COMING OF AGE
The medical profession is increasingly acknowledging the efficacy of hypnosis and hypnotherapy as valuable therapeutic tools, particularly as research delves deeper into neuroplasticity and its relationship with hypnotic states. Hypnotherapy is gaining recognition and respect within medical circles, as it emerges as a viable treatment option for a diverse range of issues. From managing chronic pain and aiding in smoking cessation to alleviating phobias, anxiety, and PTSD, hypnosis offers a non-invasive and drug-free solution that resonates with both patients and healthcare providers. The acknowledgment of the effectiveness of hypnosis marks a significant shift in the medical community’s perception, with more professionals embracing it as an evidence-based approach to holistic health and well-being.
As research continues to uncover the intricate workings of neuroplasticity, the future of hypnotherapy as a recognized medical treatment appears increasingly promising. Understanding how the brain can rewire itself in response to hypnotic suggestions opens up new possibilities for leveraging hypnosis as a therapeutic intervention. This deeper comprehension of neuroplasticity not only enhances our understanding of how hypnotherapy works but also facilitates the development of more targeted and personalized treatment approaches. With ongoing advancements in neuroscience and a growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of hypnosis, it’s likely that hypnotherapy will continue to gain traction within mainstream medicine, offering patients a safe, effective, and drug-free alternative for addressing a wide array of health concerns.
THE FUTURE IS PLASTIC
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s remarkable ability to reorganise and adapt throughout life, forms the foundation of various therapeutic approaches, including hypnosis. This concept underscores the brain’s capacity to undergo structural and functional changes in response to experiences, environmental stimuli, and learning. Through neuroplasticity, neural pathways can be strengthened or weakened, leading to alterations in behaviour, cognition, and perception. Hypnosis leverages this plasticity by inducing a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, enabling individuals to access deeper levels of consciousness and facilitate changes in thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors. By engaging the brain’s plasticity, hypnosis can effectively alleviate symptoms of various psychological conditions, enhance performance, and promote personal growth and self-improvement.
Moreover, research suggests that hypnosis can modulate neuroplasticity mechanisms, influencing the brain’s structure and function. Studies using neuroimaging techniques have demonstrated alterations in brain activity and connectivity during hypnotic states, indicating changes in neural networks involved in attention, perception, and self-awareness. These findings highlight the potential of hypnosis as a therapeutic tool for harnessing neuroplasticity to promote adaptive changes in the brain. By harnessing the brain’s inherent capacity for plasticity, hypnosis offers a promising avenue for addressing a wide range of issues, from managing chronic pain and overcoming phobias to enhancing performance in sports and fostering personal development.
THE BIG QUESTION…
Is online hypnotherapy effective?
Absolutely! Online hypnotherapy packs the same punch as in-person sessions, minus the hassle of travel and waiting around. From my own experience and that of others, there’s been no noticeable difference in results between face-to-face and virtual sessions. In fact, some clients find they’re even more at ease in the online environment, making the experience even more effective!
Research has long shown the effectiveness of online therapies, and studies even before the pandemic have highlighted their equivalence to face-to-face sessions. One systematic review in the Journal of Medical Internet Research confirmed that e-therapy holds its own against traditional methods.
Let’s talk benefits:
– It’s super easy to access, saving you precious time, especially when life gets hectic with work and family.
– You can kick back and relax at home, enhancing the session’s effects without the hassle of commuting afterward.
– Say goodbye to parking headaches and traffic snarls!
– For those who are housebound or medically vulnerable, online sessions offer a safe and accessible alternative.
– And if privacy is a concern, no worries—no one’s watching as you enter a therapy room; it’s just you and your screen.
So, whether you’re balancing a busy schedule or craving the comfort of home, online hypnotherapy is here to deliver results right to your doorstep!
MAKE TIME FOR A MINDSCAPE
I mentioned in a previous post that I had recently completed a Mindscaping course.
Mindscaping, is like a tool kit for exploring and redesigning the secret parts of your mind that you don’t usually think about. It helps you dive deep into your unconscious mind to understand yourself better and make big changes in your life.
To do Mindscaping, first, you relax and get into a calm state of mind. Then, with the help of a therapist, you imagine a map of your unconscious mind where all your thoughts and feelings live. This map is where you can make changes to improve how you feel and think.
