How is cognitive hypnotherapy different to traditional hypnotherapy?
Cognitive Hypnotherapy is very much a two-way process. It doesn’t involve lying back whilst the therapist makes hypnotic suggestions. There may be an element of this, but all suggestions made will be specifically tailored for you and based on the conversations we’ll have already had. This means that suggestions are much more likely to ‘hit the spot’, or in other words your unconscious mind is much more likely to accept them. So first we’ll work together to find the answers you seek. I’ll then assist you (through hypnotic language and other methods) to communicate with your unconscious mind and thus begin the process of achieving the results you desire.
Do I need to talk about painful memories?
No, not at all – it’s not necessary to talk about any past experiences in detail if you prefer not to. Sometimes it can be really helpful, but there’s never any pressure to talk about anything other than in general terms if this is more comfortable for you. EMDR is not primarily a talking therapy and so you can talk in as much or as little detail as works for you. If there are things you prefer not to talk about, the therapy will be just as effective.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It’s a well-researched, evidence-based therapy originally developed to help people process traumatic memories. It works by using bilateral stimulation — typically side- to-side eye movements, or tapping — while you bring a difficult memory or feeling to mind. This helps the brain process experiences that have become stuck, reducing their emotional charge so that they no longer affect you in the same way.
What is Somatic EMDR and how is it different from traditional EMDR?
Traditional EMDR is highly effective, but Somatic EMDR takes things a step further by bringing the body more fully into the process using a variety of somatic movements. Trauma isn’t just held in our memories — it lives in the body too, until it’s released. Somatic EMDR is a safe and gentle way to allow your body to release the trauma it’s been holding onto for so long.
What is bilateral stimulation and what does it feel like?
Bilateral stimulation just means that both sides of the body are stimulated alternately. This can be in the form of side-to-side eye movements, knee, foot or hand tapping, sounds that alternate from side to side, or tappers that stimulate each palm alternately. Really the list is endless. Different people prefer and react differently to the different types of bilateral stimulation, and so we go with whatever works best for you. When trauma is being processed these techniques can activate memories, sensations, and emotions. However, by the time we get to this point you’ll have already become familiar with several methods of calming and soothing your nervous system and so you should never feel overwhelmed. When the bilateral stimulations are slowed down they usually feel comforting and pleasant.
What if I can’t be hypnotised?
This is never a barrier to therapy. Some people can go easily and quickly into a deep state of trance but this really is the minority. The rest of us are able to access light trance states and in fact do so naturally many times a day without realising. Trance is a natural state and a light trance is all we need to be beneficial.
What is trance?
We all go in and out of trance all the time, it’s a naturally occurring state of mind. Can you remember a time when you did something without thinking about it? For example drove your car or walked to a destination and couldn’t remember doing it? Or got so engrossed in an activity that you lost all sense of time? Or daydreamed your way through a meeting? These are all examples of naturally occurring trance states and this approach will access the natural trance states that you already experience every day. I may also use hypnotic language to guide you into a relaxed state, during which you will probably find yourself drifting in and out of awareness, much like daydreaming. Most people find this very pleasant.
Will I remember everything after hypnotherapy?
You may not consciously remember everything that happened, in the same way that we don’t always remember everything that was happening around us while daydreaming. You’ll be in control at all times however. Some people remember everything that happened, and others go naturally and easily into a deep trance and can’t remember anything much at all. Either way is fine – we’re all different after all.
Do I have to have both Cognitive Hypnotherapy and EMDR?
Not at all. While I usually draw on both approaches, my way of working is completely flexible and you’re very welcome to come for either Cognitive Hypnotherapy or Somatic EMDR on its own. We’ll discuss what feels right for you during our initial conversation, and of course I always follow your lead and so we can make adaptations as we go along.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends and it wouldn’t be possible, or indeed fair on either of us, to try and put a time limit on it. But, as a (very) rough guide, sometimes a simple phobia can be resolved in two or three sessions, a single-event trauma may take 3-5 sessions or more, long standing problems like depression and anxiety can take rather longer, and C-PTSD (complex post traumatic stress disorder) as its name suggests, is more complex, and so therapy could be longer-term.
Most change happens between sessions and so it’s important that you’re motivated and completely committed to the therapy process.
How long does a session last?
I don’t like to set a rigid time limit on a session as therapy doesn’t always work like that. However I aim for sessions to last 90 minutes and they usually fall within 10 minutes or so either side of that.
How often will we meet?
Usually weekly or fortnightly, at least to start with, and we work entirely at your pace. Most change happens between sessions and so we’ll identify tasks or exercises for you to explore in your own time. Carrying these practices into your daily life is what truly allows lasting changes to happen.
Where can I park?
There is plentiful free parking on the street outside.
Are you insured?
Yes I hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance. I’m happy to provide details on request.
