and the client.
The most advanced level, however, is to put the client into true and measurable hypnosis - sometimes using rapid induction techniques. Now we can work directly with the subconscious to find out what is going on. This advanced level may include working with 'parts' of the mind that are holding the problem in place, then regression to bring forward information that helps us understand, unravel and permanantly fix the problem. After that, we can use NLP and other techniques borrowed from other therapies, and finally make the suggestion. This is an incredibly powerful technique that will work most of the time for most people, providing they allow themselves to go into hypnosis.
Here at Healing House, I use the two more advanced techniques.
I am a registered member of the Hypnotherapy Association and the General Hypnotherapy Register, as well as UKRAH for advanced therapists, and APHP.
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Hypnotherapy Association General Hypnotherapy Register
