Clinical Hypnotherapy - Overview

Hypnosis
The actual experience of being hypnotised is difficult to describe.   It is characterised by a tremendously pleasant state of relaxation, an altered state of consciousness which you allow yourself to enter so that desired, beneficial suggestions may be given directly to the unconscious mind. Hypnosis is a natural and effective way of making contact with the inner (unconscious) self - a source of many of our problems as well as a huge reservoir of unrecognised and even forgotten potential strength and knowledge. Interestingly, you hear everything that is said to you and you remain in control throughout even though you are relaxed. In a therapeutic environment, nobody can be hypnotised against his or her will and, even when hypnotised, people can still reject any of the suggestions given if they are not appropriate. In 1955, the British Medical Association endorsed the practice of hypnosis in Medical School education and since then it has become a valuable addition to conventional medical treatment and psychotherapeutic approaches.

Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of hypnosis for the treatment and relief of many different psychological symptoms. Modern clinical hypnotherapists use hypnosis not only for medical purposes but also as an aid for the resolution of many problems of a psychological origin, for example, relationship issues, psychosexual issues and issues arising from past experiences in life. Within the centre the therapists use an array of hypnotherapeutic, psychotherapeutic and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques to allow you to achieve your best results as quickly as possible.

How it may help
Hypnotherapy may help with:

Breaking unwanted habits (e.g. nail-biting; smoking - 1 and 2 session options)

Weight control / losing weight

Obtaining relief from symptoms such as Migraine and Gastro-intestinal disorders

Dermatological conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis, Herpes simplex and warts

Gynaecological problems such as PMT, Amenorrhoea, Dysmenorrhoea, Psychogenic infertility, and in obstetrics for assisting pain relief in childbirth.

Pain control for dentistry, minor surgery, arthritis and general neuromuscular aches and pains

Phobias (like fear of flying; fear of dental and medical treatments), compulsions, emotional problems and many worries and anxieties of everyday life

The use of self-hypnosis will help prevent stress and tensions in day to day living thus reducing blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease

Hypnotherapy can be effective in increasing work/study/sporting performance; increasing concentration and memory; boosting self-confidence and helping you to realise your full potential

Hypnotherapy has been found to be helpful for some sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome.

Contraindications
Please be aware that hypnosis is contra-indicated in some conditions, for example, psychotic illness or severe depression. The hypnotherapist will be happy to discuss this with you and advise you on where to go for more appropriate treatment if this is indicated.

If you are having any medical treatment when you visit it is useful to let your doctor know that you have decided to have hypnotherapy so you receive the best care from everyone. The Centre will send a letter to your GP after the first consultation but this will only be done with your full permission.

 
A typical session
 A hypnotherapy session usually lasts about 1 hour and is completely confidential. Depending on the therapist you work with, the first session may be up to 1.5 hrs long to allow for a detailed case history to be taken. The number of sessions required depends on the issue and, more crucially, your motivation. However the aim of the treatment is to help as quickly as possible for maximum effect. On average, clients attend for somewhere between 2 to 5 sessions depending on the condition and response to the treatment.

Cost / Number of sessions
The number of sessions required depends on the problem and, more crucially, your motivation. On average clients attend for somewhere between 2 to 5 sessions depending on the condition and response to the treatment. Habits, for example, stop smoking may be treated in one or two sessions. 

Marion has a particular interest, given her nursing and midwifery background, in supporting people through medical consultations or treatments. For this reason she provides more cost-effective packages for childbirth support, dental treatments or support for specific conditions that may extend beyond the usual number of sessions e.g. surgery.

Vanessa has a particular interest and expertise in helping people break habits that can affect their health long-term, for example, smoking and eating sensibly.

Sonia likewise is successful in helping with weight issues, stress, anxiety as well as with substance misuse including alchohol.

Sonia and Vanessa have developed strategies that are proving very successful in allowing people to regain control of their lives.