What Is Hypnotherapy and How Can It Help You?
If you've been feeling anxious, overwhelmed or lacking in confidence, you may have wondered whether hypnotherapy could help.
Perhaps you've heard a little about it but aren't quite sure what happens during a session. Or maybe you're curious but feel nervous about trying something new.
That's completely understandable. There are still quite a few misconceptions about hypnotherapy, and it's not always easy to know what to expect.
Hypnotherapy is a gentle, supportive approach that can help you make positive changes to the way you think, feel and respond to situations in everyday life.
Let's take a closer look at what it involves.
What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?
We all develop patterns of thinking and behaviour throughout our lives. Some are helpful, while others can leave us feeling stuck.
You might find yourself worrying about things that haven't happened yet, doubting your abilities or reacting with fear to situations that you know, logically, aren't dangerous.
Sometimes, even when we understand why we're feeling a certain way, it can be difficult to change those feelings.
This is where hypnotherapy may help.
People come to hypnotherapy for all sorts of reasons, including:
Anxiety and stress
Fears and phobias
Confidence and self-esteem
Stopping smoking
Unwanted habits
Difficult experiences from the past
Hypnotherapy can help you explore unhelpful responses and develop different ways of approaching situations that have previously felt difficult.
It's not about changing who you are. It's about helping you feel more comfortable being yourself.
Do I Have to Be Able to Relax for Hypnotherapy to Work?
Absolutely not!
This is something I always explain to clients because I know how difficult relaxation can feel, particularly when you're struggling with anxiety.
If someone tells you that you need to relax, sometimes that can make you feel even more anxious!
Although I use techniques designed to help you feel comfortable and relaxed wherever possible, you don't have to achieve a particular level of relaxation for hypnotherapy to be helpful.
Most people find that they naturally begin to relax as we work together, but it's not something you need to worry about or try to make happen.
There's no right or wrong way to experience hypnosis, and you certainly can't fail at it because you don't feel relaxed enough.
The important thing is that we work together in a way that feels comfortable for you.
What Actually Happens During a Hypnotherapy Session?
One of the questions I'm often asked is, "Will I still know what's going on?"
And the answer is yes!
Hypnotherapy isn't about losing control or being made to do something you don't want to do. You're still you, and you're aware of what's happening around you.
During a session, I'll guide you using techniques that are appropriate for you and whatever you'd like help with.
This might involve using your imagination, exploring particular thoughts or feelings, or developing different ways of responding to situations that have been troubling you.
Some people find it easy to picture things in their imagination, while others experience thoughts, feelings or sensations instead.
All of these are perfectly fine.
You don't have to worry about doing anything correctly or having a particular experience. My job is to guide you through the process, answer your questions and help you feel at ease.
How Many Hypnotherapy Sessions Will I Need?
I offer two structured hypnotherapy programmes, depending on what you'd like help with.
My three-week programme is designed for stopping smoking and straightforward phobias, such as a fear of spiders or heights.
My six-week programme is designed for more complex difficulties, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), eating disorders, weight management, social anxiety, emetophobia (fear of vomiting), health anxiety and working through the effects of difficult or traumatic experiences.
But before we begin any hypnotherapy, we'll have an initial consultation. This is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, talk about what's been troubling you and discuss what you'd like to achieve.
I'll ask you some questions to help me understand your situation and we'll talk about which programme might be most suitable for you. You'll also have plenty of opportunity to ask me questions and find out more about how I work.
There's no pressure to make a decision there and then.
If you decide you'd like to go ahead, I'll use the information from our consultation to put together a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
Although my programmes have a set number of sessions, the work we do within them is individual to you. After all, no two people are exactly alike!
I prefer working with structured programmes because they give us time to build on each session rather than expecting everything to change straight away.
Some people begin noticing changes quite quickly, while others find that their progress is more gradual.
Having that time together allows us to work consistently, recognise the smaller changes along the way and give those changes an opportunity to develop.
My aim is always to help you make meaningful, positive changes that you can carry forward into everyday life.
Is Hypnotherapy Available on the NHS?
Hypnotherapy is sometimes used within NHS services, although it's not routinely available for every condition.
There is some evidence supporting its use for particular difficulties, including certain symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the evidence varies depending on what is being treated.
Many people choose to see a private hypnotherapist because they'd like a more personalised approach or because hypnotherapy isn't available through their local NHS services.
If you're considering hypnotherapy for a medical condition, it's important to continue following advice from your GP or other healthcare professional.
Hypnotherapy can sometimes be a helpful addition to other treatments rather than a replacement for them.
How Will I Feel After Hypnotherapy?
Everyone is different, but many people tell me they feel lovely and relaxed after a session.
You might leave feeling calmer, lighter or more positive about something that's been worrying you.
Sometimes people notice changes quite quickly. At other times, the changes are more gradual.
You might suddenly realise that something which would normally have made you anxious doesn't bother you quite as much.
Not everyone experiences an immediate change, and that's absolutely fine.
It's also worth remembering that progress isn't always a straight line. You may have good days and more challenging days along the way.
The important thing is to recognise the little steps forward rather than expecting everything to change overnight.
How Do I Choose the Right Hypnotherapist?
Finding someone you feel comfortable with is really important.
After all, you may be talking about things that are quite personal, so you want to feel listened to, understood and never judged.
I'd always suggest having a chat with a hypnotherapist before committing to treatment.
You might like to ask about their qualifications, experience and how they work. But just as importantly, notice how you feel when you're talking to them.
Do they take the time to listen? Do they explain things clearly? Do you feel comfortable asking questions?
A good therapeutic relationship is about working together, and you should always feel that you have a say in what happens during your sessions.
Could Hypnotherapy Be Right for You?
If you've been struggling with anxiety, confidence, fears or an unwanted habit, hypnotherapy may be worth exploring.
You don't have to wait until things become unbearable before asking for a little support.
Sometimes we get so used to feeling a certain way that we forget things could be different.
And while hypnotherapy isn't a magic wand or a quick fix for everything, it can offer a gentle, supportive way to begin making changes.
I'm Laura, a qualified hypnotherapist based in Cullompton, Devon, and I work with people who want to feel calmer, more confident and more comfortable in themselves.
My approach is friendly, relaxed and tailored to you. I understand that taking the first step can feel a little daunting, particularly if you've never tried hypnotherapy before.
That's why I always want you to feel comfortable asking questions and talking through any concerns before we begin.
If you're curious about whether hypnotherapy could help you, please feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to have a chat and explain a little more about how I work.
You don't need to have all the answers before you start. Sometimes, simply deciding that you'd like things to be different is a really good first step.
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