Hypnotherapy & NLP ~ Bristol & North Somerset

If you agree with any of the following Hypnotherapy and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) may be the answer for you...

Therapy doesn’t work for me
I find it hard to change feelings, behaviour or emotional reactions through conscious effort and willpower
I want to feel more calm and in control
I want to get more out of talking therapies
I believe my issues are linked to an emotionally significant past event
Negative thoughts and barriers stop me making progress
I want to experience a deeply relaxed state
I believe the cause of my issues are rooted in my subconscious mind
I want to release my potential by accessing my subconscious mind

What's different about Harmony4Life Hypnotherapy and NLP?

* I will provide you with a FREE Self Assessment Package, which aims to reduce the number of sessions, by providing valuable insights and getting to the root cause of issues.
* I use the information you provide to tailor each session more precisely; the more personalised sessions are (especially when using Hypnotherapy and NLP) the more effective they will be.
* I offer a powerful combination of talking therapies, plus Hypnotherapy and NLP, which can ensure sessions are even more precisely tailored to help you move forward.
* The unique combination of therapies used means we can address issues at both the conscious and subconscious levels of your mind and help you develop more positive ways of thinking.
* To provide a solid starting point, I typically work with clients using talking therapies first (face to face, online or over the phone) and then reinforce this through Hypnotherapy.
* Talking therapies can help you gain a conscious understanding of where you are and provide you with psychological techniques; you can use these immediately and develop a self help toolkit for life.
* Talking therapy also builds a solid foundation for Hypnotherapy by giving us a chance to build rapport to ensure you feel really comfortable with me; the more comfortable you feel in the session the more you will benefit from deep relaxation and the powerful effects of Hypnotherapy
* I also work with some clients using just coaching techniques or Hypnotherapy alone and either on their own can be equally effective, depending on clients’ individual needs.

What are the benefits of Hypnotherapy and NLP?

1. It can improve the success of talking therapies for many issues

The NHS states "Hypnosis does seem to have an effect, though scientists disagree about how it works. Some experts see it as a relaxation technique that uses the power of suggestion or relies on the placebo effect." Nevertheless, many people find it hugely beneficial as an add on to talking therapies. This is because it can remove negative thoughts and barriers that other therapy has not tackled.

2. It can you take control of your feelings, behaviour or emotional reactions

If you find it hard to change feelings, behaviour or emotional reactions to certain things through conscious effort and willpower, underlying conflicts in the subconscious mind may be the cause. Often old feelings such as shame, anger, jealousy, hurt or guilt have been stored in the subconscious mind as a result of past experiences.

The conscious is not usually aware of these repressed feelings so they simply remain there and have a continuous influence over present feelings, beliefs and behaviour. However, Hypnoanalysis/ Regression Therapy can tap into the subconscious mind to change this.

If you believe the cause of an issue is rooted in your subconscious mind or linked to an emotionally significant past event this may be the most suitable therapy for you.

3. Through a deeply relaxed state you can feel more calm and in control

Hypnotherapy is extremely relaxing and calming due to the deep mental and physical relaxation, which hypnosis achieves. People sometimes comment on how heavy or light their bodies feel during hypnosis and how they feel more detached or their mind and senses feel sharper.

Sensations of floating or time distortion are quite common. After an hour of hypnosis people often feel only 10 minutes has passed. During hypnosis people are in control at all times and the worse thing that can happen is that people feel so comfortable, relaxed and happy that they simply do not want to come out of hypnosis at the end of the session!

For some people who expect all of the above and more, being hypnotised may feel a bit disappointing to start with. This is because sometimes only a pleasant feeling of deep relaxation and calmness is experienced.

Given that hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness which we all drift in and out of from time to time this is not surprising. For example, we experience this just before we drift off to sleep, whilst daydreaming, or when we are completely absorbed in something such as a film, to the exclusion of all else. Your consciousness is altered temporarily as your attention is focused and your mind carries you away, leaving the realities of every day life behind.

Related comments from Harmony4Life clients who have had Hypnotherapy...

"Its so relaxing I wish I could have hypnotherapy every day, that was lovely thanks!"

"I felt better after the session more calm and in control - more logical in my approach to work and life, so much more efficient."

4. You can release your potential by accessing your subconscious mind

Our conscious mind is believed to represent only 10% of our brainpower, leaving the subconscious mind to use the other 90% to conduct the majority of our brain functions. Therefore most people only use a small proportion of their potential!

