Frequently Asked Questions

Hypnotherapy

How does hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy is a heightened state of focused attention and concentration. You are in a deep state of relaxation that allows you to be more open to suggestions to increase your health and well-being.

Hypnosis can feel wonderful and natural. It can feel very familiar. It is a relaxed state, which we pass through first thing in the morning and before we go to sleep at night.

In hypnosis, the conscious mind steps aside when in a trance, and the subconscious mind steps forward, it is alert and listens to the suggestions made by a trained therapist.

The suggestions are usually processed, by the individual's subconscious mind, and for many, the therapy starts to work.

When you are in a relaxed and focused state, you can use hypnotherapy to solve problems and achieve goals.

Does hypnotherapy work?

Research shows how effective hypnotherapy can be. A 2022 study on paediatric patients in a children's hospital found that hypnotherapy appeared to help create "an overall improvement in symptoms" in 76% of more than 200 individuals with complex symptom disorders.  www.forbes.com/health/mind/what-is-hypnotherapy

Can I be made to say anything against my will? 

The answer to that is no. You cannot be made to say or reveal anything against your consent while in a hypnotised state. If a suggestion is stated that you do not agree with, or value, you will reject that statement. You are in control, you can come out of a trance if you choose. It is your choice to accept or reject a suggestion.

How many sessions do I need to see results? 

This depends on the individual. The average course of treatment is around 4 to 6 sessions. However, for a stop-smoking or a phobia client, it may take 1 or 3 sessions, again this depends on a person's situation.

Can I fall asleep in a hypnosis session, and does it still work? 

Some of my clients have fallen asleep when they are in a hypnotic trance or very relaxed. Hypnotherapy can still work if a client falls asleep. If you tend to fall asleep when listening to an audio it may be a sign that you are tired. If you are seeking behavioral changes, it may be best to listen, when you are not tired or when lying down. However, if you are listening to hypnosis to deal with a sleep issue and you fall asleep, that is fine.
Check out the link for further information.

https://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/faq/fall-asleep

What happens in the consultation and first session? 

The consultation session is usually an opportunity to get to know your situation better and as well as going through the standard paperwork. I will focus on what you want to achieve. I will also do your first hypnosis so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Some have asked, can hypnotherapy help my partner, friend, or a family member to deal with weight issues, or stop smoking, or other issues? 

Change is mainly effective when the person themselves decide, that they want to make alterations to their lifestyle. You can encourage your friend or family member to seek help, but they have to be the ones to engage with the therapist in their program for treatment.

What medical condition or situation when you should not have hypnotherapy? 

Although hypnosis is generally considered safe, there are some conditions when it should not be performed. It is unsuitable for a person to receive hypnotherapy if they are under the influence of alcohol and if they have consumed unprescribed drugs.

 
Please check with your GP if you have any one of the following conditions before having hypnotherapy; 

Personality disorders, 

Epilepsy, 

Heart conditions, and 

Psychotic disorders such as Schizophrenia and Psychosis. 

Do I need to do anything between each session?

It depends, you may have tasks to complete, or you may be provided with an audio to listen to in between sessions. However, you may not need to do anything.

I hope my answers have helped. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

Valerie

14 June 2023

Six Tips for Reducing your Alcohol Intake

Are you concerned about how much alcohol you are drinking? Drinking can increase over time, and you may notice negative consequences. You may find it affecting your sleep, productivity, or relationship with others. However, with support and resources, many that cut down feel the benefits of increased confidence, and a sense of satisfaction. Many also state having more control of their health and well-being.
If you want to cut down, check out my top tips to help you reduce and kick-start your drink moderation journey.

1. Record what you drink

Keep a record of what you are drinking and the times you drink. Set yourself a target that feels manageable to you. It doesn't matter how you keep your record use whatever works for you. For example, it could be a notebook or an app on your phone, such as https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/tools/mydrinkaware-app

Many report feelings of increased confidence as they chip away at the units.

2. Start later and finish earlier

Try to start drinking later and stop earlier than your usual times. You may consider switching to a non-alcoholic alternative.

3. Slow down

If you tend to finish your drinks quickly, try putting down your glass in between sips. Some people find it helpful to drink from a smaller glass. This can help you to slow down and pace yourself.

4. Alternate between Alcohol and Alcohol-Free Option

You could consider alternating soft drinks after each alcoholic drink. This may help if you are out with friends. There are different alcohol-free options, such as wine, beer, spirits, or water.

5. Gather support

Let friends and family know who will be supportive of your plans, to reduce and manage your alcohol. So when you decide to have an alcohol-free drink, they will know and understand your situation.

6. Alcohol-free days

If you drink every day, try having an alcohol-free day each week. Start with one day, and when you are ready, try a second day, then a third day each week. The NHS recommends having alcohol-free days each week.

Check out the NHS link. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/tips-on-cutting-down-alcohol/

If you would like some support to reduce your alcohol intake. Contact me to discuss how I can help you. I will use hypnotherapy and other drink moderation techniques to achieve your goal.

