Why Hypnosis isn’t the Therapy

The trouble with hypnotherapy is that it can help anything and everything. At least this is the impression one finds when on a hunt for the answer to a problem. On the contrary there are very few people that seek out hypnotherapy. My biggest struggle as the marketer of my own hypnotherapy service, is spreading the word that hypnotherapy will help you.

If you are of my generation, you will remember Saturday night TV and The Hypnotic World of Paul McKenna. I loved that programme and found the hypnosis fascinating. This basic awareness of hypnosis is what most people have. As a result, the general understanding is that a hypnotherapist can use hypnosis to take control of the client’s mind to make changes. For those that hold this belief hypnotherapy can go one of two ways.

Fantastically because the client’s belief in the experience is so strong that his or her brain will make the changes for sure.
Horrendously because the client takes no responsibility for the changes they desire. When he or she realises that hypnosis is a normal state of mind and that the therapist has no control they feel let down and unchanged.

Hypnosis is brilliant but it is not the therapy. A hypnotherapist is an experienced facilitator of hypnosis and a qualified therapist. Combining hypnosis and therapy is what helps the user to make changes in their life and is why hypnotherapy can help almost anything. Providing the hypnotherapist is knowledgeable in that area of work and applies a therapy that works with the specified problem.

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What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is an altered but normal state of mind. When in a state of hypnosis, one is likely to feel alert and focused with a greater ability to imagine and create. Within a hypnotherapy session many people will feel relaxed due to the comfort of the situation. However, hypnosis is not relaxation and relaxation is not hypnosis.

If you are a user of meditation or have ever used meditation you will find that hypnosis is the same state of mind. Easily achieved through guidance or alone with regular practise. Those who use hypnosis or meditation regularly consider it brain training. A regular meditation practise helps you to be fully in control of your thoughts and reactions encouraging a mindful way of life.

What is therapy?

Whether you feel restricted by something or wish to take a leap forward, the purpose of therapy is to improve your life. Therapy is useful for physical, emotional, and psychological problems. Some people choose to do this alone with self-help books and therapeutic experiences or actions. Others benefit from therapeutic conversations with friends, acquaintances, or family members. Group therapy is helpful for some people and others prefer to see a therapist privately.

There are many different therapies available in the world today. With the improvement in technology, we really do have access to the worldwide variety of therapies. There are ancient healing tools considered the norm in some countries yet alien to the western world. Within the spectrum of natural / alternative / complementary therapies you will find one that suits your needs.

Therapeutic modalities

Adlerian therapy / psychoanalysis (or Freudian therapy) / behavioural therapy / psychotherapy

Therapists work with the belief in mind that your behaviours and reactions today are a result of your experiences in early life. Through therapy you will explore yourself and your past to understand and adapt your functioning today.

Brief therapy / solution focused therapy

A forward focused therapy that is generally short term with the aim of finding solutions and making positive changes without looking at the past. This therapy generally involves goal setting and ways to achieve the goals.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behaviour therapy attempts to change the way you think and behave through looking at adapting the way you think about current problems and solutions. The intention is to think in a more positive way.

Gestalt therapy / humanistic therapy / integrative counselling

Therapists consider the individual holistically rather than in parts. In therapy you will focus on current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to improve the way you relate to others and to situations.

Jungian therapy

Jungian therapists take an analytical approach with the intention of aligning the conscious and unconscious to help you become more balanced and whole.

Neuro linguistic programming (NLP)

NLP therapists believe that previous experiences programme your view of the world. By grasping an understanding of yourself using NLP you can take control of your actions. You will use your previous successes or the successes of others to improve yourself.

Transpersonal therapy

Transpersonal therapy considers human potential, spirituality, and heightened consciousness within the therapy, regardless of the modality.

Hypno + Therapy = hypnotherapy

Hypnosis and therapy blend to create a powerful experience for the user. There is no statutory regulation for hypnotherapy in the UK, so alongside counselling, psychotherapy, nutrition, massage, and more research the experience of your therapist. A hypnotherapy training course will generally give the therapist a thorough understanding of hypnosis, basic NLP, and basic CBT alongside the neuroscience of the autonomic nervous system. On top of this training your therapist might have expanded their knowledge by attending further professional development courses. Your hypnotherapist will combine their therapeutic knowledge with hypnosis to help you achieve the changes you desire. When finding the right hypnotherapist for you check that their specialism fits what you seek.