01202 303722
Joy Wood BA(hons) PGCE MBACP MHS(Acc) MCS(Acc)
John Sackett MBACP MHS(Acc) MCS(Acc)
What is Hypnotherapy and how does it work?
For those who have not considered hypnotherapy before, let us put your mind at rest. Hypnosis is a perfectly natural state, which many of us experience quite normally in our everyday lives and clients often liken it to daydreaming. An altered state of awareness where beneficial suggestions can be readily accepted into the subconscious mind to replace harmful or unwanted thought processes with more helpful and positive ones. A kind of mental key, if you like, to unlock the power of your subconscious mind, where past knowledge and memories are stored as well as a vast reservoir of potential for your future.
The 'therapy' part of the word speaks for itself, (from the Greek therapeia, meaning to heal or take care of). After an 'in depth' discussion to ascertain the exact nature of the problem, a personalised treatment plan will be written for each individual client, the natural hypnotic state is then induced by a qualified therapist in controlled conditions and with the skillful guidance of the therapist, the client is helped and encouraged to make the necessary changes within themselves to affect a cure.
This is the key to successful hypnotherapy.
It is you, the client, who is always in control throughout the process, the therapist is your skilled guide on this incredible inner journey of self healing, there are no drugs, no needles, no invasive surgery and it all takes place while you are completely relaxed in a very comfortable chair!
Does Hypnotherapy work for anything?
There are many different ways to use hypnotherapy for a vast array of problems, some of these require specialist training and some can be used alongside more conventional treatments to enhance or even quicken results. However, there are many things that can be successfully treated with hypnotherapy alone and details of the most popular treatments can be found on our treatments page. If you would like to discuss a particular problem which is not listed, please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to give you any information we can and if we are unable to help, we can probably refer you to a colleague who can.
Will I be made to do something embarrassing or against my will?
No, definitely not, the procedure will always be explained to you beforehand and during the treatment you will always be aware of what you are being asked to do. You are free to end the session at any time if you do not feel comfortable.
I am a bit anxious, I don't understand what will happen to me.
The first part of the initial session will always be an in depth discussion about the particular issue to be addressed to enable us to understand the problem fully and help us to determine the best course of treatment. This will always be fully discussed, explained and agreed before any hypnotherapy treatment takes place. The actual hypnotherapy will typically start with relaxation techniques for both body and mind, followed by positive suggestions for the changes which need to be made or maybe taking the mind on a pleasant guided journey where those changes can be visualised. At the end of the session you will feel refreshed and invigorated, already aware of the positive and successful changes you have made.
Will I be asleep?
While the depth of hypnotic trance will vary with each individual, and will also depend on the type of treatment, it is not the same as sleep. The outward signs can be quite similar, slow gentle breathing, rapid eye movement, even light snoring, but you will always remain aware and in control, able to bring yourself out of trance should you feel the need, or easily respond to the therapists suggestions to end the trance when the session is completed.
How quickly does it work?
The results can often be felt immediately. Some things, such as weight loss for example, will by their nature take time to reach a particular goal, but you will notice a difference from the very first treatment and be encouraged by your own success to reach that goal. There is a guide to the number of sessions required on our treatments page, but each treatment will bring about changes very quickly and it is sometimes important to do this in stages to give your subconscious mind time to accept these changes and adapt to them.
Could I remain hypnotised after the session?
While it is quite normal to feel relaxed and even a little drowsy on coming out of a hypnotic trance, you will usually come around fairly quickly and as professional hypnotherapists, we always leave a little time for a chat and to ensure that you are fully conscious before the session ends.
Why choose hypnotherapy over other treatments?
Hypnotherapy is completely non invasive, there are no drugs, no needles, no bending, stretching or massaging, therefore, there are no harmful side effects or any recuperation period. There is no awkward undressing, wearing a gown that gapes open at the back. The treatment is conducted professionally and confidentially in a friendly, comfortable enviroment, with your full co-operation and consent at all times. Perhaps the question should be 'why not choose hypnotherapy?'.
Do I need to see my Doctor before treatment?
This will depend on what the treatment is for. Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment and any medical conditions should be properly diagnosed by a suitably qualified medical professional. We will always check if you have any relevant medical conditions or are currently taking any prescribed drugs and if so, we are bound by our Code of Ethics to advise you to inform your GP before carrying out any treatment. This is done to safeguard your own health and safety and does not mean that treatment cannot be carried out successfully. If you are visiting your GP before coming for hypnotherapy it is advisable to speak to him or her about it, alternatively we are happy to contact him or her on your behalf.
Is the treatment confidential?
The best and most successful hypnotherapy is always based on personalised treatment, tailored to suit your individual requirements. It is essential, threrfore, to obtain personal information from you in order to do this. Please be assured that this information and anything that is discussed during the sessions remains in the strictest confidence at all times, unless legal statute requires us to notify the appropriate authorities, (usually relating to criminal issues and issues of self harm), compliant with our Code of Ethics which can be found via the link to the Hypnotherapy Society on our homepage.
Is there a Professional Organisation to ensure high standards?
We are both registered with the Hypnotherapy Society, one of several professional bodies which currently regulate hypnotherapy practice and we are listed on their website at the above address. We are also listed on other hypnotherapy registers which cover Great Britain and Ireland at www.hypnotherapistregister.com and www.hypnotherapy-uk-register.co.uk
Swans Therapy, 29A Brackendale Road, Queens Park, Bournemouth, BH8 9HY. Tel 01202 303722
