Let us first of all look at the state of hypnosis. This will help us understand what is meant by Integrative Hypnotherapy.

What is hypnosis

Healing by trance state has been acknowledged for centuries and has been observed, in one form or another, in virtually every culture throughout the world.  However, the term “hypnosis” (from the Greek “hypnos”, meaning “sleep”) was only coined around 1840 and remains a somewhat less than accurate description of the experience as, in most respects, the hypnotic state is entirely dissimilar to sleep. At our current level of knowledge, the phenomenon cannot be conclusively defined but perhaps a reasonable interim definition might be that: “Hypnosis is a state of mind, enhanced by (although not exclusively) mental and physical relaxation, in which our subconscious is able to communicate with our conscious mind”. This state of mind may be brought about either by oneself unaided (self-hypnosis) or with the help of another person.  If this other person is a trained professional, who utilises the resultant state to encourage beneficial change to occur, the process is referred to as “Hypnotherapy”.   

What is hypnotherapy

Psychological therapy and counselling (sometimes referred to as the “talking cure”) is the treatment of emotional and psychological disorders, unwanted habits and undesirable feelings, using psychological techniques alone. The aim of all such therapy is to assist people (usually referred to as clients) in finding meaningful alternatives to their present unsatisfactory ways of thinking, feeling or behaving.  Therapy also tends to help clients become more accepting both of themselves and others and can be most useful in promoting personal development and unlocking inner potential.

There are many forms of psychological therapy but Hypnotherapy is distinctive in that it attempts to address the client’s subconscious mind.  In practice, the Hypnotherapist often (but not exclusively) requires the client to be in a relaxed state, frequently enlists the power of the client’s own imagination and may utilise a wide range of techniques from story telling, metaphor or symbolism (judged to be meaningful to the individual client) to the use of direct suggestions for beneficial change.  Analytical techniques may also be employed in an attempt to uncover problems deemed to lie in a client’s past (referred to as the “there and then”) or therapy may concentrate more on a client’s current life and presenting problems (referred to as the “here and now”). It is generally considered helpful if the client is personally motivated to change (rather than relying solely on the therapist's efforts) although a belief in the possibility of beneficial change may be a sufficient starting point.

Regardless of the techniques employed, perhaps the most important thing is that a client should expect to feel comfortable and at ease with their therapist. This is of particular importance in Hypnotherapy, in which the value of the treatment is greatly enhanced when there is confidence in the practitioner.  For this reason we recommend that a single session only is initially booked, leaving the client subsequently free to decide if they wish to proceed with more.

Unlike many other psychological therapies, Hypnotherapy is generally considered to be a fairly short-term approach in which beneficial change, if it is to occur, should become apparent within a relatively few sessions.

N.B.  In actual practice, most Hypnotherapists will combine hypnotic procedures with other appropriate counselling and therapeutic techniques.  Should there be any doubt about the combination of skills utilised in individual cases, the therapist should be asked directly for a further explanation of their preferred therapeutic approaches.

William Broom, Chief Executive & Registrar, GHR & GHSC

What is Integrative Hypnotherapy

Integrative Hypnotherapy is the application of hypnotherapy within the all encompassing humanistic transpersonal perspective.

Integrative hypnotherapy uses the humanistic and transpersonal approach to healing. It works from the core conviction that each person has the inner intelligence and potential to bring into balance estranged parts of themselves and function in an integrated and balanced way.

It employs the philosophy that accepts the person as a whole, having a body, psyche and higher potential. Within this philosophy it is accepted that optimum health can only be achieved when all these levels are integrated and working in unison.

Integrative hypnotherapy is creative and utilises other skilful means such as

bio-energy therapy, mindfulness meditation and radionics especially when the condition is chronic and/or of a complex nature.

Integrative hypnotherapy is goal orientated and aims to bring you, the person to experience life in the present moment, away from past negative habitual and often unconscious reactions and influences.

Each session is tailor made to suit your own personality, situation and life experience. We work at your own pace making concrete and permanent changes.