Hypnotherapy

What is hypnotherapy?
What is hypnotherapy and how does it work? Well first let’s clarify what it is not. It is very different from stage hypnosis. No swinging pocket watch, I won’t ask you to “look into my eyes” and I certainly won’t have you clucking like a chicken. As a registered and accredited clinical hypnotherapist I follow a professional code of ethical conduct and am committed to improving clients’ health and wellbeing.

Hypnotherapy is – as the name suggests – a form of therapy. It can help with a whole variety of problems, including anxiety, weight loss, phobias, addictions, smoking, fear of flying, public speaking and more.

What happens?
Hypnotherapy involves gently guiding you into a trance-like state of calm and suggestibility, then focusing your imagination and unconscious mind to bring about positive changes to your thoughts, feelings or behaviour. The trance-like state is a bit like daydreaming or being completely absorbed in a book, movie or even our own thoughts. All changes in hypnosis are made by your own mind and although the hypnotherapist can act as a guide, you are never under anyone else’s control.

How does it work?
By being able to quieten your conscious mind and reach your powerful, creative unconscious we can reframe any negative thought patterns that are causing you difficulty and make positive suggestions to help you solve your problems and achieve your goals. To get the best results I might also give you recordings to listen to, or ask you to do some simple activities between sessions, so it is about working together in partnership. You may be amazed at the power of your unconscious mind and how it can help you change for good. 

I am happy to answer any questions about hypnotherapy or the other therapies I offer.

Other therapies 
As part of a hypnotherapy programme I can use aspects of neuro-linguistic programming, cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness to tailor sessions to your needs. I can also draw on skills and qualifications in other therapies to create a personal programme designed for you and your needs. The other therapies (below) can be used on their own or along with hypnosis to get the best results:

Motivational interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a talking therapy that can be very helpful for making behaviour (and other) changes. Research studies have shown that it can help in a wide range of problems including alcohol use, addictions, smoking, healthy eating, increasing physical activity and much more.

It is designed to strengthen your personal motivation and commitment to a specific goal by exploring your own thoughts, feelings, reasons and motivations for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion. I have been using motivational interviewing and training health and social care professionals to use it for many years, so you can be confident of my skills and experience.

Functional Imagery Training
Functional Imagery Training (FIT) is based on scientific research by Plymouth University. It uses mental imagery to boost your motivation and confidence to achieve your goals. I am delighted to be one of a small number of therapists in the UK offering this approach.

People using this method for slimming lost an average of five times more weight than those using talking therapy alone. Users have described it as a ‘mind-set shift’, where they exercised or ate healthily because they wanted to, rather than feeling they had to.

For more information or to book a session just call or text Liz on 07415499156 or email [email protected].