Why Hypnotherapy Works

My sessions combine talking therapy, positive coaching with a state of focused relaxation called 'trance'. In this relaxed state, the mind becomes more open to positive suggestions. 

One of the reasons hypnotherapy is so effective is that it can reshape deeply ingrained habits and behaviour patterns, as well as reduce stress levels. Stress has been called the greatest issue facing the world in the 21st century (by the World Health Organisation). High stress levels are often the root cause of phobias , anxiety-based illnesses or performance challenges. 

Often our subconscious mind might have formed connections or ‘pattern matches’ that are unhelpful or negative for us. As an example, if you have a subconscious link between comfort foods and feeling happier or ‘rewarded’, then this can be a real challenge if you are seeking to lose weight . 

Hypnotherapy can help change these connections, meaning that we can re-train sub-conscious behaviours that maybe holding us back. And modern neuroscience shows that our brains can create new neural pathways based on how we think – about ourselves, situations or our lives . 

Solution-focussed hypnotherapy can also help you build a more positive mindset, boost your confidence and visualise your future. Our sessions are generally split 50-50, with the first part focussed on positive thinking, helping you shape positive goals and future ambitions. These techniques are widely used by top athletes and business professionals but increasingly by those seeking to live a more positive, successful life. And the final 20-25 mins are spent on the couch in a deep state of self-guided relaxation

You may know someone who has successfully used hypnotherapy to overcome a fear or phobia, or perhaps to stop smoking & vaping. Whilst we often just accept these fears, they can hold us back from achieving goals or even lifelong ambitions. But the same techniques are now proven to help us address broader issues. Our Initial session explains more.

Clinical hypnotherapists act as 'guides' ; it is you as the client that controls the actual trance session. During hypnosis, the person is guided into this relaxed state where their attention is focused and their mind is open to suggestions, often through a series of verbal or visual cues.  This state of relaxation is similar to meditation or daydreaming. 

This allows the hypnotist to suggest new ideas, beliefs, or behaviours to the person, which they may be more receptive to accepting and adopting than they would be in their normal waking state. Importantly, hypnosis is not a form of 'mind control'.

The client always retains control over their thoughts and actions. If anything is said that goes against their beliefs or their conscious goals, you will immediately come out of trance. 

Hypnosis also affects the brain's perception of reality, making it easier for the person to imagine themselves in a different situation or state of mind. This can be useful for overcoming issues in a shorter time frame than many therapies or through conscious willpower alone.

  Hypnosis is not the same as sleep. When you finish your session, you will feel awake and refreshed. Many clients report feeling much calmer, like a weight has been lifted - and much clearer in their thinking.

Within our sessions, we will spend roughly half of the time in trance. Around 20-30 minutes is  an ideal time for us to achieve our goals and more importantly, for our brains to become comfortable and tuned in to the therapists voice and backing track. 

We also give you a Relaxation audio / MP3 to listen to each night before bedtime. This repetition is crucial to success and governs how quickly your goals are achieved.

And many clients report that it is a great way to get to sleep... and have a great , relaxing night.

TV hypnotists such as Derren Brown & others can leave us with some misconceptions about hypnotherapy and what 'it does to us'. 

Firstly, nobody can be hypnotised to do something against their will or their value set.  During trance we are still conscious, and our mind will quickly bring us out and awake if it is alerted to an issues or unexpected sound or a statement that jars with our expectation.

Second- Trance is a natural phenomenon and all of us will have experienced trance many times in our lives. You'll know that feeling when you are focussed intently on a book, and other noises and distractions just melt away. Or when we are driving on a familiar motorway, deeply concentrating and suddenly three junctions have gone by.

Thirdly you cannot be 'stuck' in a hypnotised state.  Millions of people worldwide use relaxation and self hypnosis recordings daily.  In each of our sessions, online or face-to-face, I help you to come gently round, maintaining the feeling of calmness your will have experienced.