Are you a certified practitioner?

I am a certified practitioner of Hypnotherapy, NLP and Motivation Coaching with an internationally recognised regulating body – the General Hypnotherapy Register.

How does one become certified?

As the current need for cost-effective single-session psycho-therapy increases steadily (this is the real and present potential of hypnotherapy), the number of qualified practitioners of hypnosis is on the rise. Nowadays, accredited training organisations offer part and full-time residential courses; on-line courses and supervision are available, too.

When did hypnosis arise first?

We have always possessed the ability to use the power of the hidden mind (the unconscious) to repair and heal ourselves in a natural, respectful and non-invasive way; we have learnt to forget this truth. Hypnosis has been practised successfully since the first woman gave birth!

What are the problems this form of therapy it is most suited for?

The common underlying feature of virtually all problems presented by my clients is emotional pain and suffering. Whether the complaint is anxiety, addiction problems, depression, medical issues like Aids, urinary retention or cancer, problems in relationships, feelings of inadequacy, recovering from trauma and grief, or whatever, pain and its consequences are the client’s fundamental reason for seeking help.

What kind of qualities would be needed to become a good hypnotherapist?

I was a language teacher for twenty years before shifting to ‘doing’ hypnotherapy; exercising pastoral care is fundamental in helping others. There has been much research into what constitutes a resourceful practitioner. I share the view that hypnotherapists with limited resourcefulness can be likened to professional life-guards with extensive training in rowing a boat, throwing a ring buoy, and giving artificial respiration, but without the ability to swim. Effective (‘good’) practitioners of hypnosis are those who have learnt to swim!

How can the client recognise a good one?

Be sensitive to a loving and compassionate attitude on the part of your therapist; this cannot be faked. Be wary of the therapist who tries to rescue you, or offers you 24/7 availability.

Should the client definitely look for a certified practitioner?

Yes. Hypnotherapy is the application of hypnosis in a wide variety of medical and psychological disorders; adequate training is a prerequisite for practising hypnosis, regardless of whether the therapist is a psychologist, dentist, community worker, or social entrepreneur.

What if a feel resistance, can it work anyway?

This is an important question as resistance to change keeps people in ignorance, misery and sickness unnecessarily! Many people retain ‘blocks’ within their unconscious minds, enforced areas of forgetfulness which protect them from an unpleasant memory and which stop them from going beyond that point. With persistence, patience and attentiveness, the blocks can be cleared; it may take time, sometimes demanding many sessions, but eventually they will be cleared.

What kind of a person do you need to be to benefit?

“Bring me your pain” is my invitation to prospective clients! I prefer working with clients who see their situations as ‘hopeless’, often when the medical profession is unable to provide a satisfactory solution to their condition.

It is my job to persuade my clients to assume responsibility for healing themselves, and give them the skills they need to do it. Remember that pain is what motivates clients to seek therapy. The primary goal of therapy is the creation of comfort, pleasure, health, success and happiness – the question is when; this decision is the sole responsibility of the client!

Can children benefit as well?

Absolutely, indeed in my experience of teaching kids, hypnosis and instruction in ‘best breathing practices’ is key to a balanced education. Self-hypnosis and self-betterment should be priority subjects in school curricula around the globe – there is not a moment to lose!

We are still evolving, and we need to invest in our young. Our children may have achieved the physique which is suitable for their surroundings, but the ‘little ones’ are more than ever vulnerable to disease and disorders, unknowing hostages to the stresses of our sophisticated society – ask any mother. Hypnosis (let our kids decide on an alternative name if they want to!) offers them a chance to harness all the strengths they already possess and use them in the fight for survival.

Do any 'mainstream' institutions endorse hypnotherapy?

Yes. In 1956 the British Medical Association approved the use of hypnosis in the management of certain psychological and behavioural problems. In 1958, the American Medical Association followed suit.

Can the therapist make me do things or say things i don't want to?

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. No one can be induced into a hypnotic state against his or her will, and the idea that a weak mind is taken over by a stronger, more manipulative mind is just not true.

Am I completely in her/his control?

Hypnotists do not possess the power to control other people’s minds, they just point the way to a deep state of relaxation which is available to everyone. And the final myth to be disposed of is this; under hypnosis, you do not say things that you do not believe, you merely dispense with the inhibitions which normally prevent your saying what you really feel! But, you are always in full control of what you say, and if you do not want to reveal your most intimate secrets, you won’t.

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