Hypno-psychotherapy: hypnosis and the mind
About the author
Justina Pettifer Dip Hyp Member of NRHP (Full) is a practising hypno-psychotherapist and a full member of NHRP.
Justina is a director of the Marlborough Natural Health Centre and offers clinics in Marlborough and Calne, in Wiltshire, UK.
The Marlborough Natural Health Centre, 47 Kingsbury St, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN11 8EW, UK
01672 51 50 51
www.daretobeyourself.co.uk
For over two hundred 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 recognized that hypnosis may successfully be combined with other approaches and techniques - for example, counseling, psychotherapy and Reiki. In 1997, the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) formally endorsed the new term, hypno-psychotherapy, as "the branch of psychotherapy which uses hypnosis".
Hypnosis and the mind
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. Whichever theory is applied, hypnosis can be integrated with appropriate psychotherapeutic approaches to help bring about positive change.
Helping to bring about change
Hypnosis customarily 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. The client and therapist can work safely together, using an agreed approach, to enhance mental, physical and emotional well being.
Hypno-psychotherapy can help to achieve positive and lasting results in:
- Cessation of dependencies and habits
e.g. Smoking, Eating disorders, Nail Biting - Management of stress related disorders
e.g. Phobias, Panic attacks, Insomnia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Managing personal crises
e.g. Accident or trauma, Miscarriage, Bereavement, Redundancy, Divorce, Coping with illness - Optimising psychological well-being
e.g. Stress, Anxiety, Depression - Achieving personal growth
e.g. Building or rebuilding self-esteem, Resolving relationship difficulties, Enhancing job or career satisfaction, Improving sporting performance
Only a selection of the many challenges we face, as fallible human beings, are mentioned above. There are many others, and they can be discussed in strict confidence with the therapist.
However, you should be aware that there are significant doubts about whether a medically orientated approach (i.e. diagnosis, treatment, and cure) is applicable to the above problems of living, and that the issue being addressed may reflect or cover additional issues.
The initial consultation
Prior to any hypno-psychotherapy taking place there will be a consultation, or consultation period, where the issue or problem to be resolved is discussed and where the client has an opportunity to discuss the treatment approach, the number of recommended sessions and the likely cost.
Medical considerations
Few medical conditions contra-indicate the use of hypnosis, though in some cases liaison with the client's medical practitioner may be appropriate. Almost everyone who wishes to be hypnotized can achieve a level of relaxation sufficient to allow therapy to take place.
The hypnosis session
Generally speaking, 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.
In the hypnotic state
While in hypnosis, the client is still generally 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.
After the hypnosis session
At the end of the 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 prior expectation of mind control, and find the experience deeply relaxing.
Training for hypnotherapists
At present, anybody in the UK can set up in practice as a Hypnotherapist, without undergoing any formal training. One way to ensure that your therapist has been properly trained is to ensure that they are a member of the National Register of Hypnotherapists and Psychotherapists (NRHP)
All NRHP members have trained to the syllabus requirements of the National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy, or have hypno-psychotherapy training equivalent to the training requirements of UKCP's Hypno-Psychotherapy Section. The National College provides a thorough training in hypno-psychotherapy, with comprehensive coverage of hypnotherapeutic techniques integrated with a variety of psychotherapeutic approached. The National College is also the only institution of its kind externally accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Higher Education.
United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy
The UKCP is a registered charity which aims to create a well regulated, broadly based psychotherapy profession. UKCP expects its Member Organisations to adhere to and apply guidelines for standards of training and ethical practice intended for the protection of the public. (See our professional bodies listings for the UKCP contact details.)
