Clinical Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy involves inducing a trance-like state, where clients are deeply relaxed, becoming more open to suggestions and shifts in perceptions. In this state, it can be easier to move through stuck emotions, influence behaviours and beliefs, and access memories and inner wisdom.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis: “A state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion.” (APA, 2014)
Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state where one’s concentration and focused attention are increased. This allows for openness to suggestion and exploration without the barriers of the conscious mind. This state of relaxation is naturally occurring and can be compared to the flow state you might reach when doing an activity you enjoy, or the feeling of “being in the zone”; that feeling where the world around you fades and time ceases to exist.
What is clinical hypnotherapy?
Clinical Hypnotherapy uses this trance-like state of hypnosis to support clients in shifting or deepening their beliefs, habits, emotions, and behaviours. It can be useful in helping cope with anxiety and pain, as well as to explore identity and self. With the guidance of a trained mental health professional, clients are led into relaxation using a combination of visualization and imagery, breathing techniques, and verbal repetition. Hypnosis is not the same as sleep but can be quite restful and relaxing while the client is still able to be aware and in control.
What can hypnotherapy help me with?
Clients seek hypnotherapy for all kinds of reasons. Some common areas of focus are:
Fear and anxiety
Limiting beliefs
Depression and stress reduction
Confidence and self-esteem
Chronic pain
Changing habits
Transforming core beliefs
Forgiveness and letting go
Exploring and accessing insight and inner wisdom
Moving through sticky thoughts or feelings
Decision making
What can I expect during a hypnotherapy session?
If you're considering clinical hypnotherapy as a form of treatment for your mental health, it's important to understand what to expect during a session.
First, you'll typically have an initial consultation with the hypnotherapist to discuss your specific concerns and goals for treatment. This will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and to ensure that you feel comfortable with the hypnotherapist. Questions will likely be asked about what sorts of experiences allow you to feel safe or unsafe and what beliefs or affirmations you might want to reinforce. This information is used to tailor the experience specifically to you, using your language and ideas.
During the session itself, you will be guided into a state of deep relaxation. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or breathwork. Once you are in a state of deep relaxation, the therapist will then guide you through a series of suggestions tailored to you from the conversation at the start of the session.
It's important to note that, during hypnotherapy, you remain fully in control and aware of your surroundings. You won't be in a state of unconsciousness or be made to do anything you don't want to do. Rather, the clinical hypnotherapy experience is quite passive and allows you to relax and let the subconscious mind help you make positive changes and overcome any obstacles that may be holding you back.
After the session, you may feel a sense of deep relaxation and calmness, as well as a renewed sense of focus and motivation toward achieving your goals. You will likely begin to see changes after the first session, but continual sessions are recommended to further your progress. Hypnosis is typically used alongside other therapies to best support a client’s goals.
Further Reading:
Not sure if Clinical Hypnotherapy is for you? Feel free to set up a phone call to discuss any questions or concerns. Ready to get started? Book an appointment here.