What is Hypnotherapy?
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is ‘a form of psychological therapy that uses hypnosis to treat mental and physical health conditions, and can also help with changing unwanted habits.’ (Royal College of Psychiatrists).
It is a gentle, effective approach that uses hypnosis along with proven therapeutic techniques to help you make positive changes in your thoughts, emotions, behaviours, or physical wellbeing.
What is Hypnosis?
“Hypnosis is a state of mind in which the critical faculty of the human (mind) is bypassed, and selective thinking established.” Often attributed to Dave Elman, Master Hypnotherapist.
Essentially, hypnosis is a natural state of calmness, deep relaxation, and focused concentration, where one’s mind becomes more receptive to helpful suggestions. In this relaxed state, a qualified therapist can work with one’s subconscious mind to initiate and support lasting change.
What to Expect in a Session
In a typical session, you’ll be guided into hypnosis. This helps you feel relaxed while staying fully aware and in control.
While in this state, I may use suggestions, visualisation, or explore thoughts, emotions, and memories to help you address specific concerns through asking questions and gaining insight into your replies to support your healing.
You are always an active participant. You can’t be made to say or do anything against your will and are free to accept or reject any suggestions.
While hypnotherapy is generally safe and effective, it isn’t suitable for everyone. You should avoid or delay hypnotherapy if any of the following apply to you:
Recent mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, certain personality disorders, bipolar disorder or a recent history of psychosis (i.e. under 5 years).
Untreated or poorly-managed clinical depression, or at high risk of suicide.
- Neurological conditions like recent epilepsy, uncontrolled seizures, advanced dementia, Alzheimer’s or strokes.
Persistent low blood pressure (below 90/60, hypotension), as deepening relaxation can lower it further.
Use of alcohol or recreational drugs before or during a session.
Very young children (under 5 years old) or those unable to follow instructions.
If you’re unsure whether hypnotherapy is suitable for you, it’s best to speak with your GP first. There are other treatments available for the conditions listed above.
A client’s wellbeing and psychological safety are paramount in my considerate practice. A hypnotherapist cannot diagnose medical conditions unless they are also medically qualified.
Kindly note that this is an English language (only) service. A reasonable level of English fluency is necessary to fully benefit from my sessions. With this caveat in mind, the geographical scope of my online work has been determined to broadly include the UK, most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Also, other places if you are fluent in spoken English. (NB: USA and Canada are precluded by my insurance provider).
Hypnotherapy is scientific, but also artistic, because ..
