HYPNOTHERAPY
Hypnosis is a completely safe and natural process in which you can allow yourself to relax completely. It is a totally natural state of mind which utilizes naturally occurring states of altered awareness. We go in and out of these ‘altered states’ many times a day without necessarily being aware of having done so. We may have momentary distractions or ‘absences’ such as when we’re day-dreaming or we may enter a more enhanced state of relaxation which is similar to that just before we fall asleep. There are also very deep states of inward focus and awareness. All of these are relaxed states, similar to that used during hypnosis. ​A hypnotherapist is able to guide you into this relaxed hypnotic state or ‘trance’ in an almost unnoticeable way, using ‘hypnotherapy’, which then allows for effective communication with your unconscious (or subconscious) mind to take place. This communication, or hypnotherapy, is used to bring about the beneficial changes you would like to see in your life. During hypnosis, positive changes that might previously have seemed difficult or impossible now seem achievable as your unconscious mind becomes more receptive to new ideas and feelings. These changes in your thoughts, feelings or behaviour are retained once you come out of hypnosis and carry on with your day-to-day life. Trance is not essential for effective change; it simply speeds up the therapeutic process.​ Hypnotherapy originates in procedures and practices discovered around three hundred years ago and has gone through many changes over the years. Often people think of hypnosis as swinging watches, ‘You are getting sleeepy…’ phrases and direct commands such as ‘You will stop smoking’. Things have moved on! This approach may work for some people but some will offer resistance to it.​Nowadays there are numerous techniques used in this clinical field to treat such things as habits, phobias and much deeper-rooted emotional and psychological problems. Ericksonian hypnotherapy utilises indirect suggestions and metaphor, which tend to be accepted by the unconscious mind more readily. This form of therapy is used by many hypnotherapists these days and was pioneered by Milton Erickson, a psychiatrist who is often considered the ‘greatest therapist who ever lived’. He influenced and shaped the way many of us work today, adapting therapy to suit the client, using imagination and metaphor.
ONLINE THERAPY
Online sessions work in a very similar way as they would if I were to see you face-to-face. These are done via video from your PC, laptop, mobile or tablet. I typically use Skype, however, other options are available such as WhatsApp, Messenger or Teams Once we have set up an appointment, I will send you a registration form prior to the first session, together with some information regarding my practice, policies and the session itself. The form needs to be completed and returned to me in advance. ​ We will then connect for the appointment using a video link. You will need to ensure that you have a place where you can relax undisturbed and where your body and head are fully supported, for example on a reclining chair, the sofa or your bed. The electronic device you use should be fully charged and/or plugged in for the duration of the session. The appointment will then progress as it would in a clinic environment, but with the added convenience for yourself and the comfort of being in your own home.
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Can I get stuck in a past life?Very definitely no! We explore past lives through your unconscious mind whilst in hypnosis. In the thousands of years of hypnotism, no-one has ever got stuck or lost. It’s a natural state of mind that we all go in and out of many times a day. It is important though, that you choose to have a past life regression carried out by somebody who is suitably trained and qualified to do so.
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I'm not sure I believe in reincarnation.....Belief in reincarnation is not necessary to achieve positive results with Past Life Regression; all you need is an open mind and a willingness to try.
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What kind of things can we explore in a PLR session?During a session we can… Find a past life to explore for interest Investigate the root of a current physical and/or emotional illness, trauma or phobia Understand and resolve any current life relationships and challenges See how the past choices can have influence over current life patterns and events Eliminate or reduce any fears around dying identify a life you may have lived in any particular country, place or time period that you feel drawn to Uncover any past life talents and skills Find someone from your current life that you feel you have known previously Gain a more spiritual perspective and purpose to your current life path.
