What is hypnotherapy?
The term “hypnosis” comes from the Greek word, hypnos, meaning “sleep.” Hypnotherapists use inductions that bring about deep relaxation and an altered state of consciousness, also known as a hypnotic trance. A person in a deeply focused state is unusually receptive to an idea, suggestion or image; but this does not mean that a hypnotherapist can control the person’s mind and free will. On the contrary, hypnosis can actually teach people how to master their own states of awareness. By doing so they can affect significant changes within their own body and psychological responses.
How does hypnosis work?
Each person experiences hypnotic trance in their own way. There is no right or wrong way. However, most people report feeling deeply relaxed and completely at ease. While in a trance state the therapist will give positive suggestions to help make adjustments in the subconscious mind…for life changes will not happen until the conscious mind and the subconscious have the same beliefs. When you are hypnotized, your unconscious mind is introduced to new beliefs so these changes can happen effortlessly and quickly. Depending on the depth of your trance, you may not always be aware of your surroundings, or of what is exactly being said—but you cannot be made to do or say anything against your will. You will be able to adjust positions if you need to, talk with the hypnotherapist and make decisions and choices. Your subconscious mind will continue to hear and process everything while in a trance.
Even though the hypnotic experience is different for everybody, the majority of people agree that hypnosis is a very relaxed state of deep inner calm. Many people even deny ever being in hypnosis until they see the transformations happening before their eyes. Although the hypnotherapist talks to the client throughout the process, all the work is done by the client themselves. Sometimes while in a trance, the client will verbally interact with the hypnotherapist.
When your system is reminded that it can heal…it will heal itself. The hypnotherapist is only a guide—all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.
Will I always be in control?
Yes. Many clients fear a loss of control during hypnosis, therefore, it is important to know that hypnosis allows you more control rather than less. Hypnosis may be regarded as an altered state of relaxed consciousness, but is definitely not a loss of consciousness.
Will hypnotherapy work for me?
An important aspect of the success of hypnotherapy is a client’s motivation for positive change. If you are motivated and willing to work towards your goal with the guidance of your hypnotherapist, then hypnotherapy has every chance of working for you. Hypnosis is not appropriate for a person who has psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, or for someone who is actively abusing drugs or alcohol. If a person is “clean” and working a program, then hypnosis can be very effective. Hypnosis should be used for pain control only after a doctor has performed a thorough evaluation for any physical disorder that might require medical or surgical treatment.
What happens during a visit to a clinical and or medical hypnotherapist?
During your first visit, I will interview you in depth about what brought you in and what condition or issue you would like to address. I will explain to you what hypnosis is and how it works. You will be guided into a hypnotic trance using various relaxation techniques, using visual images and positive suggestions intended to change behaviors and relieve symptoms. You will come out of a trance feeling wonderfully relaxed and ready to continue your day. Many clients find it helpful to record their sessions so that they can listen to it again as needed.
What is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)?
EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique, a form of Meridian tapping. EFT is a somatic (mind-body) and energy-based healing technique. EFT involves tapping on acupuncture/acupressure points while verbally reciting the emotions or thoughts related to the issue or trauma. The combination of identifying the issue and releasing the energy behind the issue through these meridians has proved extremely effective in the treatment of physical, emotional and psychological problems. EFT has demonstrated to be successful in treating pain, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fears and phobias, allergies, insomnia, craving and addictions, etc. EFT can be quickly and easily taught for self-therapy.
What is Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP)?
NLP explores the relationships between how we think (neuro), how we communicate (linguistic) and our patterns of behavior and emotion (programs). I use it in conjunction with hypnotherapy. NLP techniques are especially helpful for collapsing (ie. removing) negative responses or states, and allowing in the positive.
What Lucy’s Clients are Saying:
I just had a hypnosis session with Lucy via Skype and it was wonderful! I came to her because of rising high blood pressure due to stress. I really don’t want to get on medication. Lucy asked me some questions and then led me through some very relaxing visualization exercises. Already, my bp is lower and I think, using Lucy’s techniques, I can get it to go lower still. I’m so relieved I can avoid that medication. It was great to be able to do this from my living room. Also, I recorded it and now I can listen to it any time I want to reinforce the messages. So talented and with a lovely, soothing voice—I highly recommend Lucy’s services.
Donna L., San Francisco