Due to the strong ‘mind-body’ connection the subconscious can often be at the root of our health problems and anxieties. The subconscious mind controls positive and negative reactions/feelings and is the home of our unique personality, survival instinct, human potential, creativity and intuition.

Also known as the 'unconscious', 'inner' or 'feeling' mind, the subconscious mind holds the life record of our memories and learning. The natural mental potential you were born with is waiting to be tapped!

What is Hypnotherapy/ Hypnosis and why use NLP with it?

Hypnotherapy/ hypnosis is a powerful tool that is included within the category of ‘mind-body’ medicine. It's a form of therapy which uses hypnosis to synchronise your conscious and subconscious mind. It is based on a healing philosophy that recognises the profound connection between the mind and the body.

For some people it can be more effective to use NLP during Hypnotherapy. This is especially true when negative thoughts and barriers keep preventing other therapy from getting to the root cause of an issue. Hypnotherapy can help you to relax so that the subconscious mind is accessible and change can be made at a deeper level.

By combining NLP with Hypnotherapy you can learn to redirect your internal resources so that you can take control of your life and achieve your goals. This is achieved through a heightened state of awareness, known as hypnosis, which can lead to incredibly positive changes in the way you think and therefore behave.

Why does Hypnotherapy/ Hypnosis work when other methods don't?

Sometimes, no matter how much people want to change and how logical the process seems to get there, knowing this is simply not enough, e.g. to lose weight you simply stop eating more food than you burn. Unfortunately, the subconscious mind is not always in line with the conscious mind. Therefore, hypnosis is often necessary to achieve real change by synchronising the conscious and subconscious mind.

How safe is Hypnotherapy/ Hypnosis?

Hypnotherapy/ hypnosis is very different from the stage hypnotism you see on TV, as your therapist is not controlling your thoughts or making you behave in a certain way. In my Hypnotherapy sessions you will always be completely in control and your therapist simply acts as a guide.

You will only be given positive suggestions that are in line with your goals. You are always in control. Your therapist will help you explore the hidden levels of your mind and emotions and use positive suggestions to initiate change so that you can achieve your goals.

Although it may seem daunting to dig below the surface of your mind, Hypnotherapy sessions are a completely safe and supportive way to tap into your potential, as well as past experiences, as illustrated by the following quote:

“The so called dangers from hypnosis are imaginary. Although I have hypnotised many hundreds of patients I have never seen any ill effects from its use” (Dr Julius Grinker).

Who can be hypnotised?

I use a mixture of traditional and new techniques to ensure that all clients can be hypnotised if they want to be (as long as they have an IQ of at least 70 and do not have a severe mental disorder).

Apart from wanting to be hypnotised, it is important that you have realistic expectations of what it will feel like to by hypnotised. The best expectation you can have to help you do this is that you will feel more relaxed when you come out of hypnosis.

Sometimes people become to preoccupied with looking for signs that they are hypnotised and as such fail to follow the guidance of their hypnotherapist. By doing this and thinking you are not 'going under' or being resistant to hypnosis relaxation is rarely achieved. This is quite ironic as relaxation is a key component of hypnosis and by doing either of these things people often prevent it.

Relaxation is a gradual process which is always achieved by the end of each of my sessions. Therefore, it is most important to simply focus on letting go and relaxing whilst concentrating on my voice so that I can guide you into deeper relaxation. To facilitate this I include Progressive Relaxation to help you release physical tension.

Does it matter if I am not in a deep state of hypnosis?

The level of hypnosis you are in really does not matter. The most important thing is that you follow my instructions as well as possible.

Any level of hypnosis/ relaxation is an added bonus in my Hypnotherapy sessions. This is because the techniques used, such as NLP, can be used with or without a hypnotic induction.

Due to this I have worked with people who do not want to be hypnotised due to religious beliefs that it is non-christian, whilst still enabling them to benefit from using the same techniques.

How do you hypnotise someone?

I use traditional techniques including the progressive relaxation induction. This can be used to hypnotise 70% of clients that it is used on.

Although it takes longer than other techniques it is hugely beneficial for clients who experience a lot of physical tension, as it involves going through each muscle group in the body to ensure the entire body is completely relaxed.

The new techniques include the rapid induction method, which ensures that clients are deeply hypnotised within four minutes and produces deep physical and mental relaxation.

