Solution-focused methods
People are sometimes reluctant to try therapy as they think it will involve examining childhood problems and dwelling on unwanted feelings. In fact, many changes can be achieved using methods that help you move rapidly towards your goal, building on feelings of optimism rather than dwelling on negativity. Whatever has happened in the past, all that matters is your current attitude and your belief that the future will be better.
Solution-focused therapy helps you identify your strengths and resources, release your problems and make rapid progress towards your goal. I offer numerous techniques that help you quickly rediscover a feeling of confidence and make positive changes to your behaviour. In many cases, it is not necessary to revisit the past or explore a problem too deeply as the solutions can be found by focusing on the desired outcome.
The main solution-focused approaches I favour are neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), hypnosis, suggestion therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and self-help techniques. Read on, if you would like to learn more about these methods and to find out how they will help you.
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)
NLP helps us to create positive changes in our lives. It works on the basis that our unconscious mind runs programs and provides us with techniques to install better programs. This approach allows the programs that cause negative feelings and behaviours to be changed with ease. My knowledge of NLP helps me identify unconscious processes. I listen to how someone talks about their problems and discover how they their beliefs are holding them back.
Powerful NLP techniques can help you make positive changes with relative ease, effectively reprogramming your mind and transforming your attitude. You will understand how your thinking patterns are affecting your feelings and behaviour, which is both fascinating and empowering. More importantly, you will learn how to dramatically improve the way you feel about problems that used to hold you back.
Hypnosis / trance work
Hypnosis, also known as trance, is a state of mind somewhere between waking and sleeping. In trance, you are still conscious but experiencing a deep state of relaxation.
To dispel a few myths about hypnosis: In a trance state, you are always aware, able to awaken fully if you wish, feel in control and are able to withhold information or be untruthful if you choose. You will hear me speaking and will be able to hold a conversation with me whilst you are trance, although for some techniques you will be listening rather than talking.
The power of hypnosis is not because someone else takes control of your mind, the mind has too many defence mechanisms to allow this to happen. Hypnosis is powerful because the solutions to our problems are stored in our unconscious minds and the more relaxed we are, the more easily we can communicate with our unconscious. In a trance state, we can access your unconscious mind and overcome your problems using a range of techniques.
Hypnotic suggestion therapy
Suggestion therapy involves using hypnosis to allow you to relax so that positive new beliefs can sink into the unconscious mind. When you are in trance, I will use creative visualisation, help you rehearse positive outcomes and embed new responses to old situations.
Suggestion work is extremely enjoyable and offers many positive benefits. You simply relax comfortably with your eyes closed, listen to soothing music and allow my voice to gently guide you. It works very well for simple changes and experiencing the deep relaxation of a trance state can produce long-lasting benefits. Hypnotherapy CDs feature suggestion work and are an excellent self-help tool, requiring little effort and offering significant benefits.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is very popular these days. It is based on the assumption that our thoughts affect our feelings and behaviour, so if we change our thoughts, the feelings and behaviours will change. In this respect, the principle is similar to hypnotherapy, except hypnotherapy works mainly with the unconscious mind and CBT works with the conscious mind.
CBT is a good approach for people who like to understand and participate in their own journey to well-being. Many of the techniques allow you to analyse your thoughts in your own time and work on making changes that will benefit you. It offers techniques to help you reach your desired outcome and gives you greater control of your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. I usually combine CBT with hypnotherapy as I find this most effective for achieving rapid change.
Self-help techniques
The positive changes you achieve in your hypnotherapy sessions will be greatly enhanced if you practice some self-help techniques. This not only accelerates your progress, but gives you more control over your emotions and behaviour, reminding you of your own resources and making you feel more confident.
Such techniques include using NLP, Emotional Freedom Technique and the Sedona Method to enable you to cope with challenges as they arise. You may be asked to explore your thinking patterns and gain more control over them with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques. You will also be asked to listen to hypnotherapy CDs to allow you to practice your self-hypnosis skills, learn how to relax more easily and embed positive suggestions to overcome your difficulties.
Participating in your own journey to well-being is an important part of our therapeutic alliance. It allows you to make faster progress, increase your self-confidence and feel empowered to create positive changes.
