What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a tool to help process our experiences (fears, memories, trauma) by entering into a trance state using something that is called an induction. An induction is often achieved using visualization and breath work which slows down our brainwaves and helps us to relax. When we slow down our brainwaves we feel calm and safe.
When our brainwaves are slowed down we also have full access to our subconscious mind, including memories throughout all of our lifespan. It is estimated that we only have access to about 10% of our conscious mind when engaging in talk therapy. This dramatically limits how much we can change our behaviors and heal.
Rewiring the Subconscious Mind
Our subconscious mind holds beliefs and stories about how we feel, think and behave. The process of hypnotherapy provides access to our subconscious mind and that additional 90% through entering into what is called a trance state.
When we are born our brainwaves are in what is called Delta which is the slowest speed. Our brainwaves gradually speed up as we get older (see chart below). This is why children have such strong imaginations. They are spending a lot more time in a “flow” state (Alpha) than we do as adults.
Our subconscious mind is fully formed around eight years old. This is when our foundation of early life experiences is considered complete and we spend most of our waking time in what is called Beta. This is also why many therapists relate your current experiences to your childhood, they are looking back into what happened when your subcocnious was forming from birth to eight years old.
Often our trauma gets “stuck” in these slower brain wave states where our subconscious beliefs can be very strong (before our subconscious was fully formed). The most effective way to process trauma from that time period is to slow our brainwaves down. This gives us access to the complete memory/issue that we may not fully remember when talking about our problems. Remember, we only have 10% access when utilizing talk therapy.
Are all therapists trained in Hypnotherapy?
No. This is a speciality certification that requires intensive training.I completed my certification in Heart Centered Hypnotherapy at the Wellness Institute. Certification standards include completing 60+ educational training hours, practicum providing supervised sessions using hypnotherapy and passing a clinical exam.
I have also received 2+ years of personal hypnotherapy for my own healing and have learned how to best serve clients through direct experience. This is what sets me apart from other Hypnotherapists. I understand the experience deeply on many levels which is why I have such respect for it’s efficacy.
What makes Heart Centered Hypnotherapy Different ?
Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy is built on a strong humanistic and transpersonal psychology foundation. It incorporates aspects of Gestalt therapy, Transpersonal psychology and Internal Family Systems. Somatic based release is a strong component of HCHT as well as inner child and attachment repair.
Can Hypnotherapy be done remotely?
Yes. It is just as effective remotely as it would be in person. Often people prefer to be in the comfort of their home when processing this deep material. I use secure telehealth options for these sessions and ensure there are no tech issues before starting a processing session.
How do I know if Hypnotherapy or Hypnosis is right for me?
I can discuss this further over a phone consultation to explain which modality would be best and why I believe that to be the case. Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool. I do not immediately start hypnotherapy with new clients until I can assess one’s capacity to handle such a process.
How can I benefit?
Hypnotherapy is effective at treating the following concerns:
Food Issues (Restriction patterns, binging etc.)
Codependency
Attachment Issues (Insecure/Reactive Attachment)
Trauma
Somatic Complaints (i.e.- unexplained nerve pain)
Addictions (i..e- Caffeine/Nicotine dependence)
Grief /Traumatic Grief
Repressed emotions (i.e.- Anger)
Mind/Body Issues (weight loss issues/gain, unexplained fatigue/ sleeping when emotionally stressed, etc.)
Panic like symptoms
Phobias
Past Life Memories