Solution Focused Hypnotherapy
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Does hypnotherapy really work?
Nov 3, 2023

Does hypnotherapy really work?

Well, it must surely be in the eye of the beholder, no?

I would of course say "absolutely it works!" But I may not be the most objective person to ask. But I also wouldn't have given up my so-called career to set up my business which is centred around hypnotherapy, if I didn't think there was any truth or integrity in it. The best evidence I can offer is that of my clients, and with the changes that has happened for them. Also, the wonderful testimonials and case studies (watch this space), which you can read for yourself and then make your mind up.

Space and energy are 2 key ingredients to hypnotherapy and by creating and increasing both these elements within, changes so much. We all have the capacity and ability to create much needed space within our brains, and we are essentially made up of energy so, it's a win-win situation. What astounds me, on a daily basis, is how much depth and dimension we have in these brains of ours, which are not physically that big considering. They weigh on average anything from 1.5 - 1.3 kg (as an adult) yet they hold vast caverns of information that we use consciously, unconsciously, and subconsciously! So trying to understand that conceptually, in our sometimes linear belief systems, can be a challenge. But it is not impossible and our ability to imagine, dream and change our way of thinking not only proves this but is also quite phenomenal. To me anyway! Plus, it has a huge impact on us physically as well as emotionally, mentally, spiritually.

A few years ago, and it has stuck with me, I read the enigmatic neurosurgeon Henry Marsh's book, Do No Harm, as he described slicing into the physical brain and wondering how it measures against all the thoughts, ideas and phenomena that he was cutting into! Not sure how to get my head around that one, but what a thought to have - and where is that thought now? In his brain? In my brain and now yours? In 1000's of other readers of his books' brains? And if we have that part of our brain cut out where does it go? (Brilliant book and would highly recommend).

Well, one thing I know we can do is we can change our thoughts and thought patterns. And that is where hypnotherapy comes in. As in previous blogs, I have talked about the basic biology of how it works, but some people still remain sceptical. I cannot change their thought pattern, unless they come and have some hypnotherapy! But what I can do is bang on about how effective it is. It is by no means a replacement to other therapies. I am very respectful and also past and present user of other alternative therapies, and always recommend to clients if and when appropriate. I do love a collaboration of therapy.

And one thing I know well, is that hypnotherapy is possibly one of the best collaborators with most or arguably all other alternative therapies. Because what it does, is to make physical and emotional change happen. And quickly too. Of course there is an element of partnership with client and therapist; as a client you have to pull your emotional/mental weight but this is relevant with all therapies. You can't just take a pill and make it all go away. But that is also the beauty of it too; hard-work is so rewarding and has a much deeper and more fundamental effect to the changes made, therefore prolonging the "change's" lifespan, so-to-speak. A lovely quote that I have been sharing recently is Rumi's "The wound is the place where the light enters you", turning pain around from something we may want to run from or bury deeply inside, in to something that can make us grow and understand more fully. Hypnotherapy can take the sting out all sorts of pain. And quickly too. Then we can either do something else to move on, i.e. more therapies, or just carry on with our lives enjoying and growing from the changes we have made.

So does hypnotherapy work for anything? Anxiety? Weightloss? Being smoke free? Well, I can only take a horse to water, but I can't make it drink. But if you need that change and support and feel like you're stuck, then find yourself a decent hypnotherapist and give it a go.

Thank you for reading

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Fear of flying & Anxieties: After having a difficult year I decided to try hypnotherapy with Penny and it was the best choice I have made for myself! I'm now able to live more in the moment and have a better understanding of how to cope with or even eliminate my anxieties. I also had 2 sessions dedicated to helping to reduce my phobia of flying which helped me tremendously as I was able to get on a plane again without feeling terrified! Pen is always very positive and relaxed during our sessions and always makes me feel comfortable.

