Hypnotherapy treatment

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is the altered state of consciousness that takes place within us if we are bored, fixated, relaxed or doing something either repetitive or learnt. Hypnosis can be used as a tool to access the subconscious, thereby enabling us to change bad habits to good, identify and remove fears and phobias and reduce stress.Hypnotherapy, or clinical hypnosis, is nothing like stage hypnosis where the hypnotist mesmerises an audience member and gets them to perform certain tasks in front of the audience.

What conditions can hypnotherapy treat?

Hypnotherapy uses a range of techniques to make you more relaxed. It may help you to conquer or control the following:

• Unwanted thoughts and ideas, such as low self-esteem and obsessive thoughts
• Phobias and fears
• Panic attacks and feelings of anxiety, jealousy, guilt, anger or inadequacy
• Unwanted habits, such as smoking, over eating and nail biting
• Insomnia
• Pain
• Performance, eg at work or during sports

How hypnotherapy treatment works

Your therapist will ask you some questions about your condition or problem and will put together a strategy for overcoming and dealing with it. You’ll discuss with your therapist what it is you want to achieve, and together you’ll set a realistic goal.

The number of sessions and the type of therapy you’ll receive depends on your condition or problem. Often two to three sessions are sufficient. It may be necessary to keep the number of sessions to a set amount, in order to avoid reliance on the therapist.

You may be asked to do homework, to help change your perceptions and behaviour. Your own motivation and commitment are very important.

During therapy, you may experience:

• Flickering of eyelids
• Rapid eye movement (REM)
• Changing of breathing
• Feeling more relaxed
• Becoming paler or more red
• Feeling heavy or light
• Feeling lethargic
• Tighter-feeling muscles
• Time distortion – 45 minutes seem like five minutes.

In deep hypnosis you may also:

• Be unable to move
• Open your eyes without noticing
• Have delayed responses.

Are there any risks involved with hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a gentle treatment, but affects everybody differently. You may find you suddenly become emotional during the session.

Please ask your hypnotherapist for more information.

How will I feel after my hypnotherapy session?

After the session you may feel more energised, calm and confident. Some patients find that they sleep better.

Hypnotherapy is not a miracle cure and positive results depend on your commitment and motivation. You may notice an improvement in your condition or problem straightaway. Others may find it takes a lot longer before they notice an improvement. The number of sessions you require depends on the problem you are treating and the individual.

Paying for your procedure

Hypnotherapy costs are not likely to be covered by most medical insurance policies, so please check with your insurer first. If you are paying for your own treatment the cost will be explained and confirmed in writing when you book.