Hypnotherapy
David J.Poole
BA(Hons) DipCouns
AdvCertStressMangmt MNRHP UKCP
Tel. 01204 306618
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy
For over 200 years the technique of hypnosis has been used in medicine to treat a wide range of physical, psychological and emotional disorders. It has also long been recognised that hypnosis can successfully be combined with other approaches and techniques in counselling and psychotherapy. In 1997 the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) formally endorsed the term hypno-psychotherapy as “the branch of psychotherapy which uses hypnosis”.
Hypno-psychotherapy recognises that there are many ways of looking at how the mind works. Some people, for instance, take the view that our thoughts and actions are mainly affected by the way we look at the world and how it treats us. Others believe that we are mostly driven by our “subconscious” mind, which is taken to be the store of all our past experiences and emotions. Whatever theory of the mind is applied, hypnosis can be integrated with appropriate psychotherapeutic approaches to help bring about positive changes.
Hypnosis creates a deeply relaxed state in which mental stress and bodily tension are reduced. In this relaxed state, the mind is usually more open to the process of change. As such, client and therapist can safely work together, using an agreed approach, to enhance mental, physical and emotional well-being.
What can it be used for?
Hypno-psychotherapy can help to achieve positive and lasting results in:
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Cessation of dependencies and habits
- Eating disorders
- Smoking
- Nail biting
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Management of stress-related disorders
- Phobias
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
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Managing personal crises
- Accident or trauma
- Miscarriage
- Bereavement
- Redundancy
- Divorce
- Coping with illness
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Optimising psychological well-being
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
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Achieving personal growth
- Building self-esteem
- Resolving relationship difficulties
- Enhancing job or career satisfaction
- Improving sporting performance
The hypnosis session
During the hypnosis session itself, the client is invited to relax in an armchair or couch and is then guided into a state of deep physical and mental relaxation.
While in hypnosis, the client is generally still aware of their surroundings and can choose to come out of hypnosis at any time. No responsible therapist would attempt to hypnotise anyone against their will, or encourage an individual to act against their natural inclinations whilst in hypnosis.
At the end of the hypnosis session, the client will be gently returned to the normal waking state. Most new clients are surprised at how far away the reality of hypnotherapy is from any previous expectation of “mind control”, and find the experience deeply relaxing.
I also work at the Worsley Therapy Centre, 50 Bridgwater Road, Walkden, which has parking facilities and is close to main bus and rail routes. I offer home visits where appropriate quiet conditions are available.
