Complementary Health Centre of Wendover Bucks, England 01296 622611

Hypnosis and hypno-psychotherapy For over two hundred years the technique of hypnosis has been used in medicine to treat a wide range of physical, psychological and emotional disorders. It has long been recognised that hypnosis may successfully be combined with other approaches and techniques in counselling and psychotherapy. In 1997, the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) formally endorsed the new term. hypno-psychotherapy, as 'the branch of psychotherapy which uses hypnosis'. Hypnosis and the mind Hypno-psychotherapy, recognises that there are many ways of looking at how the mind works. Some people, for instance, take the view that our thoughts and actions are mainly affected by the way we look at the world and how it treats us. Others believe that we are mostly driven by our 'subconscious' mind, which is taken to be the store of all our past experiences and emotions. Whatever theory of the mind is applied, hypnosis can be integrated with appropriate psychotherapeutic approaches to help bring about positive changes. Helping bring about change Hypnosis customarily creates a deeply relaxed state in which mental stress and bodily tension are reduced. In this relaxed state, the mind is usually more open to the process of change. As such, client and therapist can safely work together, using an agreed approach, to enhance mental, physical and emotional well-being. Hypno-psychotherapy can help to achieve positive and lasting results in: Cessation of dependencies and habits e.g. Smoking Eating disorders Nail-biting Management of stress related disorders e.g. Phobias Panic attacks Insomnia Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Managing personal crises e.g. Accident/trauma Miscarriage Bereavement Redundancy Divorce Terminal illness Optimising psychological well-being e.g. Stress Anxiety Depression Achieving personal growth e.g. Building/rebuilding self-esteem, Resolving relationship difficulties,  Enhancing job/career satisfaction, Improving sporting performance Only a selection of the many challenges we face, as fallible human beings, are mentioned above. There are many others and they can be discussed in strict confidence with the therapist. Please note, however, that there are significant doubts about whether a medically oriented approach (i.e. diagnosis/treatment/cure) is applicable to the above 'problems of living', and that the presenting issue may reflect or cover additional issues. The Initial Consultation Prior to any hypno-psychotherapy taking place there will be a consultation, or consultation period, where the issue or problem to be resolved is discussed and where the client has an opportunity to discuss the treatment approach, the number of recommended sessions and the likely cost. Medical Considerations Few medical conditions contra-indicate the use of hypnosis, though in some cases liaison with the client's medical practitioner may be appropriate. Almost everyone who wishes to be hypnotised can achieve a level of relaxation sufficient to allow therapy to take place. The Hypnosis session Generally speaking, during the hypnosis session itself, the client is invited to relax in an armchair or couch and is then guided into a state of deep physical and mental relaxation. In the Hypnotic state While in hypnosis, the client is still generally aware of their surroundings and can choose to come out of hypnosis at any time. No responsible therapist would attempt to hypnotise anyone against their will, or encourage an individual to act against their natural inclinations whilst in hypnosis. After the Hypnosis session At the end of the hypnosis session, the client will be gently returned to the normal waking state. Most new clients are surprised at how far away the reality of hypnotherapy is from any prior expectation of 'mind control', and find the experience deeply relaxing. Training for hypnotherapists At present, anybody can set up in practice as a hypnotherapist, without undergoing any formal training. One way to ensure that your therapist has been properly trained is to ensure that they are a member of the National Register of Hypnotherapists and Psychotherapists (NRHP). Training for NRHP members All NRHP members have trained to the syllabus requirements of the National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy, or have equivalent (UKCP) training, The National College provides a thorough training in hypno-psychotherapy, with comprehensive coverage of hypnotherapeutic techniques integrated with a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches. The National College is the only institution of its kind externally accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education. Such accreditation has been acknowledged by the Secretary of State for Education as the only public guarantee of standards in independent institutions of further and higher education in the UK. United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy The UKCP is a registered charity, which aims to create a well regulated, broadly based psychotherapy profession. UKCP expects its Member Organisations to adhere to and apply guidelines for standards of training and ethical practice intended for the protection of the public. As a leading national register of Hypno-Psychotherapists, the NRHP, like the National College, is a member of the Hypno-psychotherapy Section of the UKCP. NRHP members are strictly regulated in respect of: · Qualifications (and their disclosure on request) · Terms, conditions and methods of treatment · Client confidentiality · Professional relationships · Research and publications · Practitioner competence · Personal and professional behaviour · Post-qualification supervision All National Register therapists carry professional indemnity insurance.   The NRHP national enquiry line no. is: 01282 699378 NRHP, 12 Cross Street, Nelson BB9 7EN E-mail: Hypnosis_NCHP@CompuServe.com Tel: 01282 699378 Fax: 01282 698633 or visit their website on : www.nrhp.co.uk Nicky Ward BSc.(Hons) Psych. (Open), DHP(NC), MNRHP, MIPTI, ITEC. is a member of the National Register of Hypnotherapists abd Psychotherapists. She also specialises in Eating Disorders, IBS, and Phobias. Professional Therapist of Complementary Medicine 01296 622611 Complementary Health Centre, Wendover 07887 484042 Mobile 01296 612930 Home Hypno-psychotherapy, Aromatherapy, Massage, Reiki, Counselling,BodyTalk, Mannatech Products & FLP.