Hypnotherapy 1-2-3
Heart-Centered Clinical Hypnotherapy is a much deeper process than regular hypnotherapy or talk therapy. Heart-Centered is psychotherapy in a relaxed state of consciousness to get underneath self-sabotaging patterns of behavior and agreements made in childhood that are now tripping up the adult.
Hypnotherapy is an alternative curative healing method that is used to create subconscious change in a client in the form of new responses, thoughts, attitudes, behaviors or feelings. Clinical hypnosis is an altered state of awareness, perception, or consciousness that is used, by licensed and trained doctors or masters prepared individuals, for treating a psychological or physical problem.
Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration, and focused attention.
According to the American Psychological Association Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique in which clinicians work with individuals who have undergone a procedure designed to relax them and focus their minds. ​It can be a powerful, effective therapeutic technique for a wide range of conditions, including pain, anxiety, and mood disorders. Hypnosis can also help people change their habits, such as quitting smoking.
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You May Be Wondering What to Expect:
Hypnosis certainly has a fair amount of mystery surrounding it. In no small part due to entertainment and media misinformation. One of the most important jobs I have as a hypnotherapist is taking the mystery out of hypnosis for my clients, prospective clients and the general public.
It isn’t tailored to what I want or need. It is made to what the specific to the client.What happens during each individual session is clients needs are. At the same time, the structure of the session doesn’t change.
“Before We Begin” — The Most Important Part
Whether this is an in person session or being done by phone or video chat, once we both get situated and comfortable, the first words out of my mouth are going to be, “Before we begin, I’m going to ask you a few questions and explain how things are going to work as well as answer any questions you have for me.”
Here is a big secret of hypnotherapy: you the client are the one who is in control. As a hypnotherapist, my role is to serve as your tour guide. You decide where we go. My job is just to get you there. The conversation we have at the very beginning of the session is where my skills get put to the test.
I have to be an excellent observer, ask great questions, think on my feet and be able to explain everything to you in an easy to understand way with as little jargon as possible. Getting and sharing the right information at the start is what determines everything that happens for the rest of the session.
Towards the end of this conversation, I’ll usually do some demonstrations to show how the subconscious mind works. These demonstrations are also helpful to me in that they let me know what approach to take during the next part of the session: the induction.
The Induction
Here is where the fun begins.
The induction is the process where the client is led into that very relaxed high learning state known as hypnosis. The entire time during the induction and while you are in that very relaxed state you are going to hear everything and be aware of everything that is taking place.
You will find that being hypnotized is an extremely relaxing and pleasurable experience.
I utilize "guided-imagery" during induction. During the first part of our session, one of the things I am doing is trying to understand what kind of stimuli and language is best for me to use with you.
Some inductions are quite quick. Others may take 15 or 20 minutes. Once again, everything in the session is driven by the needs of the client.
Once the initial induction is complete, I use some short tests to determine how deep the client is. In many cases I will use some techniques that allow the client to enter a deeper level of trance if needed (deeper is not always better).
The Therapy
This is where the “change work” takes place. It may be where we go through the process needed to help you with pain management, weight release, becoming a non-smoker, overcoming fear of public speaking or something else.
The therapy that is done is only what you have said at the beginning of the session that you want done. You will not come in seeking to improve your job performance and walk out with the uncontrollable urge to go on a diet.
The specific approach to the change work that I do is once again 100% client driven. What your needs are determine what approach I take.
Keep in mind, I’m just your tour guide as you explore your subconscious mind.
In most cases, with your permission, I provide a post hypnotic suggestion (PHS) that is a trigger to give you a tool for your use once you have left.
Quite frequently, these triggers given to allow clients to increase their level of relaxation or confidence.
Transition to Wakeful Awareness
The final portion of the session is to simply bring you out of your trance. This is a gentle, orderly process. It is not done in any hurry. I am paying close attention to you as you are coming out of the trance to see that you are coming out and if you need any additional help during this process.
Because hypnosis is so relaxing and enjoyable, many clients want to stay right there.
When you are wide awake, I’m there to welcome you back, check in with you and answer any questions you have. For me, one of the most exciting and beautiful aspects of hypnotherapy is just how quickly positive change can be manifested in people’s lives through this tool.