Anxiety/Stress: I went to see Penny as I felt stuck, struggling to cope & unable to move on in life. I had 12 sessions.  I had never really done hypnosis before & really struggled to focus on the words as my mind raced everywhere. Penny reassured me it would still work - which it did. It took a couple of weeks to kick in but I really appreciated the time taken to focus on the issues & Penny's positive attitude really filtered through. Slowly my positivity increased, the overthinking eased off & my sleep improved. This allowed me to problem-solve & plan more changes to make. It was like moving a large rock - once we got it moving progress started to happen & towards the last few sessions things started to speed up. I would recommend Penny to anyone who feels overwhelmed or near a crisis point.

Pain: I had 12 hypnotherapy sessions with Penny. The hypnosis was relaxing & reviving and seemed to link with my subconscious & bring me back to positive feelings. I still use the audio which acts as a kick-start if doubts start seeping in. I also found Penny's voice calming & reassuring. I have no reservations in recommending Penny. I liked her honesty in what the therapy could offer. I have been very happy with the outcome of the hypnotherapy.

Stop Smoking: Both myself and my husband decided it was time to stop smoking. My husband had smoked 20+ a day for 35 years and I had also smoked on and off for years. We can both honestly say we have never felt better thanks to Penny, she made us feel comfortable and was very reassuring, after just one appointment we were smoke-free.  We are now looking forward to extra holidays with the money we have saved and also stress free knowing we can travel and not worry about going without a cigarette.

Stress Buster/Body Image: Pen has helped me massively increase my resilience to stress. Tasks which seemed ongoing and impossible became doable. While work may still be stressful, the speed with which I bounce back is great and has allowed me to put in boundaries, both personal and professional. It has increased my self-confidence and assertiveness and has improved my sleep patterns so much. Penny has also taken me through several weight-loss sessions from which I am feeling the benefits and feel now that I am in the right place to start an exercise regimen and take control of my fitness.

Sleep Issues: I was slightly sceptical over hypnotherapy, probably because I was frightened of being made to do something I didn't want to. But my sleeping was all over the place and I'm a constant worrier, so thought I'd give it a go - I am so pleased with how relaxed I felt and how my sleeping has improved. I feel much calmer now and can rationalise things better than before. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone with for a variety of problems or habits, and Pen's voice is greatly comforting when I listen to the recording when going to sleep. I know I can come for a top-up whenever I need to.

Public Speaking: I wanted to try hypnotherapy in order to deal with the anxiety I experience before speaking in public. My sessions with Pen have helped me reduce this in such a short amount of time it is really unbelievable how effective they’ve been. I now feel calm and focused and those waves of panic that tripped me up before talking in public have entirely gone away. I can’t stress enough how effective these sessions with Pen have been. She is calm and an intuitive listener who instantly puts you at ease. I wouldn’t think twice about recommending her sessions to anyone.

I would highly recommend Penny for helping and supporting anyone suffering with anxiety. My son Louie was suffering from panic attacks and it was heartbreaking watching him missing out on having fun with his friends because of a general fear something was going to happen. Penny was recommended to us by a friend who’s daughter was suffering from anxiety and was attending sessions with Penny to tackle this and couldn’t talk highly enough of her. So we thought it must be worth a try. Louie started having sessions with Penny and the difference was amazing, he started being more confident and less panicky and slowly started getting back to his usual happy go lucky self, which was a joy to see. I’m sure anyone who has a child, family member or friend that suffers from this realises how stressful this situation can be on a day to day basis. So get in touch with Penny, it could change your life.

From Katie's mum: "Pen, thinking just how bad she was and how far she has come! I have no doubt in my mind that if anyone else’s child is suffering then you are the person to help! We are so thankful".

Hypnotherapy.... The final piece of the puzzle that completed and transformed my life. Amazing!

I had hypnotherapy to help me with my anxiety and depression and honestly, it changed my life for the better. I was in a place where I thought there was no escape from these feelings. However, hypnotherapy turned things around for me greatly. My OCD has also died down massively and it has also helped me through the very rough time at school. I'm extremely grateful for Pen's clear and kind understanding and I strongly recommend this to anyone who is having these similar feelings as well, as it will change your life for the better.