The therapist then helps you figure out what changes you want to make and how to make them happen. The cool thing about Mindscaping is that it’s like using your imagination to solve tough problems, but in a safe and enjoyable way.
With Mindscaping, even the toughest issues can be tackled in a way that feels relaxed and fun. It’s a creative way to work through your problems and make positive changes in your life.
Change Can Happen in the Blink of an Eye
I have been super busy during these last months. I recently completed a course in IEMT and have just finished an online course in Mindscaping. Both of these tools have already poven to be invaluable in my practice.
Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) is a brief change model that allows the client to disassociate from disturbing memories, address identity issues and reduce the intensity of negative emotions.
IEMT does not work directly on the emotion itself but rather the memory imprints that are causing the emotion. The eye movement techniques and protocol allows the client themselves to accurately measure and assess the changes that are taking place in real time.
PULLING THE TRIGGER
“When my PTSD is triggered, I become another person”
-Trauma Client
When you experience a traumatic event the subconscious mind creates a new ‘part’ of itself and this ‘part’ has the job of creating a behaviour that will protect you from experiencing this trauma again. It’s impossible to predict how or when this behaviour will manifest itself. Complex traumas can result in a complex set of behaviours with lots of different triggers.
When the subconscious encounters a situation that it associates with the trauma the subconscious ‘part’ takes over, it becomes executive, it runs the ship. All that part knows is to run the behaviours it uses to protect you from perceived danger. The ‘part’ does not consider how appropriate the action or behaviour is. It does not consider the outcome of its behaviour, the subconscious ‘part’ simply acts to protect. Outwardly this will be viewed as a sudden change in personality. Inwardly it will feel like you cannot control the behaviour, which, in essence, is correct. The subconscious ‘part’ is, in that moment, the boss.
Subconscious parts are often referred to as Ego States and in that moment when you are triggered that Ego State takes over. It becomes executive.
The good news is that hypnotherapists can, through the use of hypnosis, communicate directly with the subconscious and with the specific subconscious ‘part’ This is called Parts Work or Parts Negotiation. The hypnotherapist can convince the part to explain its behaviour to the conscious part of the mind (your thinking awareness). Quite often the revelation and comprehension of the root cause of the behaviour is enough to resolve the PTSD. Sometimes the subconscious ‘part’ needs to shown, needs to be told that it’s behaviour is inappropriate or no longer needed. Again once the subconscious part gets the message and understands and changes its behaviour the symptoms of the PTSD disappear.
Do you relate to this description?
In my practice I run a protocol that can resolve PTSD / CPTSD within 4 – 6 sessions.
NEW YEAR BEST WISHES FOR 2024
Wishing all my clients and colleagues a happy New Year.
CHRISTMAS CHEER
Wishing all my clients and colleagues a very Merry Christmas
THE GATHERING
Embracing the crisp cool air of mid-November, I’ve recently returned from the 2023 UK Hypnosis Convention in London. This event served as a transformative experience, offering the chance to explore novel hypnotherapy techniques, establish meaningful connections, and draw from inspiring presentations. Across the three packed days, participants were invited to select seven presentations from a daily lineup of 21 speakers, There was a total of 63 insightful sessions throughout the 3 day convention.
The breadth of topics covered was truly awe-inspiring, reflecting the diverse facets of hypnotherapy. Beyond the educational aspect, the convention provided a unique platform for reconnecting with old friends and like-minded therapists from across the globe. This rare opportunity allowed for the sharing of personal stories, intriguing client cases, and the bonding that occurs over shared coffee or dinner.
As a therapist, my journey of learning and self-improvement never ceases, and the 2023 UK Hypnosis Convention has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in fostering my growth and dedication to the field.
No time to rest however, I have clients waiting…
TRAUMA TRAITS
Have you experienced any form of trauma in your life? Are you susceptible to depression, anxiety, or sudden angry outbursts? Do you feel isolated, confused, and disconnected from the world? These are all indicative symptoms of PTSD. If you are struggling to cope with PTSD and recognize these symptoms or have received a PTSD diagnosis from a medical professional, please reach out. It’s possible to overcome PTSD. You CAN survive PTSD. www.surviveptsd.com