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 | About Me My route into becoming a Hypnotherapist started with my family.
As with most famililies there were health issues. In our family, my husband and daughters suffered from a range of ailments, including Asthma and Hayfever.
Doctors provided no answers and it became clear that trying out lots of different kinds of medication was the only solution, none of it working in the long term, but merely providing short-term relief, often not without side effects.
Like any wife or mother, I became increasingly concerned about the excessive use of medication and began to explore alternative remedies.
Hypnotherapy stood out from the rest, as a safe, relaxing, natural alternative treatment which utilises the power of the mind to find a solution and get to the root cause of a problem or symptom, so that control can be regained, balance re-established and symptoms be relieved.
I was immediately so impressed by the way Hypnotherapy could be used to help so many conditions,that I decided to train to become a therapist myself.
I trained with the London College of Clinical Hypnosis (LCCH) where I gained my Diploma and became a member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH).
I now have practices in Liskeard and Plymouth.
The LCCH conducts on-going scientific research into hypnosis and allied fields. They are constantly seeking to advance their knowledge of hypnosis in the therapeutic context, with the aim of improving the efficacy of treatments. They have produced highly original and effective methodologies for the treatment of certain conditions that are intractable to ordinary psychotherapy. A two-stage technique for dealing with obsessive compulsive disorders (OCDs) - usually in just two sessions - has evoked much interest amongst therapists of all persuasions. In addition, some of their studies obtaining normative data from the population on the extent of certain psychological problems, have attracted the attention of the media in this country and abroad.
Reports on an extensive survey of travel phobias, conducted by the LCCH, were published in The Times, The Independent on Sunday, and several tabloid newspapers.
The British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH) is an organisation which governs the Code, Practice and Ethics of its members. Membership of the society is only open to those who have acquired the requisite Professional and Clinical training in the major aspects of Psychology, Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy.
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| About Hynotherapy DEFINING HYPNOSIS, HYPNOTISM AND HYPNOTHERAPY
Hypnosis is an inferred psychophysiological state characterised by increased suggestibility, and is thought to be an altered state of consciousness. Hypnotism is the study and use of suggestion with or without the presence of hypnosis, while hypnotherapy is a form of therapy in which the use of hypnotism constitutes the core of the treatment.
WHAT IS CLINICAL HYPNOSIS?
Simply speaking hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness. Clinical Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy, therefore, is the use of an altered state of consciousness, or trance, for therapeutic endpoint. This means that people are not treated with hypnosis but are treated in hypnosis.
All hypnotic states are characterised by a tremendously pleasant state of relaxation, which individuals allow themselves to enter so that desired, beneficial suggestions may be given directly to the part of the mind known as the subconscious. Under hypnosis, the conscious, rational part of the brain is temporarily bypassed, making the subconscious part, which influences mental and physical functions, receptive to therapy. During the trance state there is heightened concentration for the specific purpose of maximising potential, changing limiting beliefs and behaviours and gaining insight and wisdom.
Although hypnosis may be light, medium or deep, a medium trance is usually used during which metabolism, breathing and heartbeat slow and the brain produces alpha waves. Normal states of consciousness i.e. sleeping, dreaming, being awake, can be detected in the wave patterns produced by the brain. The state of hypnosis differs from all three. The brain waves associated with quiet, receptive states are called alpha waves. In alpha states, the body gradually relaxes. Hypnosis, meditation, day dreaming, being absorbed in a book or music or television, driving and arriving at your destination without recalling all the usual landmarks etc. are good examples of alpha states.
The trance state is therefore a natural phenomenon. Clinical Hypnosis practised by a trustworthy and professionally qualified therapist is completely safe.
HOW DOES CLINICAL HYPNOSIS WORK?
The subconscious mind is the source of many of our problems and self images. Our beliefs, habits and behaviours are stored as information. The subconscious is a tremendous reservoir of our unrecognised strengths and knowledge.
Hypnosis is a natural and effective technique for accessing the subconscious mind - the key to unleashing our potential, changing our unwanted habits and behaviours and finding solutions to our problems and concerns.
Any therapeutic intervention implies change, so entering a trance state alone does not signify a therapeutic endpoint. Once the individual has achieved a trance state the hypnotherapist uses many different therapeutic methods ranging from simple suggestions to psychoanalysis. For example, the therapist may ask about past, present or future concerns to establish the reasons for the problem. Alternatively the therapist may give suggestions to the subconscious mind aimed at overcoming specific problems such as lack of self confidence.
Some uses such as calming a person require minimal change on the part of the individual, more complex behaviour patterns such as overeating or treatment of panic disorders or reactive (non-clinical) depression require a more complex therapeutic intervention together with psychological and behavioural homework.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A HYPNOTHERAPY SESSION?
The initial task of the therapist is to establish rapport with the client. This involves encouraging the client to talk about his or her concerns. The therapist would spend time with the client first to take a clinical history. As well as establishing a clinical record, the discussion contributes to building trust and confidence between the therapist and the client. Feeling safe, comfortable and secure with the therapist helps the induction of a hypnotic trance.
Goals for therapy are discussed and agreed and a full explanation of hypnosis is provided. Any questions or misconceptions about hypnosis would also be dealt with.
There are many different ways of achieving trance state. Usually, you sit in a comfortable chair and the therapist talks to you in a slow and soothing voice. You may be asked to imagine or visualise walking down a country lane, or stare at a fixed point or listen to the sound of the therapist's voice. Suggestions for relaxation may also be given. To deepen the trance, the therapist may count you down from 10 to 1 or ask you to imagine walking down a flight of stairs. You will feel very relaxed but still aware of your surroundings.
To return to full consciousness, which you can do all by yourself at any time, the therapist may count up from 1 to 10.
The length of treatments depends on the problem or symptom and the individual's circumstances. With some people a problem like nail biting can be successfully treated in one session. Other problems such as panic attacks can take up to 5 or 6 sessions.
In the course of the therapy clients are usually taught self hypnosis as part of a number of therapeutic homework tasks.
The first session usually lasts one and a half hours with subsequent sessions between an hour and an hour and a half.
Nobody can ever be hypnotised against their will and even when hypnotised, people still remain in complete control of any suggestions given.
The whole object of clinical hypnosis is to take back control that has been lost and which has therefore resulted in the symptom or problem.
It is estimated that approximately 85% of people of all age groups will readily respond to hypnosis.
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| The Clinical Applications of Hypnosis As a Hypnotherapist, I use Hypnosis not only for medical purposes but also as an aid for the resolution of many problems of psychological origins.
It is estimated that approximately 85% of people of all age groups will readily respond to clinical Hypnotherapy.
It is often successful when other, more conventional methods of treatment have failed.
Listed below are some of the conditions for which Hypnotherapy is indicated as a practical treatment.
Pain control, Weight mangement,
Confidence, Stopping Smoking (One Session Treatment),
Habit breaking, Bereavement,
Skin problems, Sports Performance Enhancement,
Panic attacks, Phobias,
Exam/Driving Test nerves, Bruxism,
Stress related illnesses, Blushing,
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Headaches
Concentration/ Memory improvement Insomnia,
OCDs, Snoring,
Psychosexual issues, Stammering,
Pain Control during Childbirth.
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| Contact Me Tel : 01579 363171
Email : Linda@hypnocare.co.uk |
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