Has Hypnotherapy/ Hypnosis been approved and accepted by the medical profession?

* In 1955 the British Medical Association issued a report stating that hypnosis was a valuable medical tool
* In 1958 the American Medical Association recognised hypnosis as a viable scientific modality
* In 1962 the American Psychiatric Association recognised that hypnosis was a viable modality to treat some psychological problems

What evidence is there to prove that Hypnotherapy/ Hypnosis really works?

The following is taken from a clinical review of hypnosis and ‘relaxation therapies’ published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal: 1999 Nov 20; 319 (7221): 1346–1349).

‘There is good evidence from randomised controlled trials that both hypnosis and relaxation techniques can reduce anxiety particularly that related to stressful situations such as receiving chemotherapy’.
‘They are also effective for panic disorders and insomnia, particularly when integrated into a package of cognitive therapy,’
‘A systematic review has found that hypnosis enhances the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy for conditions such as phobia, obesity, and anxiety’.

There are many other areas that Hypnotherapy can help with. I am happy to advise you, via email or over the phone, as to whether I can help you.

“There is more scientific evidence for hypnotherapy than any other complimentary therapy... by using hypnosis people can perform amazing feats of willpower and self-healing” (Health Education Authority)

Which? 2002, reported the results of a meta-analysis of 18 controlled trials which suggest that Hypnotherapy/ hypnosis can reinforce the effects of cognitive behavioural psychotherapy for conditions including high blood pressure, insomnia and anxiety.

Which? also stated that other studies indicate that Hypnotherapy/ hypnosis can potentially help with weight loss, chronic fatigue syndrome and headaches.

How does research explain Hypnotherapy/ Hypnosis?

Objective research suggests that hypnosis is not the same as being asleep as an increase in alpha brainwave activity is found in hypnotised subjects. These are the brainwaves produced when humans are in a relaxed but mentally alert state, as opposed to slower delta waves, which are found predominantly in humans when they are asleep. We often pass through this stage before we drift off to sleep and when we wake up in the morning.

Research suggests that when people watch TV their brainwaves change from beta (found in the wide awake state, associated with active, logical thought) to alpha waves (found in a state of hypnosis). This suggests that when we watch TV we are in a state of hypnosis and the parts of our brain associated with logical thought switch off.

This was first discovered in 1969 when Herbert Krugman ran experimental trials whilst monitoring changes in brainwaves. He found that watching TV for less than a minute changed a subjects brainwaves from beta to alpha waves. They then reverted to beta waves when the subject read a magazine.

Subsequent research has demonstrated the same changes in brainwaves whilst watching TV. This explains why we can sometimes find ourselves responding to a story in a film as if it were real.

Basically the process of hypnosis leads us to accept a sad story as real as our active logical thought processes take a back seat. In other words when we are watching TV we can find ourselves responding with real emotion because our conscious mind is bypassed and is not stepping in to rationalise what you have seen is just a made up story.

So how exactly does Hypnotherapy/ hypnosis work?

The hypnotised state is similar to being on ‘automatic pilot’. Whilst in this state it is thought that the left, analytical side of the brain turns off, giving the right, creative side, complete freedom.

This explains why people always remain conscious but accept suggestions more easily and take actions on these, so long as they are not in conflict with an individual’s moral code of ethics. To help explain how this works it is best to break down the following definition of Hypnosis:

“Hypnosis is a state of mind in which the critical factor of the human (conscious mind) is bypassed and selective thinking is established.” (Dave Elman)

The critical factor of the conscious mind will block and refuse new information if this is in conflict with information or a belief in the subconscious mind. Thus, hypnosis is used to relax the conscious mind and bypass the critical factor, which opens the door to the subconscious mind.

The Clinical Characteristics of Hypnosis

The association between certain frequencies and specific mind states has been known for a long time. For example, an 8-13 hertz cycle per second (25-45 brainwaves) is known as the Alpha frequency/ state.

The Alpha state is linked to the subconscious mind becoming receptive to positive suggestions. It can produce light relaxation resulting in people being ‘in the zone’, learning more effectively, thinking positively, generating ideas, finding solutions and discovering things they wouldn’t normally during conscious awareness.

