The public has many confusing and misleading perceptions of hypnotherapy, and I have worked, for the last 42 years on the Island, to help correct some of these. Hypnosis is not sleep; you can’t be controlled in it and you are not surrendering your will! It is a self-induced state of heightened suggestibility and relaxation, often gained with the help of another. In this state the deeper parts of the subconscious mind-programming can be reached – and, of course, updated. It is a pleasant state of awareness that 95 per cent of the public can achieve to some degree.
The main requirements for success are motivation, co-operation, rapport (between therapist and client) and a warm and peaceful environment free from distractions. Trust in the therapist is key and knowledge of their reputation and past successes is essential. There is a Diploma in Hypnotherapy which encourages ongoing training and continuous professional development which, in my view, is essential. All legal therapists must be registered with a reputable and acknowledged organisation – the National Council of Hypnotherapy is one of several. Always check these credentials when considering using any hypnotherapist. You should also check the status of a practitioner’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check, which should be regularly updated if they work with young people. Children from the age of six are usually very responsive and, sadly, often have their own particular issues.
At the outset it is important to dispel any fears or doubts and, on first contact, the therapist should encourage questions about the process and their experience. The advent of Skype and Zoom has added a new perspective to hypnotherapy, as sessions can be conducted on-line. The client doesn’t need to leave their home or office; just arrange to have an uninterrupted base from which we communicate by computer or mobile phone. I am surprised myself at the effectiveness of this media, which is often much more convenient for the person seeking help.
Over the years I have found great satisfaction in helping people to achieve their aims and objectives, both face-to-face and using these new methods of communication. I am often asked about examples of successful outcomes, so I will describe a few, confidentially (as are all my sessions): there was the 100-a-day smoker who stopped 28 years ago; a lady in her eighties who couldn’t eat for three weeks after a chicken bone stuck in her throat (her 92-year-old partner called the next day to say they had feasted that evening on fish and chips!); an asthmatic, one of many, who managed to come off their inhaler; the young girl who, after one session of confidence for driving, passed her test after seven failures; and the 20½ stone lady who lost 10 stone and changed her life.
I’ve treated sports people, weightlifters, darts players, tennis champs and golf addicts, banishing the mental glitch that prevented maximum performance. Fear of flying, exam nerves, wedding day tension, all relieved – several thousand over the years. And you can ask my daughter about natural childbirth!
Hypnotherapy is not a panacea for all ills, and we do not advertise ‘cures’, just ways to deal with psychologically stress-related diseases and psychosomatic problems. Diseases of the mind and many other issues are aggravated by modern society and instant communication. Don’t let anything I say here keep you from your GP when you are ill; just remember there is so much complementary help available, with scientific explanation supported by biofeedback equipment and research.
I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have about hypnotherapy, just call me on 866999. And – no we don’t swing watches!