Hypnotherapy
- Julie Gibbs B.A. Hons, CQSW, HPD, MNCH(Reg), Dip C. Hyp, Master Prac NLP.
Cognitive Hypnotherapy
Many people will tell you that hypnosis is a relaxing mental state that is artificially induced and renders the mind open to suggestion. However the approach taken by Cognitive Hypnotherapy- which is based apon the latest research in areas such as neuroscience- takes a radically different view. We don't believe that the experience of hypnosis or trance is a single specific mental state, we think there are probably many of them - so people don't 'go into trance' like it's a place that everyone experiences in the same way. Your experience of trance is likely to be very different from mine, or your friends. Nor is it necessarily a relaxing state. Watch someone running from a spider, or having a panic attack. In Cognitive Hypnotherapy we would say that they're in a trance state - they're certainly no longer who they were a few moments before. So what is usually called 'hypnosis' is actually just a part of our everyday experience - research suggests we're in such 'hypnotic' states 90% of the waking day. Those times when we are day dreaming, or those experiences where we manage to carry out tasks “without thinking” - like driving when your mind is aborbed in thought, and you suddenly realise that, whilst a part of your mind must have been paying attention to traffic lights, pedestrians etc, your conscious thoughts were somewhere else entirely! Generally people seek the help of hypnotherapy when their rational mind knows that they want to change some behaviour, belief or emotion, yet somehow they continue to "find" themselves compelled to repeat old habits and behaviours, to smoke a cigarette, eat more food even when they feel full etc. In Cognitive Hypnotherapy a lot of the time we're engaged in helping our clients 'de-hypnotise' themselves so they stay in control in situations where they find they haven't been able to be.
Typical Session
At your first appointment I will spend at least 30 minutes conducting a thorough assessment of your problem, your aims and goals of therapy. As part of the unique wordweaving approach of cognitive Hypnotherapy I will pay careful attention to your own specific patterns of thinking, feeling and describing your experiences, so that the words and phrases I will suggest to you in trance will be those that you would use yourself. Cognitive Hypnotherapy is so effective because it does not rely on set scripts, or a "one size fits all approach", but rather a carefully crafted suggestion pattern designed around you as a unique individual. A typical session will include use of trance and NLP techniques to help uncover to origins of the problem, changing engrained patterns of thinking or reacting etc. One of the most powerful aspects of this therapy is the use of each individuals creativity to powerfully experience how their life will be WITHOUT the problem- a compelling future which the conscious and unconscious mind begin to move towards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hypnotherapy Dangerous? As you might expect, the answer I'm going to give is no. Given that trance itself is actually a naturally occuring state, people new to hypnosis are often surprised to realise that they do not need to enter a strange and unfamiliar state and that they always remain in complete control. You can come out of trance at anytime and, if a particular technique doesn't sound right for you, there are always other approaches that can be used instead.
This really can be a safe and effective way to help with many problems, however there are certain psychiatric or neurological conditions where a hypnotherapist would need to consult with with an individual’s GP before commencing treatment, to ensure treatment is appropriate and that it complements existing treatment. There are certain conditions (such as severe depression,schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder) where hypnosis is contraindicated, and other treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be recommended. Is there any scientific evidence that Hypnotherapy works? The British Medical Association has recognised the validity of hypnosis as a therapeutic intervention since 1955. Despite this endorsement, Hypnosis has historically been considered by many to be more associated with magic and sorcery than with science and rationality. Today current perceptions of hypnosis are often influenced by stage hypnotists and T.V personalities who use hypnotic techniques such as Paul McKenna and Derren Brown. Cognitive Hypnotherapists work from an understanding of the mind and of the mind-body connection that is based on modern neuroscience, cognitive techniques, and approaches based upon current research in areas such as positive psychology.Obviously no type of therapy can guarantee results in all individual cases, however evidence based research into the use of hypnosis for many different problems and conditions has been extensive, and can be accessed easily via the internet. Which? Magazine has stated that, "Hypnotherapy is supported by more scientific research than any other complementary therapy".
The Which? Guide to Complementary Therapies, 2002.
How many sessions will I need?
Cognitive Hypnotherapy is generally a brief talking treatment. The number of sessions needed will vary depending on the presenting problem and each individual need.
All treatments will involve;
- A detailed assessment of the problem you would like to resolve
- Clear, specific and achievable goals.
- Theraputic interventions within sessions, selected upon the basis of your specific individual needs.
- Practicing specific techniques between sessions, gaining knowledge and mastery of techniques aimed at changing unhelpful patterns of thinking feeling or behaviour.
- Close collaboration between client and therapist on how successful techniques have been, any problems etc.
This approach involves your very active participation in learning about and resolving unhelpful patterns which have led to your problem. Most people get a very good idea of whether this approach is likely to work for them after only 1 or 2 sessions. Some problems -such as a relatively straightforward phobia or smoking problem - may be resolved in only 2 or 3 sessions.
How can I find out more about whether this is the best approach for my problem?
I always aim to ensure that I have a fairly detailed discussion by phone before setting up an assessment appointment. If I believe another treatment is likely to be more effective I will recommend it. I would suggest that you have a detailed discussion with at least 2 other hypnotherapists before making decision to arrange an appointment. It is vital for treatment that you feel safe and at ease with your therapist and that you find someone who feels right for you. To contact me for an initial discussion please call Weybridge Natural Therapies on 01932 888 663 or ring me on my mobile, 0794 1811 780.
If you would like more information about the specific approach of Cognitive Hypnotherapy you can visit the website of the Quest Institute, www.questinstitute.co.uk
If you would like further information about my accrediting professional body, The National Council for Hypnotherapy, their website is www.hypnotherapists.org.uk