What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is the use of psychological ideas and theories in the treatment of disorders of the mind, for example such as depression, anxiety and panic attacks. It is essentially a talking therapy aimed at influencing the way people think about or behave in response to conditions or events in their life which are causing them problems. Although there are a number of major forms of psychotherapy, each with it’s own merits one of the most fashionable, currently, and possibly most researched, is the group of therapies known as The Cognitive Behavioural Therapies. In these therapies the assumption is that the problems people experience are the result of dysfunctional beliefs and thoughts, and treatment focuses on changing these beliefs and thoughts. This therapy is goal orientated and requires a fairly high level of commitment from the patient. Although it has the considerable support of the NHS as with any therapy, it is by no means suitable for everyone.

Hypnosis

In a therapeutic context is often experienced as a state of deep and pleasant relaxation, rather like daydreaming or reverie and in this state therapeutic suggestions are more readily accepted by the unconscious mind. This form of hypnosis is called Suggestion Hypnosis and can be very effective for treating problem habits such as smoking or habit eating. Analytical Hypnosis is used to treat problems such as guilt, shame and relationship issues which typically involve looking at earlier aspects of the clients life. Sometimes regression techniques are used in which one can re-experience imaginatively significant events in one’s earlier life and by the application of one’s own inner resources, resolve the problem.

Hypnosis is used both on its own and as a tool in psychotherapy. In addition the deep relaxation afforded by hypnosis provides a natural method of treatment for many conditions which arise from the stresses and strains of modern living.

It is important to appreciate that no one can be hypnotised against their will, hypnosis is essentially a voluntary state so far as the client is concerned and requires the co-operation of the client. Occasionally at the initial session clients express concern that they may not be able to enter the hypnotic state, however almost everyone who wishes to be hypnotised can achieve a level of hypnosis adequate for therapy. Frequently clients arrive for therapy with the mistaken belief that during hypnosis they will be unconscious or “asleep”. At the end of the session they may express the feeling that they were not hypnotised claiming “I heard every word....” however, during hypnosis although relaxed, clients are in a highly aware and focused state and will hear everything said during the session.

Hypnotherapy

Refers to the use of hypnosis in therapy. Hypnosis can be readily used with any of the numerous approaches and techniques within the major psychotherapies and counselling, the chief advantage of which is the reduction in the time spent in therapy.

How can Hypnotherapy/Psychotherapy help?
There are a wide range of problems which respond to hypnotherapeutic interventions, only some of which are listed below:

Life Coaching

Is a process which has many common elements with both psychotherapy and counselling but it is NOT concerned with people who need therapy, rather it is concerned with people who have problems with living - those who:

• Are fed up with their lifestyle
• Want to change but don’t know how to
• Feel to be in a rut
• Want to move forward in life

Life coaching can help you to:

• Examine the level of balance in your life
• To discover where you want to go and how to get there
• Give you confidence to trust and listen to your inner voice
• To clarify your sense of direction
• To analyse your strengths and weaknesses
• To achieve what you really want to achieve

Clients coming for Life coaching require a high level of commitment and are prepared to involve themselves in identifying goals and taking action - in return for which maximum support will be given.

What happens on my first visit?
During your first visit a detailed history will be taken of your problems and note will be made of any drugs or treatments currently undertaken. The nature and methods of the therapy to be used will be explained and as far as possible, your questions answered. Depending on the presenting problem and if time allows this would be followed by a period of deep relaxation.

How many sessions will I need?
Sessions are initially spaced weekly, and are of approximately one hour duration. The number of sessions required will depend amongst other things on the nature of the problem, and how the client responds. For some conditions there are treatment protocols and a fairly accurate assessment of the number of sessions can be given. For example for Gut Directed Hypnotherapy for IBS between 6 and 12 sessions would be required. For smoking a single double length session* is normal although some difficult cases may require an additional single session. For Life Problems such as childhood abuse, family/relationships, then the number of sessions required would be more difficult to assess initially but clients should be aware of a positive change in their attitude or condition after the first few sessions.

The cost of each hourly single session is £40.00, payable at the end of the session. Payment may be made by cheque, or cash.

*The cost for this smoking session is £80

Client expectations
Clients can expect:

1. Complete confidentiality, you will be consulted even if I need to discuss your case with colleagues.
2. To have the nature of your therapy or treatment explained and agreed initially and as it progresses.
3. To review progress on a session by session basis.
4. To be treated with courtesy and integrity at all times.

Please note full session fee will be due unless 24 hrs notice of cancellation is given.