What is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?

It is a safe, modern type of ‘talking therapy’ that combines the use of psychotherapy and hypnosis having its basis in neuroscience. We focus all our attention on getting you to be the best version of yourself. To get you to this end destination there is no need for you to recall negative experiences associated with the past. We recognise that we can’t change the past so we begin with the end in mind. We look at what you want to achieve (the solution) as opposed to what prompted you to seek help (the problem).

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis or trance describes a time when we experience a shift in our conscious awareness. This is very different to what you may have seen in ‘stage hypnosis’. In our day to day lives, we naturally go in and out of trance states many times a day, perhaps when we’re driving or reading a book. In this relaxed state, we experience changes in our conscious awareness-almost like being in a daydream. During this time, the unconscious mind is more aware and can focus on helpful suggestions and thoughts. When we are relaxed we can also visualise images and reflect on different ideas that may be useful for us.

Can everyone be hypnotised?

Everyone goes into a state of trance regularly throughout the course of the day and everyone can achieve a REM state during their sleep. Our relaxation session together is a contrived REM state. Some people are more susceptible to hypnosis and the depth of hypnosis that people go into can differ greatly. As long as you possess the ability to relax you will enable your conscious and unconscious minds to work together to help find solutions to your problems.

How does Solution Focused Hypnotherapy help?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy focuses on the present and the future and not the past. It provides a framework for you to design and implement goals that help you to reach your desired outcome. Guided relaxation is used to help lower anxiety levels and allows the focus to be on the positive aspects of life to encourage a positive shift in perspective.

What can I expect during a typical session of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy uses practical, structured and well-researched strategies to help you make positive changes in a relatively short period of time.

Each session will begin with me asking about your week. This will help us to discuss the positive things that have been going on in your life and what you have noticed that is helping you to get nearer your goal.

We will then discuss how your brain works so that you have a good understanding of the relevant neuroscience surrounding your problem and how your brain is working to successfully find a solution.

Using solution-focused questioning we will then discuss how you are going to move forward in your life and what you can do to reach your preferred future. Depending on your circumstances we may also involve other elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

After this, you will be guided into a state of relaxation where you can enjoy relaxing in a dream-like state. During this relaxed state, your mind will focus on and further absorb and reflect on the things that have been discussed at the session.

Do you offer face to face or online hypnotherapy?

I work exclusively online for a variety of reasons. If you would like to find out more about online hypnotherapy and the benefits of using it please click here

How many sessions will I need?

This will obviously vary from individual to individual but for problems linked to stress and anxiety, we can expect to see each other for around 6 to 12 sessions. This is also around the same length of time that will be needed for you to successfully make positive changes to your mindset and embed new eating patterns into your daily life.

Phobias are normally successfully treated with 3 sessions and smoking in 1.

How are the sessions conducted?

Sessions are conducted via Zoom. As it is essentially a talking therapy Solution Focused Hypnotherapy lends itself very well to being run online. The benefit of being online means that you do not need to travel to an appointment and you can relax in familiar surroundings. If you prefer face to face therapy then if you’re within a travelling distance I am happy to visit you in your home.