Try these tips, and over time you will feel the benefits mentally and physically.

Valerie

VM Davis Hypnotherapy

21 January 2023

5 Tips for Reducing your Stress Levels

We all feel stressed from time to time. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed more often than normal, try my top tips for restoring calm.

1. Breathing

If you feel your stress levels increasing, a simple breathing exercise you can try is to breathe in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, then breathe out for 6 seconds. Do this several times, and you should feel your stress and anxiety begin to reduce. This technique works well for me.

2. Positive affirmations

Saying positive affirmations to yourself can help change your mindset and encourage positivity. It is best to say affirmations last thing at night and first thing in the morning before getting out of bed, as the mind is more open to any positive statements you tell yourself.

The examples may include; 

'I am developing amazing coping skills.'

'I trust in my skills and abilities,' or

'Everyone has bumps in the road, but I will keep going.'

Any positive statements will help. Repeat regularly to get the best results.

3. Sleep

Having a good night's sleep heals the mind and body. It can boost your immune system and may leave you feeling refreshed and energised. Aim to get at least 7 - 8 hours of sleep each night. Turn off television and lights as these can affect sleep, even if you have slept throughout the night.

Healthline.com states

Making your bedroom more sleep-appropriate and comfortable can also help. Take steps to keep it dark, cool, comfortable, and quiet, such as the following:

• Consider limiting indoor sources of light, buying dark curtains, and using earplugs.

• Limit the use of, screens (TV, phone, tablet, or computer) 30 to 60 minutes before sleep.

Sleep Disorders: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments (healthline.com)

4. Exercise

A great way to release stress is through exercise. It is well known 'working out' provides an effective stress release for the mind and body. A regular workout releases natural chemicals into the body, these include Endorphins, which make you feel good, and Dopamine is also released when you are active, which is known as the reward chemical. Generally, exercise can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as many other benefits.

Try out one of Lucy Wyndham-Read's workout videos. They range from 4 minutes to 30 minutes. Here is a 7 minute workout. https://youtu.be/yFxwTUO4818

If you need some motivation to exercise listen to Tansy Forrest's hypnosis audio. It will allow you to relax and encourage you to be more active. https://youtu.be/IQReKQY8zqA

5. Rest and Relaxation

I have always advocated that you should make time for yourself. You may consider an hour each day, one day a week, or a few days each month. If you are a person with little time. Start with an hour a day. You could meet with friends for a coffee. You may read a book, or do nothing at all. Whatever you do, it is important to make time for yourself.

These tips are what I use to help keep my stress levels to a minimum. I will also use them when I am busy and on the go.

Please call me if you would like information on how hypnotherapy can be a wonderful tool to support your life.

Valerie 

Clinical Hypnotherapist Dip.Hyp.HWHP, BA

24 November 2022 

Hypnotherapy and Alcohol:
How to Reduce your Drink Intake

When you think of alcohol, the first thing that comes to mind is probably its ability to relax us and make us feel good. Indeed, drinking alcohol in small quantities has undeniable benefits for our physical and mental health, as well as for our social life. But there is a darker side to alcohol consumption too. Many people develop an unhealthy relationship with alcohol that can ultimately lead to self-destructive habits such as binge drinking, and other deleterious effects on the body. A range of studies have revealed that drinking alcohol regularly may lead to numerous negative effects on almost every organ in the human body. It increases blood pressure and the risk of developing high blood pressure; it also has an impact on your liver function and predisposes you to type 2 diabetes and several types of cancer. Moreover, some individuals struggle with alcohol or find it difficult to control their drinking habits. If you are one of them or simply want to reduce your drinking habit, consider trying hypnotherapy as a way of managing your cravings and reducing the quantity of alcohol you consume when you drink.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a type of therapy that uses hypnosis to help people make positive changes in their lives. Hypnosis is a state of heightened focus and attention that allows you to access your subconscious mind. This is the part of your mind that stores your memories, emotions, and automatic responses to certain situations. It can help reduce cravings and make it easier to stop drinking alcohol. During hypnosis, a therapist talks to you calmly and gently, directing your attention away from your thoughts about daily life and directing it to your inner imagery. Hypnotherapy begins with a gradual induction. You'll be guided into a state of relaxation as you're asked to focus on breathing deeply and letting go of tension in your muscles. Along with relaxation, your therapist may suggest that you imagine pleasant scenes or experiences that create positive emotions. While hypnosis is often thought of as an altered state of consciousness, it is more helpful to think of it as a heightened state of concentration and focus. You're awake and aware of your surroundings, but you've reduced your tendency to be distracted by random thoughts and feelings. You may feel relaxed and focused, but you're not asleep.

How Does Hypnotherapy Help With Alcohol Issues?

