I am a Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist.
What does that mean? Let’s break it down.
‘Solution Focused’ means I use the techniques of Solution Focused Brief Therapy – a talking therapy which involves the client finding their own solutions by focusing on small changes that take them towards their preferred future. It doesn’t involve talking about the past or about problems, but about taking small steps forward in a positive way.
‘Clinical’ means I help people with health issues such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, IBS and many more. Anything that is caused by stress or made worse by stress can be helped with this therapy. I don’t diagnose, that is the job of someone medically qualified, but as a complementary therapist, I can support medical treatment. The therapy cannot always make a problem go away completely because there are often things beyond our control that are part of the problem, but this therapy can really help people to cope better with situations they are unable to change.
‘Psychotherapist’ means that we talk a lot in sessions. About 30 minutes of the therapy session involves talking. By careful questioning, I help the client to come up with their own ideas of change and what the next small, achievable step towards their ideal future would look like. Using the solution focused techniques helps the client to become hopeful that changes can be made and that there is a way forward.
‘Hypnotherapist’ means I use hypnosis to help the client to make the changes they want in their lives. Hypnosis, or trance, is a perfectly normal thing. We go in and out of trance all the time – when we are driving, reading, running, swimming or just gazing out of the window. It helps us because while in trance our subconscious mind and our conscious mind can work together to bring about change. After the 10 minutes talking part of the session, I ask the client to make themselves comfortable and I read a relaxing ‘language pattern’ with calming background music and the client gently relaxes into trance for about 20 minutes. The client may be relaxed on the couch, but their brain is working away, producing the brain waves associated with problem-solving, with finding solutions and consolidating memories. The brain can use the ideas and suggestions that the client has made during the talking part of the session to form the solutions that can take them forward. When the trance session is gently brought to a close, the client awakes feeling refreshed and relaxed.
During the Covid pandemic, I have been conducting Solution Focused Hypnotherapy over Zoom, with the client safe and comfortable in their own home. I wasn’t sure at first, and wondered whether it was going to work, but I have had great results using Zoom. Research also bears out the fact the online therapy is as effective as face-to-face. I do hope to be able to see some clients in my newly refurbished home therapy room very soon however, depending on local regulations, of course.