What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?
Clinical hypnotherapy whilst utilises trance like stage hypnosis is for a therapeutic benefit not a party trick. No clucking like a chicken.
Trance is a state likened to sleep walking where you feel very relaxed but still aware. You have probably been in trance many times without realising. For example, ending up at your destination but not remembering all the steps of your car journey or the softening of your gaze when you stare at a fire or waves. It is a pleasant state to be in particularly if you have trouble relaxing. In this state you are more open to suggestion and able to set down new neural pathways to enable a lasting behaviour change including perception of pain. Like any therapy for most effective results multiple treatments are encouraged.
Hypnotherapy is a modality that has been found to very successful particularly in the persistent pain involved with oncology treatment.
What will happen to me in a trance?
Every person has a different way of going into trance specific to that individual. Some experiences may include softening of facial wrinkles, lowered breathing rate and heart rate, feeling so relaxed you are unable to move your body, head rolling and losing track of time (an hour can feel like only a few minutes).
Why is it important to treat the mind as well as the body in persistent pain?
Emotional and physical pain are processed by the same part of the brain. This means that you don’t experience one without the other. Even something as simple as a sprained ankle has an emotional reaction. Sometimes tears come from the physical pain but also the thoughts that pop up in relation to consequences of being injured eg not being able to work/support yourself.
Another example of this connection is getting a fright. Feeling scared is the emotional reaction but your body also physically reacts – your shoulders jump up towards your ears and you may quickly inhale, hold your breath or even actually jump off the ground.
Some of the early instances of using hypnotherapy for pain relief was during the war to enable surgeons to perform life-saving operations without anaesthetic. How great is that? It is a form of pain relief without nasty side effects.
What is my philosophy on healing?
The power of the mind, body and soul to heal the body is immeasurable. Each person through default of being in their body for a lifetime has the best knowledge of how to heal themselves. The problem is that often times we are out of touch with our bodies and emotions due to the busy, fast paced lives we live.
Zephyr Movement focuses on teaching clients about their minds and bodies along with skills to heal themselves. Healing requires a collaboration of therapist and patient to balance treatment with self-management strategies. It may take consistency and work but the results are long lasting and patients leave feeling more in control of their wellbeing.
What do I need to bring with me to my first session?
Please bring along results of any medical investigations including blood tests and scans (CT, MRI, X-rays).
For physiotherapy services, it is highly recommended that you wear comfortable sports clothing, bring a pair of shorts and females wear a sports bra to allow for a thorough assessment.
What research supports this approach to healing?
Below is an article I wrote collating some of the current evidence for PTSD and clinical hypnotherapy - post_traumatic_stress_disorder_and_hypnotherapy.pdf
Click on the links below to read for yourself and further understand the importance and power of targeting mind and body.
The effectiveness of hypnotherapy with physiotherapy: Pain intensity, functional disability, and psychological distress among patients with non-specific low back pain
Hypnosis and Physiotherapy