So What Is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?
Solution focused hypnotherapy combines talking therapy and hypnosis. This combination is extremely effective in facilitating lasting change for people with a variety of psychological and health issues. Solution focused hypnotherapists differ from other types of hypnosis and talking therapies. Instead of looking at the past and unpicking traumatic events, it focuses on the here and now and a preferred future. The focus is on breaking old negative thought patterns and inducing positivity. The use of hypnosis can then consolidate and reinforce these changes faster than talking therapy alone.
What is Hypnosis and how can it help?
Hypnosis is a natural state of being which some people describe as feeling a little like daydreaming. You’ve probably experienced a trance like state many times in your life without even realising it. For example, when you’re driving a car and suddenly realise you can’t remember the last few miles or reading a book where the outside world suddenly becomes less significant. Hypnosis is a broad term which refers to a focused state of mind in which the subject is relaxed, but not asleep. Although you have been in trance, you know that you would have been able to react appropriately if something urgently needed your attention, and the same applies with hypnotherapy. The deep relaxation achieved during trance allows the conscious and the sub-conscious mind to work together to solve problems. The sub-conscious mind is more receptive to suggestions during trance. These suggestions can be made to produce beneficial changes in behaviour and to tap into the true potential. The therapist is the facilitator, suggesting positive thoughts to the mind to quieten down negative thoughts or to remove mental blocks.
Can anyone be hynotised?
Generally, yes everyone has the capacity to be hypnotised, but it is a process in which the client must collaborate. It is important that the client has faith in the process to get the best out of this treatment. This of course would be the same for any psychological treatments or talking therapies. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern brain based therapeutic approach that integrates solution focused psychotherapy techniques, current neuroscience research, and hypnosis to support positive change.
Will I be under your control?
Absolutely not! The client is always in charge. If suggestions are made that are not beneficial, then you still have the choice of ignoring them. If you were to feel uncomfortable or threatened, then you would become consciously aware and you would wake up. You cannot be made to do or say anything you do not want to, and you are always completely in control. There are no dangers, the client is always safe and relaxed, and no one has ever been stuck in trance. Although you have been in trance, you know that you would have been able to react appropriately if something urgently needed your attention, and the same applies with hypnotherapy. There is a lot of misinformation out there about hypnosis and this mainly derives from stage acts who aim to entertain by getting people to do bizarre things. Interestingly, stage hypnotists go to great lengths in discerningly choosing their volunteers.
Is Solution Focused hypnotherapy able to be done online?
Yes, as well as face to face sessions I am also able to offer sessions online via the Zoom platform. It is just as effective and comes down to personal choice. Some people prefer the convenience of online sessions, or where distance and travel may be a problem.
What if I am on medication for depression or anxiety?
There would be no reason to stop any medications that your doctor has prescribed, and we will discuss this during our initial consultation. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a complimentary therapy and can help alongside a variety of medical treatments, both psychological and physical. Solution focused hypnotherapy is very effective in helping people have more control over anxiety and low mood, helping combat constant negative thoughts that can have such a big impact on life.