You may have heard of hypnotherapy, but not be sure what it really involves.
Let’s gently clear up some myths and look at how hypnotherapy can support emotional healing.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy uses deep relaxation and focused attention to help your mind access helpful insights and make positive change. It’s a natural state, similar to daydreaming, where your awareness is focused and your inner resources are more available.
Have you ever noticed those moments when you have been engrossed in a film or a book where you still have the ability to control what’s happening? If you felt uncomfortable or someone rang on the door bell, you would shift your attention and easily be able to leave your immersed focus on the film or book. Hypnotherapy is similar to this.
Many people find hypnotherapy deeply relaxcing and calming. It can offer insights, teach you and your body ways of how to reduce anxiety or stress. During hypnosis some people notice light or different colours and that’s okay. Others might feel a slight tingling in their finger tips or notice that their mind wanders. These are all perfectly normal and there is no right or wrong to how you feel during a hypnosis session.
Will I lose control?
No, you are always in control. Hypnotherapy is not like stage hypnosis. You stay aware, relaxed, and able to stop at any time. Many people describe it as calming and empowering.
The sessions I offer with hypnotherapy always start off gently so that you have the opportunity to experience hypnosis as a state of relaxation before we do any work under hypnosis. You can simply bring yourself out of hypnosis at any time.
What issues can it help with?
Hypnotherapy can support:
- Anxiety and stress
- Confidence and self-worth
- Fertility and hormonal health
- Sleep issues
- Phobias
- Emotional blocks or trauma
- Habits and patterns you’d like to change
What happens in a session?
We’ll begin by talking about what you’d like to focus on. We will also talk about somewhere that you recognise as a safe space for you. This could be a woodland, a beach, being by a lake, a lodge in the snow or a room in your house. Sometimes this safe space is used in hypnotherapy to take things at a slower pace, especially if you are exploring a phobia or trauma.
I have a comfortable chair for your to lean back in and rest your head and feet, with blankets if you wish to use them. Then I guide you into a relaxed state and offer tailored suggestions or imagery to support change and transformation. Each session is different depending what we are working on. We will always check in for 10 minutes at the beginning of the session. You will have some time after the hypnosis to come back to awareness, have a glass of water, and voice anything you noticed or became aware of during the hypnosis. You may also receive a recording to listen to between sessions.
A gentle path to change
Hypnotherapy is a powerful yet gentle approach. It’s especially helpful when paired with counselling or creative therapy, offering another way to empower change from the inside out.
Sessions together are collaborative and I will check in with how you are feeling since our last session. The number of sessions you need all depends on what you need hypnotherapy for and how you respond to the hypnosis. Some people come for 4 sessions, some for longer. I will always tailor the hypnosis to your particular needs depending on what the issue is.
If you are thinking of having hypnotherapy online, this can also be accommodated. What I ask is that you are in a safe and confidential space where you will not be disturbed. You may wish to lie back in a comfortable chair or lie on a bed during the hypnosis. I advise the use of headphones so that you are able to hear me clearly.
To find out more about hypnotherapy you can read how to find a qualified and professional hypnotherapist here.
I am a fully qualified hypnotherapist and registered with the National Hypnotherapy Society. My qualification is endorsed by the Professional Standards Authority.
If this feels like something you would like to experience as a stand alone therapy or in combination with counselling, then do reach out. I offer a free 15 minute initial friendly chat with no pressure. You can book a call by contacting me here.
