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Hypnotherapy is a combination of psychotherapy and hypnosis. Psychotherapy is sometimes referred to as ‘talking treatment’. It uses personal interaction to enhance the impact of psychological tools to bring about change in a person’s mental health and wellbeing.

Trance-like State

Hypnosis or trance is a natural state we all experience approximately every 7 minutes. Ever completed a run without realising how far you’ve run until you stop? Driven somewhere and think ‘how did I get here?’ These are everyday examples of being in trance. You will be in a trance while reading this blog. During an appointment, you will be guided to this wonderfully relaxed state allowing access to the subconscious mind, which will be receptive to change. The experience is nothing like stage hypnotism. You will not be instructed to act in manner that you would not normally agree to. You will not lose control. If you fall asleep, I will not be offended because you will be relaxed!

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy

MindAbility Hypnotherapy specialises in solution focused hypnotherapy. Unlike other forms of therapy (which are credible but may not suit everyone) we do not focus on the past or problem in order to move forward. Think of it as a car journey from A to B. Techniques are based on the latest neuroscience. This helps us immensely to understand how anxiety, depression and other conditions are created. More importantly, how the client can improve their wellbeing.

Neuroscience has shown when the left prefrontal cortex is in control, we seek solutions. This area of the brain does not create negative emotional responses associated with anxiety, depression, phobias, PTSD, OCD etc. This part of the brain is rational and makes informed decisions. There is another part of the brain – the limbic system lead by the amygdala. The amygdala is responsible for creating the fight/flight or freeze response. Either the limbic system or the intellectual area (left prefrontal cortex) is in control – they are not capable of sharing.

Don’t get me wrong, the limbic system is a phenomenal bit of kit and brilliant at self preservation. Ever grabbed a child by the scruff of their collar just before they run into the road? Or swerved the car when that kid has run into the road? This is the limbic system at it’s best. Continuously scanning the environment for dangers and reacting. However, when the limbic system is predominantly in charge anxiety; depression; OCD; IBS; weight gain or loss of appetite; poor sleep and irritability become prevalent because it perceives everything to be a threat.

Making Positive Changes

Hypnotherapy gradually returns control to the intellectual brain. During each session, there will be emphasis on the small positive changes made. You will visualise your intended steps towards your goal, and during trance, your mind will reflect on those solutions as behavioural templates for possible future action. By doing so, you experience that wonderful neurotransmitter Serotonin – because who doesn’t like to feel good and capable?

Hypnotherapy appointments last an hour so real change is dependent on how you implement the knowledge in your natural environment. You will be provided with a download to listen to every night (becoming very familiar with my voice!). This will guide you to a relaxed state to help minimise negative thought preoccupation prior to sleep. Listen to your brain, if you prefer to listen to the download all the way through or to fall asleep in the first 5 minutes – the impact will be the same. Do what is comfortable.

With improved sleep and emphasis on achieving small victories, you will notice a difference. You will no longer be overwhelmed by feelings of anger, sadness or anxiety. Your new resilience will enable you to accept events and not dwell on them. Perception is power.