Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a combination of Psychotherapy and Hypnosis. Psychotherapy in itself is extremely beneficial and its effects are enhanced by the application of Hypnosis, which enables the subconscious mind to make beneficial changes.
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What to expect...
Many people believe that Hypnotherapy is something that is 'done' to them; that they explain their issue to the therapist who then simply hypnotises their problem away, as if by magic.
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Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a much more collaborative process and it is important to understand that change happens because you want it to and because you are prepared to take the necessary steps to allow it to happen.
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The Initial Consultation is designed to assess what you want to achieve, how Hypnotherapy can help you, and how many sessions you are likely to need.
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Subsequent Hypnotherapy sessions involve much more than Hypnosis. During the first part of each session we'll talk about the progress you have made, and I'll be encouraging you to express yourself positively, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Of course there is time to unpick and explore any issues, but the main element of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is to identify how we can make things better.
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I'll help you to imagine your preferred future, a future where you have a more useful perspective on the quality of your life. I'll then guide you into a relaxed state of Hypnosis so that we can consolidate what we have discussed.
What is Psychotherapy?
There are many different kinds of Psychotherapy, all of which aim to help people overcome stress or emotional problems. Psychotherapy involves talking together to help clients overcome their difficulties. Psychotherapy is often referred to as a 'talking treatment'.
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What to expect...
The type of Psychotherapy I currently practice is Solution Focused Therapy which is future-oriented. It is designed to reduce anxiety and promote calm in the mind. As the name suggests, it focuses on solutions for the future, rather than analysing problems of the past, however this can be helpful sometimes in order for us to move onto developing a brighter future.
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Provided you are willing to make changes to the way you think, the therapy can be highly effective in relieving the symptoms of anxiety and stress. Focusing on solutions means we do not dwell on problems.
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Instead we:
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reflect on where you have been
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acknowledge where you are currently
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identify where you want to be
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help you to make the necessary changes
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Solution Focused Psychotherapy avoids problem talk
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The type of Psychotherapy I practice does not involve analysing painful memories from the past. If you have experienced unpleasant events, we acknowledge they happened and help you get from where you are to where you want to be.
What is Hypnosis like?
We all experience the Hypnotic state in our everyday lives. Have you ever driven home and not remembered anything about the journey, or been engrossed in a book and not been conscious of time passing? If so, you've been in a state of focused attention, not unlike the feeling of being Hypnotised.
During Hypnosis, you will be guided into a similar state so that beneficial suggestions can be directed towards your subconscious mind.
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What Hypnosis is...
Hypnosis is simply a state of focused attention. In this relaxed state, your mind is more responsive to suggestion. In a therapeutic setting, the suggestions are designed to be beneficial to help you change unhelpful thought patterns. Clients often comment about how 'ordinary' Hypnosis feels – it's not unlike daydreaming. You can often hear everything that is being said whilst in a deeply relaxed state. In fact, you could think of it as guided daydreaming.
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What Hypnosis isn't...
Contrary to the image portrayed in films, books and the media, Hypnosis does not involve the therapist taking control of your mind – no one can Hypnotise you against your will. Nobody can make you do anything you do not want to – your subconscious mind will simply reject any suggestion that is inappropriate for you.
How long are sessions, what happens and where are they held?
Sessions are 55-60 minutes long and are currently conducted via Zoom. Hypnotherapy works really well online. A real benefit of online sessions, particualry for Hypnotherapy, is that you can relax in your own home, somwhere you are familiar with and feel comfortable in. This really helps you relax and enter hypnosis with ease. In some cases face to face sessions can be done from Ramsbottom, Bury, please enquire about this.
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During the first session (Initial Consultation), I will explain how the brain works, how problems can develop and what can be done to help. I will ask you about what you would like to gain from therapy and share a suggested treatement plan. I will give you a passcode to download my relaxation track that I ask you to listen to every night before you go to sleep. Subsequent sessions will start with you describing positive aspects of your week and we will discuss the progress you have made. You will also be encouraged to imagine how you would like life to be and what small changes would improve things for you. We will also discuss other support mechanisms and anything else useful at the time. I will then guide you into a deep relaxtion to help consolidate our work.