Why is Hypnotherapy the Answer?
Millions of people are suffering mental anguish and are striving unsuccessfully to find help. Hypnotherapy is the answer for most of them because it is safe, practical and effective. (Charles Tebbetts) Relearning and therapy at the subconscious level of the mind is much more effective and faster than relearning at the conscious level of the mind (for issues which are addressed by hypnotherapy). I believe that clients do themselves have the resources to better themselves, if not the hypnotherapist would provide additional learnings at the subconscious level. (Client-centered approach) However, there are instances where the diagnosis and treatment from medical physician is more appropriate; in such instances you may be referred to one prior to continuing or commencing therapy.
What is a difference between a qualified hypnotherapist and a hypnotist?
The hypnotist simply gives many suggestions and hope for results, while the hypnotherapists are trained to solicit the subconscious to reveal the cause(s) in order to facilitate release and relearning…. and resolve problems. (C. Roy Hunter) Furthermore, a hypnotherapist is trained in therapeutic strategies to best suit the client’s issues.
What is the process of hypnotherapy? Do you just hypnotise and read scripts?
My gratitude lies to the various lecturers and trainers who each have their own separate approaches and strategies. A notable and brilliant hypnotherapist that has very much radically changed my approach to therapy is Anthony Jacquin from the United Kingdom Hypnotherapy Training College (UKHTC), whom I had the privilege to be trained by personally in the UK. The combination of strategies which he has shared with me will allow me to provide what I feel is the most efficient therapeutic process. This would constantly evolve over time with increasing experience, new findings, new insights and further learnings. The diverse experience of the lecturers at the London College of Clinical Hypnosis (LCCH) has also allowed me the luxury of a more diverse range of techniques and experiences. Some techniques used include parts therapy, regression techniques (psychodynamic approaches), metaphorical relearning, aversion strategies (hypno-behavioral approaches), and other cognitive behavioral approaches etc., each having its own strength for different situations. Scripts that I do use will be tailored for the needs and benefit of each and every client. Every individual client is different, and during the sessions, the most suitable approach will be selected for the most effective, lasting and rapid recovery.
You are from an accounting background with a Degree in Accounting and Finance (Hons), what made you decide to learn and practice hypnotherapy?
During my training and practice, I feel a glow of satisfaction and fulfillment that is beyond words when my client tells me that I have made such a difference. Some, even to an extent of making a significant change in their life. I feel fortunate in having this knowledge that enable me to help them. My passion makes me constantly seek better methods in hypnotherapy for the benefit of my clients. There is an immense sense of fulfillment when I successfully help better the lives of clients who also become friends. And most important of all, for issues which can be addressed via hypnotherapy, it gets the results fast. The eclectic approach to modern hypnotherapy encompasses a variety of psychological techniques which allows each individual client to be treated in a personalized way.
I have seen Stage Hypnotists perform and it seems like mind control. What is the difference to Hypnotherapy?
The strategies and techniques used by Stage Hypnotists may not have any therapeutic or beneficial outcomes in mind. They may be different to those used by hypnotherapist. In fact, the training methods are very much different due to the very different goals and intentions. Despite some unethical Stage Hypnotists around, there are some who perform ethically and with due care providing a powerful demonstration of the potential of the human mind. We must remember that not all Stage Hypnotists are also Hypnotherapists, they are skilled performers who aim at providing quality entertainment. However, a trained and ethical stage hypnotist can provide very powerful and safe entertainment and help in demonstrating the effectiveness of hypnosis with regards to the mind within the ethical boundaries.
I have fears regarding to Hypnosis in general due to the negative reputation and public perception of Hypnosis? What can you tell me in response to these fears?
There are several misconceptions about hypnosis :
- Surrender of will
- Weakmindedness
- Loss of consciousness
- Revelation of secrets
- Fear of not being dehypnotized
- Confusion between hypnotizability and gullibility
(William S. Kroger M.D.)
These are unfortunate unfounded fears and misconceptions due to novels, comics and television programs that have perpetuated this myth. However, the TRUTH is that during hypnosis, the subject remains in full control, and exhibit heightened awareness of the subconscious mind to their surroundings. The experience is very different from sleep and is definitely not sleep. Furthermore, the hypnotist will not be able to make the subject do anything beyond their moral and ethical values embedded deep in their subconscious minds. These include surrendering of will and revelation of secrets. The client will be in full control at all times; in fact hypnotherapy can be considered a collaborative relationship to guide the client towards achieving certain goals. Moreover, there are ethical guidelines and codes of conduct that I have to adhere to as a certified hypnotherapist to several hypnotherapy associations.
How effective is Hypnotherapy?
In Psychotherapy, the psychotherapy journal of the American Psychiatric Association (Vol. 7-1), Dr. Alfred A. Barrios (Clinical Psychologist) reported the following success rates:
Hypnotherapy 93% recovery after 6 sessions (about 1.5 months)
Behavior Therapy 72% recovery after 22 sessions (about 6 months)
Psychotherapy 38% recovery after 600 sessions (about 11.5 months)
(But based on my personal experience, the responsiveness and effectiveness differ from individual to individual. Hence there may sometimes be a need to refer where appropriate )
