Meet the Therapist
What is Hypnotherapy?
To explain hypnotherapy we must first explain hypnosis.
The best description I find for hypnosis is: an induced altered state of consciousness. Other cultures describe similar states as guided meditation. Research shows that under hypnosis brain waves change between alpha, beta or theta. For most, hypnosis is an amazing, relaxed feeling, but for every person the experience is individual and varied.
Hypnotherapy is when a therapist uses many and varied techniques like, parts therapy, age regression, re-framing, behavioural therapy, Gestalt technique and other psychotherapy techniques, whilst the client is in an altered state (hypnosis). I find that hypnotherapy is very effective as the client is open to positive change and this change (the creation of new neural pathway) can be reinforced and strengthened.
Contact me if you have any further questions about hypnotherapy.
What has hypnotherapy been successful in treating?
Common Misconceptions.
Hypnosis in entertainment and media has contributed to a misunderstanding of the true nature of hypnosis. The following information will help to address some of the more widely held misconceptions about hypnosis.
Myth: Some people can’t be hypnotized.
Reality: Everyone has the ability to be hypnotized because it’s a natural, normal state that each of us enters at least twice each day – upon waking and falling asleep. We also enter a hypnotic state whenever we become totally engrossed in a movie or TV show. Also, whenever we daydream whilst driving and miss a familiar exit, we were probably experiencing a light state of hypnosis.
If hypnosis has been unsuccessful in the past it may be the approach used: there are several approaches and our therapists can help find a technique that works for you.
Myth: You can be hypnotized to do things against your will
Reality: The hypnosis practitioner is merely a guide or facilitator. He/she cannot "make" you do anything against your will.
Hilgard’s (1977) work at Stanford demonstrated a principle known as “The Hidden Observer” which indicates that there is part of the client which monitors the hypnotic process and which will protect them from responding in a manner that violates their ethical and moral standards.
Myth: I won't remember anything the therapist says.
Reality: Everyone experiences hypnosis differently; either consciously remembering or consciously forgetting is okay, and neither will be more or less effective than the other. It's simply a matter of your own personal style.
Myth: Hypnosis isn’t an effective modality.
Reality: A Comparison Study Shows: 17-67 year olds completed a behavioral treatment for weight management either with or without the addition of hypnosis. Results show that, at the end of the 9-week program, both interventions resulted in significant weight reduction. However, at 8-month and 2-year follow-ups, the hypnosis subjects showed significant additional weight loss, while those in the behavioral-treatment-only group exhibited little further change. More subjects who used hypnosis also achieved and maintained their personal weight goals.
Journal of Clinical Psychology, 41 (1), 35-41 109:
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Dealing with grief
Weight management
Stop smoking
Obsessive behaviors
Sports achievement
Creative visualization
Corporate achievement
Performance Improvement
Insomnia
and much much more.....
Sexual dysfunction
Gambling
Phobias
Pain management
Eating disorders
Migraines
Addictions
What is Hypnotherapy?
Stuart Patterson
Clinical Hypnotherapist
P: 0401 088 989 E: stuart@primeperception.com.au