Alison Ralph Hypnotherapy and Counselling
What is hypnotherapy?
What is hypnotherapy?
You may have heard of stage hypnosis with pocket watches and clucking chickens but what is hypnosis when we are talking about actual therapy?
I always like to explain hypnotherapy by simply breaking up the two words; ‘Hypno and therapy’.
The hypnosis part of the process looks at working with the subconscious brain activity to help bring about changes in behaviour and new ways of thinking. When in a hypnotic state you experience an altered state of consciousness, not too dis similar to daydreaming.
‘It is like a massage but without the touch’
The hypnotherapist guides you into a state of deep relaxation and makes suggestions to the subconscious part of the brain guided towards the changes you would like to make.
The therapy part of the process uses a counselling style to help you bring about positive change and plays a part in building the therapeutic relationship between yourself and the therapist. The therapy side allows the therapist to listen to and understand the client’s story and the outcome they are hoping to achieve from their sessions. It is also an opportunity to teach any breathing techniques, affirmations or other strategies that may be helpful for the client in their journey.
All sessions are confidential, non-judgmental and empathetic, allowing you to build trust and confidence in your therapist.
‘I would highly recommend Alison to anyone who is considering hypnotherapy. She has a warm, empathetic and non judgemental manner. In the space of just 3 sessions, she helped me break the habit of nail biting, which I had done for over 30 years. Thank you Alison’.
If I am hypnotised, do I give up control?
When you see stage hypnosis or hypnosis on the TV it may appear that the hypnotherapist is in full control of the person they are hypnotising. When you go for hypnotherapy sessions, you do not give up control. Hypnotherapy is an altered state of consciousness, similar to when you are absorbed in a book, film or craft. You have the ability to emerge from hypnosis at any time. Your hypnotherapist can be described as a guide taking you on a journey. You will hear them speak and may wish to talk at any point in the process. If for any reasons you want to end the hypnosis, you are in complete control to do so.
A word from Alison...
‘When I signed up for a counselling course and the first year of the course was hypnotherapy I wasn’t sure about what it was either. I had my doubts about whether it was real or not, but once I had experienced it, studied and practised it I started to realise the benefits. After qualifying I knew it was something I wanted to offer to other people and so I set up my practice almost straight away!’ I have now successfully helped hundreds of people with various issues or goals and have been on a mission to help others understand hypnotherapy and its benefits. Alison Ralph
How does hypnosis feel?
Hypnosis is a natural state of mind similar to daydreaming. People are often surprised that they can hear what is being said and can move or speak if they want to. Everybody’s experience of it is different and how an individual feels may vary each time they go into hypnosis. Some people describe hearing every word the therapist says, while others find their mind wanders; many people lose track of time when they are in hypnosis. Some people are very aware still of their surroundings, whereas others describe disappearing off into another place. How aware or unaware you are during the process is unimportant and does not affect the efficacy of the session. Relaxation isn’t essential to hypnosis, but most people describe being very relaxed during and after the session and more enjoyable than they expected.
What issues do people seek hypnotherapy for?
Stopping Smoking
General anxiety
Phobias
Depression
Weight management
Confidence
Low mood
Overwhelm
Menopause
Hypnobirthing
Hypnotherapy workshops and group sessions
Join me for my next workshop; managing anxiety. Learn more about anxiety and the symptoms you can experience. Learn new ways to overcome some of those symptoms and experience hypnosis in a group session. You can book your place here
Get in touch...
Do you want to know more about how hypnotherapy could help you or maybe you have specific questions to ask. Use the contact details below contact me.