About Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to create positive change in the subconscious mind. It is a safe, natural, and powerful way to help people overcome various complaints. Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed state where your mind becomes more open to positive suggestions. In this state, and speaking to the subconscious, you are much more receptive to breaking patterns, emotional associations and negativity, whether they relate to habits, stress, anxiety, phobias, or even physical pain.
What is hypnosis like?
The hypnotic state, or trance, is a natural part of our daily lives. Have you ever driven home and not recalled much of the journey? Or sat at your computer and lost track of time? These moments reflect a state of focused attention similar to being hypnotised.
Hypnosis enables us to sharpen our focus, facilitating faster learning and enhancing our responsiveness to therapeutic suggestions. Most clients describe hypnosis as a pleasant experience, often accompanied by deep relaxation.
Deep relaxation techniques counter stress and help initiate a body system reset and recovery. Deep relaxation is characterised by the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the stress-induced fight-or-flight response. This can reduce the heart rate, lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. The feeling of enhanced deep rest can improve your emotional state.
What can hypnotherapy help with?
When I was starting my training as a hypnotherapist, I did not understand, either professionally or personally, the full range of possible hypnotherapy applications.
As an existing counsellor, I was surprised at how effective it can be for general therapy purposes, helping clients alleviate anxiety, low mood and the symptoms of depression, Not only this, hypnotherapy is also effective for many health problems such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and IBS as well. In fact, as an evidence-based treatment for IBS, hypnotherapy is recommended by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy
I use a modern evidence-based therapeutic approach and practice Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH). This approach includes therapy based on the here and now and the future rather than talking about the past. This is combined with the power of hypnosis, offers a deep, relaxing experience and speaks to the subconscious to break negative patterns and help us build more positive neural pathways. The focus of therapy is on what you want to achieve rather than on analysing the problem. You are encouraged to be forward-looking, focus on your goals, and identify solutions for a more positive and happier life.
What to expect from your sessions
During the initial consultation, we will focus on what success will look like for you, and I will share an approach to managing your stress. You will grow in understanding how hypnotherapy can help you regain control from the primitive part of your brain when activated (often termed as the Fight, Flight and Freeze). And we will collaborate on your aims and a more positive future, which necessitate your commitment to working together.
When it is general therapy such as anxiety and depression then 8 – 15 sessions would be usual. However, as everyone is different this can be more and on some occasions can be less.
Working with fears and phobias there is a 4 session protocol and smoking/vaping cessation usually takes just one session.
What is the evidence
Noted below are some studies indicating the effectiveness of hypnotherapy.
- Anxiety and stress-related disorders – Hammond (2010) ‘Hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders’, Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 10(2):263-73.
- Asthma – Brown (2007) ‘Evidence-based hypnotherapy for asthma: a critical review’, The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(2):220–249.
- Depression – Fuhr et al. (2021) ‘Efficacy of hypnotherapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy for mild to moderate depression – Results of a randomized controlled rater-blind clinical trial’, Journal of Affectective Disorders., 1:286:166-173.
- Headaches and migraines – Hammond (2007) ‘Review of the efficacy of clinical hypnosis with headaches and migraines’, International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55:207-219.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – Lee et al. (2014) ‘The Efficacy of Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis’, Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 20(2):152–162.
- Pain – Paterson (2010) Clinical hypnosis for pain control. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
- Sleep improvement – Chamine et al. (2018) ‘Hypnosis Intervention Effects on Sleep Outcomes: A Systematic Review’, Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Feb 15;14(2):271-283
- Smoking cessation – Hasan et al. (2014) ‘Hypnotherapy is more effective than nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation: Results of a randomised controlled trial’, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(1):1-8.
When shouldn’t you use hypnotherapy?
Your GP can advise you whether hypnotherapy is appropriate for you. Hypnotherapy may not be suitable for people diagnosed with the following conditions:
- psychotic episodes
- schizophrenia
- bipolar disorder
- certain types of personality disorders
- epilepsy
- breathing problems
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