Let me start with what it isn’t!

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is not anything that is ‘done to you’. It works in the form of a collaborative relationship where together, we work to help you solve the problems that you face.  In reality it is a type of ‘talking therapy’ and it combines the use of psychotherapy with hypnosis.

I would like to share a recent comment from a client, who has captured so clearly what I do and how it works:

I found Holly on a Google search after deciding I was going to get help for the anxiety I had been experiencing whilst trying to sleep at night.  I improved after the first session, which was a fascinating time as Holly explains in clear detail the science behind how your brain works. I had a few ‘light bulb’ moments from that first session, which allowed me to change my perspective on what thoughts I was allowing through my mind.  We worked together for a few more sessions on what positive changes I could make to maintain this new found perspective.  Working this way reduced my anxiety throughout the day, which in turn meant that switching off at night was so much easier.  I really enjoyed my sessions with Holly, and I would recommend them to anyone who is interested in taking the time to improve their well-being.  It was different to what I thought ‘hypnosis’ would be, Holly gives you the tools/knowledge on how to help yourself – and you apply them.  This is a really valuable practice, and it will stay with me for life. Thank you very much Holly!   A.R.

So, by using guided relaxation, you can encourage the mind to relax and focus on thoughts and suggestions that may be useful.  This is hypnosis, also known as a state of ‘trance’, and most people will enter a natural trace state without realising on a daily basis.

Trance is a natural, relaxing, state of mind that we all move in and out of during our working day; whether that be when driving the car, watching television, or focussing on a document at work.  And when you realise this, it is easier to understand.  Think of when you concentrate so hard on a project at work that you become oblivious to your colleagues’ banter, or when you get so into a book or TV programme you are unaware that someone is trying to attract your attention.  Or have you ever ‘lost track of time’ whilst involved in an activity, even a mundane one such as ironing?

This happens when your mind is in the trance state.  And, the only difference between this natural state and being hypnotised is that I guide you towards and into the trance state, so as to engage your full attention.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern and psychotherapeutic approach that uses well-researched, structured, and practical strategies, enabling people to make real and positive differences in their lives.  The focus is to look at what the client wants to achieve and finding a solution, rather than investigating what originally caused the problem.  And, often results are achieved in a fairly short time.

So, let me explain the two techniques, Psychotherapy and Hypnosis, separately.

Psychotherapy is the act of talking whilst utilising a variety of techniques including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

The majority of my practice focuses on the application of Solution Focused Brief Therapy.  And, in our sessions we avoid lengthy talks about the problem, so there is no need to analyse the past and often painful memories.   Instead, I focus on the present and my client’s future and their goals. The beauty of this is that I do not need to know what has happened to bring them to me.  But with my support, they establish the ability, skills and resources to enable them to be different in their future.

I also use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which takes the form of a hands on practical approach to problem solving.  This goal-oriented focus helps to change the patterns of behaviour, or the way of thinking that is behind the difficulty, helping clients to change the way they feel.

And my third method, is Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).  This looks at strategies used by other successful individuals and we then use them to help a client reach their goals.  The process can relate to language, patterns of behaviour, or thoughts that the client has learnt through specific events, outcomes, or experience; and the technique helps to re-train the brain to react differently in a difficult situation.

Moving on to hypnosis, this is a naturally contrived state of focused attention; as whilst you are in a trance, your mind is relaxed and more open to suggestion.  Interestingly you are more in control in this ‘state’ than any other, and your subconscious mind will simply reject any suggestion that is not right for you.  So, most importantly for some, it is not possible to make you do anything you do not want to do, as your mind will not let you.

It is a common fear that once in a state of trance that has been induced by a hypnotist you could get ‘stuck’.  This is not the case and should anything untoward happen to the practitioner, the client will ‘wake up’ naturally in their own time.

When I am working with children, we can be creative in our methods of creating change and I rarely ask a child to relax and listen to my voice.  Most often I refer to them to call upon imaginary scenarios and their creative ability to solve their own issues.

Hypnosis can also be used as a preventative measure, as well as a helpful tool to overcome a problem. How often do you have a massage to treat yourself to help you to relax or de-stress? Not often enough I expect! So, consider trance as a form of mind massage.

In every initial consultation, I explain the theory behind how our brains work.  Understanding how our brains respond to different situations, is often the ‘light bulb’ moment when everything falls into place and change can be made.

And, each journey starts with one small step…  So, if you would like to talk through how I may be able to help you, or a loved one, please contact me for a free initial chat by phone on 07909 951338, or email at holly@hollystonehypnotherapy.co.uk .

Holly Stone Hypnotherapy, working towards your preferred future with you in mind.

For more information on Solution Focused Hypnotherapy you can also go to: https://afsfh.com/solution-focused-hypnotherapy