Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy has had some really bad press lately.  There was the absurd story of someone hypnotising a member of staff in a shop before stealing from them; there was an awful entertainment show in ITV using stage hypnosis; and, there was a 'hypnotherapist dog' on Britain's got Talent.  None of these are a true reflection of hypnotherapy!

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is not stage hypnosis.  It is not losing control of yourself.  Actually, it is quite the opposite.  It is you, making a choice to gain more control over part of your life, and being assisted in this endeavour.

Hypnotherapy is where a hypnotherapist helps you to enter a deep state of relaxation, enabling your brain to listen to and absorb suggestions that, should they match your wants and needs, will be enacted.  Whether this be to reduce your pain experience; stop smoking; stop drinking fizzy drinks; feel more confident in public speaking; or something else.  It is a state that allows you to safely practice scenarios, with some of the emotional experiences that accompany real-life situations, desensitising yourself and allowing real life to become easier.

Hypnotherapy is evidence-based!  Scientists have demonstrated that, in particular for IBS, insomnia, anxiety, and some stress related illnesses; along with many other conditions.  It can work.  Although, as with all effective treatments, you do need to do some homework!  Often listening to a CD of the hypnotherapy session on a daily basis.

If you are interested, contact me by email.  I am more than happy to discuss your needs.  Check out the Sarnia Health website for more information.

I currently have two specific hypnotherapy based programmes.  One for IBS, which is a 12 week programme focussing on managing the symptoms of IBS.  This is a system developed by a team of gastroenterologists in Manchester and has proven highly effective, with 80-90% of patients reporting significant benefits upon completion of the programme.  Also available is a 4 session (approx 5 hour) stop smoking programme which has also been historically very successful.  For more details, please contact me: tim@sarniahealth.co.uk.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Tim
Dr Tim Mahy, BSc (Hons), MSc, DPsych, CPsychol, Cert.Hyp
Chartered Psychologist
Health Psychologist (HCPC and Guernsey Registered)