Despite strong scientific research that shows hypnotherapy to be effective for managing many conditions and having become recognised as a complementary therapy by the NHS, stage hypnosis has caused many people to view it as weird and remain fearful that they’ll be out of control.
Contrary to popular belief, clients are in full control during cognitive hypnotherapy sessions and can’t be made to do or say anything they don’t want to.
Hypnotherapy is used alongside other medical treatments offering a holistic approach to wellbeing and is considered safe if practiced by a fully qualified, appropriately accredited and experienced practitioner.
Below I’ve addressed some commonly asked questions about hypnotherapy:
What does hypnotherapy help with?
- Hypnotherapy can be beneficial for issues where relaxation can be helpful, ie stress and anxiety reduction, panic attacks, insomnia, fears and phobias, high blood pressure, migraines etc.
- Changes in habits and unwanted behaviour can be transformed using hypnotherapy ie, emotional eating habits, smoking, phobias, repetitive thoughts and rituals.
- Hypnotherapy can help with lack of confidence issues, for instance, public speaking, social anxiety and performance issues.
- Chronic Pain can be reduced using hypnotherapy.
Does hypnotherapy really work?
Yes, studies show hypnotherapy can be effective for a variety of issues.
Hypnotherapy has been gaining popularity for many psychological and physical issues including, anxiety, low mood, insomnia, weight-loss, childbirth and for many types of chronic pain.
Recent research indicates it’s usefulness in the treatment of a number of conditions including anxiety and depression.
The Quest Institute Research was conducted by a team of QCHPA members using outcome measures that are standard within the NHS. It demonstrated their effectiveness is greater for the treatment of anxiety and depression than other talk therapies such as CBT used within the NHS (71% compared to 42%).
Hypnotherapy for IBS has been well studied and systematic reviews indicate it can be particularly helpful in reducing pain and symptoms associated with it.
Research shows strong evidence that hypnotherapy can help with treating symptoms of trauma and PTSD.
Clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest a substantial benefit in the use of hypnotherapy for chronic pain management. It can help reduce pain perception and improve the quality of life for people with conditions like low back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and cancer.
There is scientific evidence to show that women who use hypnobirthing techniques report lower levels of anxiety and pain during childbirth and can lead to a shorter labour. Women who choose hypnobirthing report higher levels of satisfaction from their childbirth experience.
How does hypnotherapy work?
There are many different approaches to hypnotherapy that work in different ways.
I use Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy because it’s a modern evidence based approach.
Quest cognitive hypnotherapy works by guiding the individual into a calm, relaxed and focused state of mind and then uses a variety of gentle psychological techniques to explore and update unwanted and unconsciously held beliefs, thoughts and feelings.
How do I choose a hypnotherapist?
Look for high standards of practice and ethics by checking qualifications, affiliations and memberships with recognised organisations. ie CNHC, NCH, QCH and HPD.
Hypnotherapy is not formally regulated in the UK although there is voluntary regulation through the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) that has been set up with government support to protect the public by providing a UK voluntary register of health practitioners.
CNHC’s register has been approved as an Accredited Register by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, a body who is accountable to Parliament.
The NCH (National Council of Hypnotherapy) is the UK’s leading not for profit Professional Association whose members are required to have been trained to the highest standards and abide by a strict code of Practice and Ethics.
- Membership to The NCH requires the attainment of the HPD qualification (Hypnotherapy Practitioners Diploma) which is considered to be the Gold Standard Qualification and is independently verified by the NCFE.
- The NCH Requires that it’s members have been trained at Accredited Training Schools to a robust and ethical standard and have the foundations to be highly skilled and Professional Hypnotherapists.
Testimonials, reviews and recommendations by family or friends can offer a good insight into their work.
A reputable hypnotherapist will offer a discovery call that will enable you to check their credentials and explore if you’re a good match to work together.
You should feel at ease, respected and heard and given the opportunity to ask any questions and receive a straightforward reply.
Ask about and choose a therapist with plenty of experience.
It’s a good idea to talk to several hypnotherapists and compare who is most knowledgable and who you feel most safe and comfortable with.
Contra-Indications for Hypnotherapy.
Diagnosis by a Mental Health Practitioner or Medical Practitioner with any of the following are considered to be contra-indications for Cognitive Hypnotherapy:
Epilepsy, Schizophrenia, Psychotic Episodes, Personality Disorder, Bi-Polar.
Please contact me for a discovery call if you’d like to learn more:
