How is it different from other therapies?
As a hypnotherapist, I do not prescribe drugs or work with the physical body in any way. Hypnotherapy is a psychological therapy, that is, it works with the mind to bring about positive change.

The big difference between hypnotherapy and any other therapy is the use of hypnosis which helps the client to relax so that the subconscious can be directly accessed.

Other types of psychological therapy work by reaching the subconscious via the conscious mind. Unfortunately the conscious mind can resist this process. Also, even if the subconscious is accessed, conflict between the conscious and subconscious minds can hinder efforts to make positive change.

How does it work?
Hypnosis bypasses the ‘conscious critical faculty’ (CCF), a kind of safety door which filters information travelling both ways between the conscious and subconscious parts of the mind. With the CCF bypassed, and the conscious mind resting, the subconscious allows us to communicate directly with it. This is the part where problems are buried, creating those feelings, reactions and symptoms that we don’t want to experience, but don’t seem to be able to stop. The subconscious is now open to receiving ideas for beneficial change. Conflict between the conscious and subconscious is overcome.

In this state, with both parts of the mind working together and focussed on the presenting problem, therapy can proceed. The hypnotherapist employs psychotherapeutic techniques best suited to the client’s needs. This allows the client to resolve difficulties right where they live, in the subconscious mind, unhindered by conscious thought processes.