Studies have found that hypnotherapy can be an effective tool for reducing alcohol cravings and the desire to drink. These benefits stem from the ability of hypnosis to help individuals gain better insight into their relationship with alcohol. You can create a positive relationship with alcohol by knowing your limits when it comes to drinking and being conscious of what alcohol can and cannot do for your health. You can also develop a greater understanding of the triggers that make you want to drink as well as the motivations behind your alcohol-related habits. Once you gain awareness of your drinking habits, you can start working on ways of reducing your alcohol intake and negative alcohol-related behaviours such as binge drinking.

Strategies to Reduce Drinking with Hypnotherapy

Cognitive therapy: This strategy involves challenging the negative thoughts associated with alcohol that make you want to drink. When you want to drink, try and discover what thoughts or emotions are driving this desire and replace them with more positive thoughts.

Visualisation: This is another way of challenging the negative thoughts associated with drinking. Visualising yourself in a situation where you are not drinking alcohol and not feeling anxious or depressed can help you break the cycle of negative thoughts that lead to over drinking.

Breaking the cycle: If you have a negative habit or addiction, you often feel the need to perform that action. When you feel the desire to drink, try and do something different. You might not stop the desire to drink immediately, but with time and practice, you can break the cycle of habits that drive you to drink.

Bottom line

If you have an alcohol issues you need to seek help from a professional. If you simply want to reduce your drinking habits, hypnotherapy can be an effective tool. It can help you gain a greater understanding of your relationship with alcohol and reduce the desire to drink.

30 October 2022

Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss:

Techniques to Assist you Lose Weight

How many times have you heard someone say that it's all in your head? When it comes to losing weight and getting fit, that statement couldn't be more true. Hypnotherapy for weight loss is an effective tool for those who are serious about seeing results. Even though there are many people who question the effectiveness of hypnosis, research shows that this form of therapy can have a significant impact on your life when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. To see exactly how it works and whether it's right for you, read on to find out everything you need to know about hypnotherapy for weight loss.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a type of therapy that uses hypnosis to help people make positive changes in their lives. In its simplest form, hypnosis is a state of relaxation that allows you to focus on a specific idea or image. By inducing a state of hypnosis, a hypnotherapist can help you to reprogram your mind to break bad habits and start new, healthier ones. It is a very effective form of treatment, which has been shown to have positive effects across a variety of areas. There are many misconceptions about what hypnosis is and how it can help you to achieve your goals.

Why is Hypnosis Effective for Weight Loss?

There are a few reasons why hypnosis is so effective when it comes to losing weight, but the most important is that it allows you to remove the emotional side of eating. When you are stressed or you're eating for emotional reasons, the chances are that you aren't eating in a way that is conducive to weight loss. People who are stressed often turn to food for comfort and to make themselves feel better. On top of that, when you are stressed, you aren't thinking about the nutrition that you are or aren't getting from the food. However, when you are in a state of hypnosis and you are visualising yourself eating a healthy diet, you can take away the emotion and the stress and think more rationally.

How Does Hypnotherapy Help with Weight Loss?

A lot of people turn to hypnotherapy because they want to be able to eat what they want without gaining weight. Others want to be able to resist their bad habits, such as overindulging in alcohol or sweet food. Both of these things can have a huge impact on your ability to lose weight. By changing the way you think about food and your habits, you will be able to make a much more holistic change that will last you a lifetime. For example, if you are someone who struggles with overeating, hypnotherapy can help you to retrain your mind by helping you to visualise eating a healthy, balanced diet that leaves you feeling full and satisfied. This can help you to break the cycle of overeating and binge eating and will lead to a much healthier and more sustainable way of living.

6 Steps to Achieve Weight Loss through Hypnotherapy

Step 1 - Start with a clean slate

Before you can start to clean up your eating and exercise habits, you need to start from scratch. This means completely clearing your mind of all bad habits and replacing them with positive and healthy thoughts and images.

Step 2 - Create a plan of attack

Once you've started to clear your mind, you need to create a plan. This can be as simple as making a list of your favorite healthy meals or setting up a daily exercise schedule.

Step 3 - Create an affirmations list

One of the easiest ways to change your thoughts and actions is to change the words that you use. When you hear yourself saying things like "I deserve healthy food," "I love exercising," and "I can't wait to lose weight," your brain will start to act as though these things are true.

Step 4 - See a hypnotherapist

Although you can use self-hypnosis to change your eating habits and break your bad habits, seeing a hypnotherapist can make the process significantly easier.

Step 5 - Remain consistent

Even if you start seeing positive results after the first session, you need to remain consistent. The more often you visualise yourself eating healthy foods and exercising, the easier it will be to maintain these new habits long-term.

Step 6 - Don't forget your emotional side

You can retrain your brain to think about eating healthy food, but you also need to make sure that you are healthily handling your emotions.

Key Takeaway

When you understand the process behind hypnosis, it becomes clear just how effective it can be. It can help you to reprogram your brain so that you think and act more healthily and effectively. It is an incredibly effective tool that can help you to overcome bad habits, resist cravings, and retrain your brain to think about eating healthy foods. If you are serious about weight loss, you owe it to yourself to try hypnotherapy.

27 September 2022