Hypnosis produces a light
or deeper trance state in the subject so that suggestions made by the
hypnotherapist are accepted by the subject's sub-conscious mind more readily
(suggestions can also be made to yourself when trained in
self-hypnosis).
Hypnotherapy uses this enhanced susceptibility to suggestions to bring about therapeutic changes. No subject will respond to a hypnotist's
suggestions unless they are willing to do so and nobody can be made to do
anything that conflicts with their personal sense of ethical values; otherwise
I would be off to see my bank manager instead of writing this! We
actually experience trance states several times during the day as we
enter or re-awaken from natural sleep, day-dream or when driving and
forgetting portions of the journey.
It is important to note that hypnotherapy is not something that is 'done to you'; it is a
partnership where the therapist guides you towards your goals using the
trance state to make the realisation of those goals easier. However, some therapeutic techniques that do not involve trance may be used if appropriate to do so.
A particularly interesting and important field of investigation, and one that is pertinent to Clinical Hypnosis, is that of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) which investigates the links between the individual's psychological state and their immune system. If the immune system's efficiency is compromised by stress or poor self-image then diseases that might otherwise have been stopped at an early stage may produce symptoms.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
The
majority of treatments will take place over two or more approximately 50 minute consultations. More complex problems may require several consultations, as a guideline, I advise patients to budget for between 3 and 6 consultations; progress is continually assessed during treatment. All initial consultations start with the taking of a detailed case history usually followed by a short hypnosis session. Smoking cessation can be carried out in a single 1½ hour consultation if desired but I prefer to offer a two session approach to this therapy. In most cases you will not be asked to pay for any more than the current session and are free to, but may be ill-advised to, discontinue treatment at any time subject to sufficient notice being given as detailed in the terms and conditions. An exception to this is two session smoking cessation therapy when the full fee will be taken on the first consultation.
Is Hypnotherapy Expensive?
That is a matter of opinion, I operate in the private sector so charge a fee for each consultation. However, you can rest assured that Hypnotherapy is affordable to most people and the benefit that can be gained from it and the number of appointments normally needed is such that the cost is justified. The fee charged is comparable on a pro rata basis to many other therapies.
Hypnotherapy is termed a 'brief therapy' meaning that, compared to some, patients can be expected to reach their goal faster. With the exception of smoking therapy, you will only be charged for the current consultation so you will remain in control of the cost. Please don't hesitate to ring, you will not be placed under any obligation.
Your GP or consultant may agree to refer you; I have registered this practice so that I can be paid directly from the NHS.
Is Hypnotherapy Safe?
You will not suffer any ill effects from being hypnotised by a competent and qualified
hypnotherapist. You will not fail to wake up and will not undergo any
personality change unless the condition being treated has been causing an
effect on the personality which then returns to normal. My practice is
part of a network that draws on the experience and knowledge of each of
its members to ensure that best practice is always applied. In the
unlikely event that I believe that hypnosis is inadvisable
in a particular case then you will be told so and only that session
will be charged for. Fees and Cancellation
Confidentiality
As a member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis I am bound by
their ethical conditions. These conditions protect both the patient and
the therapist and help to ensure that you receive the best and most
suitable treatment or range of treatments available. To view this
practice's statement on confidentiality click here
One feature of hypnotherapy is that as the problem and solution are within the patient, in some cases, some specific aspects of the problem need not be communicated to the therapist.
Is Hypnotherapy Guaranteed to Cure Me?
Hypnotherapy is beneficial for many complaints and disorders and its positive effects were officially recognised by the British Medical Association in 1955 and the American Medical Association in 1958. Hypnosis works with the subject rather than 'on them', working towards the benefit of the patient with respect to the condition which is the focus of the treatment. Different disorders produce different outcomes, some patients' problem may be completely relieved whilst others may be made more acceptable to them allowing them to live a fuller and more enjoyable life. So, like other therapies, the outcome is usually positive but a cure is never guaranteed.
Myths and Misconceptions
Novelists, film producers and the public at large have been fascinated by the idea
of mind control by evil-intentioned hypnotists. Most have heard of Svengali brought to life in George du Maurier's novel "Trilby" published in 1894 and which gave rise to a legend.
This and other tales such as that of Rasputin helped to generate a public perception that concentrated on the negative use of hypnosis and many of those same misguided attitudes and opinions are still held by some today. The truth is that the taking over of the subject's mind by the hypnotist will not happen, neither are long-term trances possible under hypnosis; the subject's willingness and co-operation are always required.
Again, contrary to popular belief, therapy does not always involve regressing the patient to their earlier life. In fact, in most cases, other hypnotic procedures are preferable in the first instance. Nor will you fail to re-awaken when asked to do so at the end of the consultation.