Characteristics of trance states

The most commonly experienced signs of hypnosis

~ Drowsiness ~ Feeling physically and mentally lethargic ~ Physical and mental relaxation ~ Feeling of heaviness throughout the body, limbs partially immovable ~ Strong lassitude (uninclined to exert self) ~ Feeling detached ~ Heaviness ~ Lightness ~ Tingling ~ Heightened sensitivity, e.g. noises, feeling own heartbeat ~ Amnesia ~ Body warmth- cool or warmer due to lower pulse rate and extreme relaxation ~ Increased lacrimnation- increased “tearing of the eyes” due to the relaxation of the muscles surrounding the tear ducts

Time distortion

When you come out of hypnosis, without looking at the time, consider how long you think you were in hypnosis, from when you closed your eyes to when you opened them. People often feel the session is shorter than it is because they are so relaxed and enjoying the relaxation- time flies when you’re having fun! One hour can seem like 10-15 mins.

Visible signs of hypnosis

~ Excessive swallowing ~ R.E.M (rapid eye movements) ~ Reddening of the eyes due to the relaxation of the muscles in their eyes, allowing a greater flow of blood through the veins ~ Twitching of the mouth during induction ~ Slower and deeper breathing ~ Unable to open eyes

Signs of Light Trance

~ Physical relaxation ~ Drowsiness apparent ~ Fluttering of eyelids ~ Closing of the eyelids ~ Mental relaxation, partial lethargy of the mind ~ Heaviness of limbs ~ Catalepsy (seizure of muscles) of eyes ~ Partial limb catalepsy ~ Inhibition of small muscles ~ Slower and deeper breathing ~ Twitching of the mouth during induction ~ Strong lassitude (uninclined to exert self) ~ Rapport between therapist and client ~ Simple positive post hypnotic suggestions followed ~ Involuntary start of eye twitch on awakening ~ Positive personality changes ~ Feeling of heaviness throughout the body ~ Partial feeling of detachment

Signs of Medium Trance

~ Stimulation of dreams ~ Recognition of trance (difficult to describe but definitely felt) ~ Complete muscular inhibition ~ Partial amnesia ~ Glove anaesthesia ~ Tactile illusions (touch) ~ Gustatory illusions (taste) ~ Olfactory illusions (smell) ~ Hyperacidity to atmosphere ~ Complete catalepsy (seizure of muscles) of limbs and body

Signs of Deep Trance

Ability to open eyes without affecting trance ~ Fixed stare when eyes are open, pupil dilation ~ Somnambulism ~ Complete amnesia ~ Complete anaesthesia ~ Post hypnotic anaesthesia ~ Extremely positive posthypnotic suggestions followed ~ Control of organic body functions, heart beat, blood pressure, etc. ~ Recall of lost memories ~ Age regression ~ Visual and auditory (hearing) ~ Hallucinations

Why would you recommend a Life Coaching session before having Hypnotherapy?

Selective thinking is established when new positive suggestions are completed accepted by the subconscious mind. This happens when you like the suggestions you are given and feel they will work for you. This is why it is important for a therapist to get a good understanding of what you really want.

If you didn’t like a suggestion or this was against your moral code of ethics you simply would not accept that suggestion. This explains why Cognitive Behavioural and Life Coaching compliments Hypnotherapy and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) so well. Following a coaching session suggestions and techniques can be individually tailored to clients’ needs and will therefore be that much more powerful.

How do you use information from a Life Coaching session to prepare for Hypnotherapy?

I use the information taken from Life Coaching sessions to ensure Hypnotherapy is tailored for each individual clients. The more tailored Hypnotherapy is, the more effective it will be.

For example, selective thinking may be established with a client who has requested Hypnotherapy sessions for pain relief through a suggestion such as “if you continue to see yourself playing football you will feel no discomfort whatsoever”. The client will experience complete anaesthesia, as long as they continue to focus on playing football and accept the suggestion they have been given.

What other ways may I benefit from Life Coaching?

Additionally, Life Coaching focuses your mind on what you really want. This means you will be more likely to take in anything around you in your daily life that will help you. The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is responsible for this; for example if you decide you want a red car one day you will find you notice so many more red cars the following day and are therefore more likely to find one for sale more quickly!

Life Coaching will help you sharpen your mind and empower you to help yourself at a conscious level, whilst Hypnotherapy can help you at a sub-conscious level. This unique and powerful two-pronged approach is highly recommended, however if you just want Hypnotherapy or just want Life Coaching that is perfectly fine.

