Hypnotherapy is a combination between hypnosis and counselling. Hypnosis is used as a tool in counselling where appropriate, yet sometimes it will be more appropriate to use counselling only. On occasions, we all find that we need someone to talk to - someone who is outside our life’s situation and who will not judge us. Often, the process of talking things through, in confidence and safety, is, in itself, enough to precipitate change. At times, this needs to be extended to look at things more closely.

Hypnosis helps the above process. As all hypnosis is ultimately self-hypnosis, it becomes useful for self exploration or to make our own changes - the hypnotherapist being the facilitator or companion.

Hypnosis is a useful way to cut through the “yes, but...”, “should”, and “ought to” to gain access to the rich store of potential, wisdom and resources that we all have, even though, at times, we may feel somewhat cut off from it. Hypnosis is a naturally occurring phenomenon and nothing you will not have experienced in your everyday life before. Daydreaming, that feeling of drifting off when reading, watching T.V. or listening to music and gazing into a fire are all trance states you may be familiar with and have enjoyed.

There are many misconceptions about hypnosis...

That your mind will be “taken over”; that you’ll be out of control; that if you were aware of you surrounding whilst in trance “it didn’t work”; that it is unnatural; that you’ll unwittingly reveal secrets; that the therapist may implant alien suggestions; that you won’t come out of it. NONE OF THESE ARE TRUE.

Hypnosis is useful in three main areas:

• Behavioural and habitual difficulties like
  Smoking, eating disorders from loosing a few pounds to compulsive eating, anorexia and bulimia, phobias, nervous habits, performance anxiety

• Emotional difficulties
  Anxiety, bereavement, depression, grief, lack of confidence, relationship difficulties

• Psychosomatic disorders
  Asthma, eczema, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome