Hello guys!
Trained hypno / mindbender here!
First of all, brilliant kudos for opening this discussion. I for one am a complete believer in it, purely because ive seen the benefits. Let me start with some facts based on what you guys have already discussed
Please do let us know how you get on with this. I hope you get a positive outcome with it
I have actually tried hypnotherapy myself, twice. The first time i spent the entire time thinking "am i hypnotised yet?!" lol. It certainly wasn't what i was expecting (I'd probably watched Paul McKenna a little bit too much and was expecting to be very heavily put under). It was basically like being very relaxed and the therapist then talks to you planting seeds of positivity about the issues you are facing. My personal opinion of it, is that it's good if your problem isn't too complex.
I do actually use relaxation DVDs every day now and find they definitely make a difference (and they are a lot cheaper!).
1.Kebel, wonderful, its great that you have at least experienced it, so therefore you have some understanding of what it feels like. HOWEVER, the experience is different from person to person. Most have a really positive experience in some form out of it, I can honestly say i havent had a negative impact with it yet
2. Yes, watching Paul McKenna on repeat will give you a lot of misdirection about hypnosis in general. Yes, he is a strong pioneer in the subject, however he implants in my opinion alot of false expectation about what happens and people receive a blinkered perspective on hypnosis in general. People assume that they will bark like dogs or do something against their will, it is most certainly not the case
3. Planting seeds.... Not at all, its actually more you doing the work given a suggestion. Planting positivity seeds is not the way you resolve phobias
however it does absolutely help so im pleased that it has given you some food for thought.
4. Its good if your problem is not too complex.... Not at all
Everything if you understand and see where it stems from has a beginning, middle and end........ If a therapist understands your stimulus or beginning, they will know instantly whether you have a fear or a phobia and assist you directly on dealing with your issue., Granted not everything can be done in 1 session, some need several. However, its good that you have at least used it in some form. It gives you an awesome base to build on it
5. Using relaxation CDs are GREAT!!! I highly recommend Christopher Lloyd Clarke or Silencio music... They provide some brilliant relaxation music which i use in most of my therapy CDs for clients. They really do zone you out.
After months of careful consideration I'm actually going give hypnotherapy a shot. At the moment i'm saving up funds for about 4/5 sessions to see whether it can make any sort of positive impact big or small. I'll be sure to let you guys know how the sessions are going if you're interested.
Can I ask what it is your having it for? If you dont mind disclosing. If it is a phobia, a phobia can be generally dealt with in 1 session, no lie. If they are quoting you 5! I would be questioning the therapist. If its something like Emetophobia for example, often this has been known to stem from childhood trauma experiences with an ability to control their emotions from as I mentioned abuse. (This is however not always the case). This on this instance may need further sessions, however if it is a phobia, for example Spiders, Snakes, Needles etc, i have never had 1 person come back to me for more than 2 in the most extreme of cases. (I have had a few! XD)
Whatever treatment you look towards to assist with phobias and anxiety it really does literally boil down to the power of the mind and positive thinking. I would use the example of religion which some people believe in wholeheartedly while others dismiss. If you have a particular technique or a particular belief which assists your life in a positive manner then who are we to criticise? Many people find help and assistance in very different places and hypnosis, akin to the power of the mind, may well be the perfect solution for some people.
You are absolutely spot on. Often people come into me with a guard and a lack of willingness. People often find it difficult to understand that hypnotherapy is not something that is always used for making people do stupid stuff on stage. That is a hypnotist, not a hypnotherapist..... 2 different heads, similar techniques, COMPLETELY different outcomes
People come to me and say "Oh, you going to make me bark like a dog and do something against my will?" I say yes, I could do that, but thats not why we are here. Im here to help you move from A to B with your phobia, not bark like a dog.....
Hope this clarifies a few points guys and im willing to answer any questions