Tell me more about how you use suggestion therapy and NLP in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioural/ Life Coaching

Suggestion therapy refers to positive suggestions that are given to clients, whilst they are hypnotised, to suggest that something will happen or is happening. For example, ‘your hands are becoming warmer and warmer’ or ‘when you wake up you will feel energised and better than you did before’.

This kind of therapy focuses on the symptoms clients' are experiencing. Combined with the positive, goal focused approach of Life Coaching, suggestion therapy and NLP is tailored and as a result much more powerful than standard sessions of Hypnotherapy. This is due to suggestion therapy being much more in line with clients’ goals, beliefs, symptoms and any personal barriers that may be holding them back.

Suggestion Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural/ Life Coaching can help you achieve goals such as weight loss, improving relationships, career progression or anything else.

However, for deeper rooted psychological problems Suggestion Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural/ Life Coaching may be combined with Hypnoanalysis/ Regression Therapy for more powerful results (see below). Suggestion Therapy can help with weight loss, relationships, career progression or anything else

What kind of issues does Hypnoanalysis/ Regression Therapy treat and is it successful?

I have successfully treated psychological and emotional issues through Hypnoanalysis/ Regression Therapy. Any issue or condition which may be the result of underlying anxiety, caused by a repressed memory may be helped by Hypnoanalysis/ Regression Therapy.

This includes low self-esteem, fears and phobias (including claustrophobia, agoraphobia, etc.), anxiety/ panic attacks, social anxiety, relationship issues, self sabotage and depression.

How many sessions of Hypnoanalysis/ Regression Therapy will I need?

In line with Hypnotherapy and NLP being ‘brief therapies’ this method ‘speeds up’ the analysis process, getting results in a matter of weeks which can take more than "1,000 hours of conventional analysis". I will work with you to re-examine past events and release any associated emotions.

It may take a few weeks before memories below conscious awareness come to the surface through Hypnoanalysis/ Regression Therapy. As a general guide Hypnoanalysis/ Regression Therapy can take between 1 to 12 weekly sessions, depending on clients’ needs.

How does Hypnoanalysis/ Regression Therapy work?

This type of therapy facilitates the recall of past events whilst clients are hypnotised (also known as ‘free association’). It focuses on the cause and effect of emotional and psychological issues and is used to identify the original cause of a particular issue.

Behavioural issues or physical symptoms are often linked to an emotionally significant past event which is hidden from the conscious mind. For instance as children many of us have faced events which produced emotions that we found difficult, if not impossible, to deal with.

The subconscious may have filed the memory of the event away or this may be perfectly clear in someone’s mind. However, the emotion which is associated with the event is usually locked deeply within the subconscious, triggering fears and anxieties, which often take over someone’s life.

For example, a phobia may develop if the emotion is externalised and directed towards an object or behaviour. Alternatively physical symptoms may result, such as eczema, migraine, high blood pressure, a stammer or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

I guide clients through Hypnoanalysis/ Regression Therapy to help them recall events and emotions leading back to the initial event. Eventually catharsis will occur where the originating cause of the problem and the associated emotions are found and released.

As an adult you can use your existing knowledge and wisdom to view these memories from a different perspective, which helps release them from the subconscious. This results in long-term/ permanent relief of the symptom.

How I can help you...

I can work with you to achieve your goals, whatever they may be… CBT, Hypnotherapy and the other psychological therapies I offer can be tailored to address many issues, so if you would like to work on something that’s not included below get in touch.

Contact me

If you’re interested in taking the next step towards positive change get in touch, I would love to hear from you.

All messages come through to me personally, which I deal with as soon as I can. If you reach my answerphone please leave a voicemail or send a text or email.

I am happy to provide you with more information and answer any questions you may have. I will also create an effective solution tailored for you personally, if you choose to work with me.

Get in touch for more information, to arrange an appointment, FREE initial consultation or call back. All information is treated as strictly confidential.

Make positive change for life with Hypnotherapy and NLP plus CBT Therapy Bristol and North Somerset

Claire Paul (Hons), MSc, Dip. Hyp, Dip. LC/ PC, Psychologist Hypnotherapist and Professional Life Coach Bristol and North Somerset

FREE initial consultation: claire.paul@harmony4life.co.uk/ 07813 138 171/ www.harmony4life.co.uk