So, how does hypnosis work ?
Hypnosis is a result of a focussed and meaningful interaction between the therapist and the client. Therefore for me to be successful, I must be and will be responsive to your needs and must ( and will ) tailor my approach to those needs if you are going to be at all responsive to the possibilities for the change that I will make available. Our therapeutic relationship will be one of mutual interdependence with us each following the other’s leads while, paradoxically, at the same time allowing me to gently lead. I endeavour to look beyond your presenting symptom and search - where appropriate and with your permission - for deeper conflicts ( causes ) within you by using all the techniques available to me including hypnosis. I aim to provide you with tools and understanding that enables you to achieve your desired outcome and lasting change. For example, I could tell you to lose weight ( or whatever your presenting symptom may be ) or instead we could find out the meaning behind your weight, understand it and by understanding it give you the unique, individual, internal power to set a goal, achieve it and provide lasting change.
‘ Power arises from meaning. It has to do with motive and it has to do with principle. Power is associated with that which supports the significance of life itself. It appeals to that part of human nature that we call ‘ noble ’ in contrast to force. Power appeals to what uplifts, dignifies and enobles. Force must always be justified, whereas power requires no justification. Force is associated with the partial, power the whole. ( David Hawkins : Power v Force 2002 ).
In summary, hypnosis is very powerful indeed because you – the client - become empowered : you will find your own unique meaning in experiences with the aid of the various therapies offered by me and we can then restructure and reframe those experiences for the purpose of change.
Hypnosis gives suggestions for desired changes on many different levels – changes in perception, feelings, thinking and behaviour. Hypnosis uses suggestions and guided imagery techniques to explore possible problems and conflicts that underlie any presenting complaints.
I will set you tasks from time to time which are relevant to your treatment programme and homework to do outside of our sessions and I will show you how to use the various tools I use including hypnosis ( self-hypnosis ) so that you are able to use them yourself whenever you feel the need.
‘ Hypnosis is a state of intense internal focus where deep reflection and understanding can occur without the constant distractions of the external world we live in. Hypnosis is relaxing and good for the cells in your body – the body responds to what you hold in your mind – so, if you are holding good thoughts ( or no thoughts ) in mind then the body can truly begin to relax and that is good for you at a cellular level. Hypnosis could be explained as 'the wrong word to use, the right word to use, a scary thing, a wonderful thing, a point of view'
- John Glanville.