Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed, trance-like state, which can be used as a therapeutic tool, alongside other psychological therapies. You can think of it as an altered state of consciousness, which you can bring yourself out of at any time.

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, which means you stay in control when you’re in a hypnotic state. As your therapist, I’ll make guided suggestions to help you enter the trance-like state that is necessary to achieve your therapeutic goals.

Under hypnosis, you’ll have the benefit of increased concentration and focus, so you’ll be more open to the suggestions being made by your therapist. Hypnotherapy is an effective method of helping you achieve positive and lasting change. It’s increasingly being used in medical environments, and it’s receiving more and more interest from scientists.

I use a combination of indirect methods of hypnosis, including the Ericksonian approach. This is based on the work of Milton H. Erickson, an American psychologist and psychiatrist who specialised in medical hypnosis and family therapy.

Dr Erickson’s technique – known as Ericksonian hypnosis – focuses on an interactive therapeutic relationship. It uses indirect suggestion, rather than direct instructions, to bring about behavioural change. This method is conversational, and often features storytelling and metaphors.

I also use the Milton Model, developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who were inspired by Dr Erickson’s work. This is based on a set of language patterns that can help you achieve change and overcome difficult problems. I used the Milton Model together with neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) tools.

It can help with various disorders, health issues, psychological problems and life events, such as:

• Anxiety
• Phobias
• Weight loss
• Relationship issues
• Pain management
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Giving up smoking

Hypnosis is used by a wide variety of professionals in their work, including:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Clinicians
• Family therapists
• Psychotherapists
• Professionally trained hypnotherapists

Hypnosis can be used in clinical and work settings, where trained individuals can apply hypnosis for the benefit of their clients.

Before we begin, I’ll explain the process of hypnosis. I’ll then gently guide you into a state of relaxation, while you continue to stay aware and in control of your behaviour.

When conducted by trained professionals and healthcare practitioners, hypnotherapy is considered safe and is an effective form of treatment. However, you may need to check with your GP or medical care provider, in case of underlying issues of mental illness (i.e. psychosis).

Hypnosis can be very effective in helping you cope better with issues such as anxiety, stress, pain, phobias or behavioural changes.

You should always be informed and choose a therapist who is certified to use hypnosis. Check if they’re professionally trained, insured and that they belong to a professional organisation. It’s also important they make you feel comfortable from the first consultation – trust your instincts.