OTHER THERAPIES
EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a form of psychotherapy originally developed to assist in resolving symptoms resulting from traumatic events. The approach addresses the past, present and future aspects of the traumatic or dysfunctional memory and transforms the emotional, sensory and cognitive components so that it is no longer distressing. It is therefore extremely beneficial for those who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events, and as a consequence may be suffering from recurring flash-backs, nightmares, thoughts and beliefs, such as those who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The therapy will enable you to focus on solutions rather than the problems themselves and as such, will highlight your strengths and competencies instead of any perceived deficits, weaknesses and limitations. Clearly defined goals are identified at the start so that we both know what you intend to achieve and can therefore identify when counselling is no longer necessary. An EMDR treatment session can last up to 90 minutes. I will move my fingers back and forth in front of your face and ask you to follow these hand motions with your eyes. At the same time, I will ask you to recall a disturbing event. This will include the emotions and body sensations that go along with it. Gradually, I will guide you to shift your thoughts to more pleasant ones.
NLP
NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming. Neuro – refers to how the mind and body interact. Physical changes are linked with emotions. For example, we may experience ‘butterflies’ in the stomach when we’re nervous, or blush if we’re embarrassed. Some people may have a dry mouth when they feel anxious. In essence, all behaviour is physiological which means it has its origins in the neurological processes; sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch. Linguistic – refers to the insights into a person’s thinking. We use language to order our thoughts and communicate with others. The cognitive or thinking part of your brain relies on language to make sense of our experiences and to interpret our world. ​Programming – refers not to the activity of programming, but to the study of the thinking and behavioural patterns or ‘programmes’ which people use in their daily lives; how we organise ideas and actions. When we respond to a situation in a certain way, this response becomes a template for the future and is repeated when other similar situations are encountered. This pattern is learned by the brain and will continue to be used until something different is programmed or learned. ​A number of empowering methods and techniques are used to help people change how they think, feel and behave. This can be achieved through the use of visualisation techniques, adapting the way your mind perceives the world and detaching it from unwanted or painful memories. It differs from hypnosis in that no formal trance is induced, however, NLP can also be used whilst in hypnosis, which can be incredibly beneficial.
PAST LIFE REGRESSION
Some people believe that we have lived before; some having lived many lives, some fewer. Sometimes some of the memories and karma from previous lives can be brought forward into our present life and affect us physically, emotionally or psychologically in the way we live now. Just as a child’s earliest experiences influence them as an adult later in life, the stored knowledge of past lives can contribute to and affect our present choices and decisions too. If you’re interested to know who you might have been in a past life, keep getting recurring dreams, obsessed with a particular time in history or keen to know why you have an unexplained phobia or pain, a Past Life Regression (PLR) might help. To access these previous lives, the client is guided into hypnosis in a specific way and whilst in this pleasant, relaxed state, events and memories from a past life can be recollected and if necessary, therapeutic intervention carried out to ensure that any negative traits or problems lingering from previous lives are eliminated so that they can no longer affect the client in their current life. Accessing these memories allows the healing process to begin.
REIKI
Reiki is an ancient holistic healing therapy thought to have originated in Tibet thousands of years ago. It is a gentle yet powerful form of hands-on healing that can help to restore balance and harmony to the mind, body and spirit. The energy channelled in Reiki healing is the universal energy that surrounds all life. This unseen energy flows through all living things and directly affects our quality of health. It has been part of the wisdom of many cultures since ancient times. This energy that naturally flows through us can however become blocked or depleted due to illness, stress or emotional problems. Reiki assists in re-balancing the energy flow in the body and as such enhances the body’s ability to heal itself. It works to strengthen the immune system so that illness can be better resisted and overcome more easily, thus maintaining health. Due to the deep feelings of peace, serenity and relaxation experienced from Reiki, it is also excellent for relieving stress. As well as helping many physical ailments, it can also promote the changing of any negative mental habits, turning these into more positive and productive thought patterns. In essence, Reiki energy is gentle to receive, yet powerful in terms of healing, the long-lasting benefits of which can often be felt immediately on all levels. Prior to the treatment commencing, I’ll explain a little about what to expect and how the session will be conducted. You then recline back or lie down, fully clothed, on a therapy couch. Some like to have a blanket to cover their body since the body’s temperature often drops when we enter a relaxed state. I then channel the universal energy and place my hands in various positions above your body, or lightly on you if you’re comfortable with this. Many of these positions relate to our chakras, although each session is centred on the client and their needs and therefore each session may vary. It is important to note that the energy does not come from me; it is simply channelled or conducted through my palms to you. This energy will then automatically flow to where it is needed in the body or aura. Neither of us has to use any effort of will or concentration during this process. Reiki usually encourages a relaxed meditative state, and you may find that you drift in and out of a light sleep. Some people experience colours, insights or sensations, such as heat, coolness or a mild tingling during a session, but this is not necessary in order to receive healing. It is not necessary to experience anything to benefit from the treatment – all that is required is that you are relaxed and open to healing. At the end of the session, clients feel relaxed yet refreshed with a more positive, balanced outlook
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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.