Amanda Dounis

Myth 1: Hypnotherapy is Mind Control One of the most pervasive myths is that hypnotherapy involves the therapist controlling the mind of the individual. In reality, hypnotherapy is a cooperative process where the client remains in control throughout the session. The therapist guides the client into a state of focused attention, but it is the client who allows this process to happen. Hypnotherapy empowers individuals to access their inner resources to make positive changes. Myth 2: You Can Get Stuck in Hypnosis A fear that some people have is that they can become "stuck" in a state of hypnosis indefinitely. This is entirely unfounded. Hypnosis is a natural state of concentrated attention that individuals enter and exit regularly. Even if a hypnotherapist were to leave the room suddenly, a person in hypnosis would either fall asleep and then wake up naturally or simply return to their usual level of alertness. Myth 3: Hypnotherapy Works Instantly or Not at All Another common misconception is that hypnotherapy produces immediate and permanent results in just one session. While hypnotherapy can be highly effective for certain conditions in a relatively short amount of time, it often requires multiple sessions to achieve lasting change. The effectiveness of hypnotherapy depends on many factors, including the nature of the issue, the individual’s responsiveness to hypnosis, and their commitment to change. Myth 4: Hypnosis Can Make You Perform Actions Against Your Will This myth is largely propagated by stage hypnosis shows where participants seem to perform silly or unusual actions seemingly against their will. However, therapeutic hypnotherapy operates on a principle of consent and collaboration. Individuals cannot be hypnotised against their will, nor can they be forced to do things that are against their morals or ethics whilst in a hypnotic state. Myth 5: Only Weak-minded People Can Be Hypnotised The ability to enter into a hypnotic state has nothing to do with one's strength of mind. In fact, studies suggest that people with a greater capacity for concentration and mental imagery may be more responsive to hypnotherapy. Being open to the process and willing to engage actively with the therapist are key factors in the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. Myth 6: Hypnotherapy is a "Magical" Cure While hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for change, it is not a magic wand. Success with hypnotherapy requires active participation from the client, including following through with the therapist’s suggestions and possibly making lifestyle changes. It is most effective when used as a complement to other therapeutic interventions.

Clinical hypnotherapy employs a range of techniques tailored to assist individuals in overcoming and dealing with psychological, emotional, and some physical issues. Here's an overview of common techniques used in clinical hypnotherapy: Progressive Relaxation and Visualisation: Often, the session begins with progressive relaxation, where the therapist guides the individual to relax each part of the body progressively, enhancing a state of calm. Visualisation techniques may accompany this, where the individual is guided to imagine peaceful and calming scenes, which helps deepen the hypnotic state. Suggestion Therapy: Once in a relaxed state, the therapist uses suggestive language to help encourage changes in attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs. These suggestions are designed to be absorbed by the subconscious mind, which can influence conscious thought and behaviour. This technique is particularly useful for habits, phobias, and addictions. Parts Therapy: This technique recognises that a person may have conflicting parts within their subconscious that influence behaviour or thoughts negatively. Through hypnosis, these parts are identified and addressed, aiming to resolve internal conflicts. Posthypnotic Suggestions: These are suggestions given to individuals during hypnosis that are meant to be acted upon after the session has ended. They can be particularly effective for changing behaviours, such as quitting smoking or improving motivation for activities like exercise. Self-Hypnosis Training: Therapists often teach individuals self-hypnosis techniques so they can enter a hypnotic state on their own. This empowers the individual to manage their condition and reinforce positive suggestions independently. Clinical hypnotherapy can be highly personalised, with techniques chosen and adapted to fit the individual's specific needs and goals. It's a collaborative process, with the therapist guiding the individual through the techniques in a way that's comfortable and effective for them.

Clinical Hypnotherapy offers benefits to individuals experiencing various levels of emotional or physical discomfort, providing an adjunct or enhancement to conventional treatment methods. It's applicable in a wide array of areas, including but not limited to: Psychological and emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, anger management, mood swings, stress relief, grief, guilt, and personal growth. Behavioural challenges including smoking cessation, nail biting, habit control, gambling, and eating disorders like bulimia and overeating. Physical conditions and symptoms like asthma, high blood pressure, chronic pain, eczema, and digestive disorders. Performance and motivation areas, encompassing exam nerves, sports motivation, public speaking, and goal setting. Specific conditions such as phobias, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction, and even certain psychiatric disorders like forms of schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Hypnotherapy leverages the relaxation response to enhance the individual's attitude towards treatment, which can be particularly beneficial for managing pain, aiding in recovery, and mitigating the emotional impact of physical injuries. It's crucial to recognise, however, that hypnotherapy serves as a complement to, not a substitute for, medical care provided by a doctor. The efficacy of hypnotherapy greatly depends on the individual's genuine desire and commitment for improvement. Please remember, while hypnotherapy can support and enhance treatment for a wide range of conditions, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. In addition hypnotherapy is very helpful when used as part of a wider treatment team. For example, someone seeking help whilst suffering IBS should be under the care and treatment of a medical team (GP, specialist, Dietician etc). The role of the hypnotherapist may be to assist with stress and relaxation. This is a critical part of elevating and preventing flare ups and uncomfortable symptoms.