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Will I be aware of what's going on?During hypnosis your eyes will be closed, however you will be aware of everything that is going on and what is being said. Many people don’t actually feel ‘hypnotised’, purely relaxed. It is common, however, following a session, to not remember all of what has been said. This in no way affects the efficacy of the therapy. ​
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What if I find it difficult to relax?It is my job to help you relax and you will probably find it a lot easier to do so than you might imagine. The way I talk to you, the music I use and the surroundings all enhance the relaxing experience. Having said that, you do not need to be physically or mentally relaxed in order for you to be hypnotised. You can be very alert whilst hypnotised and the therapy still be effective.
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Can I be made to do or say anything I don't want to?No. There is no mind control involved in any of the therapies used. During hypnotherapy, as with all the other therapies, you are in control at all times and will only act on suggestions that are beneficial to you; anything else will simply be filtered out. You do not have to say or do anything you don’t want to.
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Will I be ok to drive afterwardsFor a few moments after receiving hypnotherapy you may feel slightly drowsy and have a tendency to yawn. This will quickly pass however and you should then feel calm, re-energized and pleasantly relaxed. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
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Are there any negative side-effects?Quite simply, no! Your unconscious will only take on-board suggestions and changes to your behaviour and thoughts if they are of benefit to you.
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Is it like the stage hypnotists I may have seen on TV?No! Stage hypnotism uses particular techniques to induce fast, rapid trances. What I do, is purely therapeutic and everything about the session is very relaxed. Those who participate is stage hypnosis do so because they want to and they do it for purposes of entertainment. The hypnosis I do bears no resemblance to what you see on stage or on TV. It is all about helping you and is done in a professional, relaxed way where you are totally in control at all times.
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Can anyone be hypnotised?Everyone can be hypnotised if they want to be. Some are easier to hypnotise than others. There are several factors which influence the responsiveness of a client. These include their willingness to be hypnotised, whether they have any fears or misconceptions relating to hypnosis, a belief in it, their ability to relax, the rapport between client and therapist, the ambient surroundings, etc. Once someone has been hypnotised, it is easier in subsequent sessions to enter hypnosis.
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Can I get stuck in a trance?No-one has ever been left in a trance state. It is a totally naturally occurring state that we all go in and out of many times a day. Hypnosis involves focused attention which is controlled by you. You are therefore in control the whole time. Some people will find that due to its deeply relaxing effect, they would rather it continue and as such it may take some a minute or so longer to return to the ‘here and now’! You cannot however, be left in a trance.
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How long is a Reiki treatment and how many sessions will I need?A full Reiki treatment usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour so the client should allow themselves plenty of time. This promotes a deeper level of relaxation and obviously allows additional time for the energy flow to promote healing and wellbeing. It is usually advisable to have a series of four sessions of Reiki taken over a series of days or weeks depending on the nature of the condition or ailment, in order to get the most benefit from the healing energy. This, however, is not essential and many of my clients come as and when they feel they need a boost. Some have no particular issues they’d like addressing, but have regular sessions purely for relaxation and to feel rejuvenated.
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Does Reiki require belief?Reiki is not a religion or faith. It does rely on certain spiritual principles and encourages spiritual growth, but religious belief is not necessary to experience this treatment. What is required is a commitment to one’s own healing and self-improvement. The therapist acts as a facilitator only, ultimately it is up to the client to take responsibility for his/her own healing.
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Are there any negative side-effects?Reiki is simple, natural and safe. It’s even suitable for young babies. No pressure is applied to the body, so everyone can benefit from Reiki. This non-invasive, completely safe healing technique is becoming more and more popular. As Western medicine continues to explore alternative methods of healing, Reiki is beginning to play an important role as an accepted and valued healing practice and is used to complement therapies in hospitals across the world. Reiki does not hurt. It is a gentle and effective treatment that will bring balance to your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Very occasionally, clients may experience, headaches or other ‘de-tox’ type side-effects but this is very rare. It must be emphasised, however, that Reiki is not a substitute for regular medical or psychological care, but works in conjunction with them to relieve side effects and promote healing.