What is hypnotherapy?

Steps in a woodland leading from darkness to light at the top.

Hypnotherapy is gentle, relaxing and very effective. It’s a combination of CBT, NLP, psychotherapy and trance work, which is based on current neuroscience. I’m a Solution Focused Therapist which is further enhanced by the use of hypnosis (or trance). Trance work enables the subconscious mind to make your positive changes by gently relaxing your mind so it’s more receptive to positive suggestions.  As neuroscience develops the reasons why hypnotherapy is so successful are becoming clearer, as explained in this article.

What are the benefits of hypnotherapy?

st austell hypnotherapy
  • genuine, lasting and positive change
  • rapid progress compared to other therapies
  • wide ranging benefits which affect many different areas of life positively
  • truly holistic approach – mind, body, emotions and energy
  • a trauma informed approach
  • a safe and natural process, involving no medication
  • proven, powerful and effective long-term results

Is hypnotherapy a quick fix?

Stage hypnotists appear to make instant changes, but that is not the case with hypnotherapy.  The only single session treatment is Quitting Smoking, which is 2 hours long.  Hypnotherapy is generally much shorter than traditional psychotherapy which often takes years, but it’s not instant.  Phobia’s generally take four sessions, and all other issues take longer, depending on the severity of the issue and it’s duration.  It’s always shorter than traditional psychotherapy.

Do you do all the work for me?

Hypnotherapy helps muug

Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process which means it takes both of us to make it work!  It’s important to understand that change happens because you want it to.  Hypnotherapy helps you take the necessary steps to allow your changes to happen. People think it will all be done for them, but you will need to start making small changes to help yourself.  These small positive changes you want to make combine with hypnotherapy to help you progress your change process.

What happens in the hypnotherapy sessions?

st austell hypnotherapy

The initial consultation is designed to start the change process by exploring what you want to achieve, how hypnotherapy can help you and how many sessions you may need. The change process begins in the initial consultation with a simple explanation of how the brain works based on neuro-scientific research.  This enables you to understand better how I can help you get back in control and on top of things again.  I also give you a recording to listen to when you go to sleep to aid progress.  The process of change has begun!

st austell hypnotherapy

Subsequent hypnotherapy sessions involve much more than trance work. 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. After the talking you have a relaxing trance session to help consolidate and create the positive changes you have talked about.

What is Hypnosis/Trance like?

We all experience the hypnotic state in our everyday lives. Have you ever driven home and not remembered parts of the journey, or been lost in a book, or staring into space and not noticing time passing? If so, you’ve been in a state of focused attention, which is the feeling of being in trance or hypnotised. In the session it’s very easy – you just lie back on the couch or reclining chair so you can relax, close your eyes and listen to me.  During trance the mind is more receptive to suggestion. It’s also more resourceful and I offer beneficial suggestions to your subconscious which support you making your changes. Every session is tailored and focused on your individual issues and needs.  Learn more about hypnotherapy here.

small patch of sunlight in a dark wood.

What is solution focused therapy? 

It’s a very positive, easy therapy – designed to be easy, reduce anxiety and calm the mind. As the name suggests, it focuses on solutions for the future, rather than analysing problems of the past. Provided you are willing to make changes to the way you think, therapy can be highly effective in relieving the symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and low confidence. It enables people to make many positive changes – like overcoming chronic pain, emetophobia, social phobia etc.. Each session we look at what little steps may be helpful for you to progress to where you want to be, which helps your brain focus on helping you achieve your goals for yourself.