Ivy Kirk Hypnotherapy
SOLUTION FOCUSED HYPNOTHERAPIST IN NEW CROSS
LONDON SE14 & ONLINE
What is Hypnotherapy and how does it work?
Hypnotherapy is an approach that utilises hypnotic state to enable a therapeutic process. A hypnotherapy session may involve relaxation, guided imagery, suggestions and therapeutic techniques tailored to your individual goals. The experience is different for everyone, but many people describe hypnosis as feeling deeply relaxed, focused or absorbed in their thoughts.
Hypnotherapy does not make you lose control or unconscious and hypnotherapists do not have a magic wand that makes your problem go away. It is a collaborative process where you are in control of your healing. You remain aware of what is happening during sessions and can communicate with your therapist.
There are different types of hypnotherapy:
Ericksonian hypnotherapy privileges the use of hypnotic trance, with hypnotic inductions through deep relaxation. During hypnosis the therapist guides you through specifically constructed narratives that include visual imagery, metaphors and suggestions, that appeal to the imaginative and creative aspects of your mind.
Hypnosis makes you more open to suggestions and able to find new possibilities. You can explore and challenge your patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving safely and find a way forward to reach your goal.
Modern hypnotherapy does not rely on inductions to get you into hypnoyis. Your therapist will guide you conversationally into a hypnotic state. Conversational hypnosis and NLP aim to access your optimum learning state through conversation rather than trance, to activate the resourceful parts of your mind, open up closed thinking loops and generate new more adaptive ideas beliefs or behaviours. Modern hypnotherapy also incorporates techniques that enable you to process memories in a body centred way.
What is solution focused hypnotherapy?
Solution focused hypnotherapy integrates principles of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), an approach that is future orientated and focuses on change as opposed to focusing on understanding and explaining your issue. Solution focused hypnotherapy can be compared to reversed engineering where you set your end goal in the future and we work backwards to remove the blocks getting in the way of you achieving your ideal state. Sessions focus on change no matter how small, developing resilience and your personal resources.
Does Hypnotherapy really work?
Studies about hypnotherapy are too diverse to be conclusive and evidence varies depending on the condition treated and how hypnotherapy was implemented.
For example there is some evidence that hypnotherapy is an effective alternative treatment for certain stress related conditions like IBS or anxiety disorders such as fears and phobias, performance anxiety or sleep difficulties. There is also some evidence of the positive effect of hypnotherapy as a complementary treatment alongside weight management programs.
However different people respond to different treatments differently. For example CBT works for some not for others. Hypnotherapy is not like waving a magic wand and make your issue go away. It is a collaborative process between you and your therapist, and your readiness for change is an important factor. No serious therapist can promise a specific outcome in a specific time frame,
In our initial conversation, we can discuss your issue, what you hope to achieve and whether hypnotherapy is right for you. My aim is to find a way forward that is meaningful and suitable for you, rather than promise a particular outcome.
Does hypnotherapy work online?
Yes, whether your therapist uses hypnotic inductions or conversational hypnosis, hypnotherapy can be just as effective online. It's a matter of personal choice if you prefer to have sessions with me face-to-face or online . Occasionally I work with clients based abroad. I used to run online group sessions, to educate people about hypnotherapy, and participants were able to enter hypnosis following my guidance.
What happens during a hypnotherapy session?
Sessions last 60 minutes. As a rough guide, we will spend time discussing your issue, using certain techniques to help you move towards your solution state. When relevant, I will prepare a hypnotic procedure to help you access unconscious memories or resource states and engage your unconscious mind to integrate your progress.
Beyond using certain tools and techniques, I will develop a respectful and collaborative therapeutic relationship with you, where you can express and reflect on your difficulties without feeling judged or pressured and I will guide progress but let you guide the pace.
In our first session, we will have a conversation to gather a holistic understanding of your personal situation and how your issue has developed. We will also discuss how you would like things to change, your concerns, expectations and any other questions you may have.
I will explain how my approach draws from our current understanding of the role of our Central Nervous System (CNS) from an evolutionary perspective. Our CNS is constantly asking: Am I safe? Do I matter? Is this worth it? The answers will form the basis of our search for the root cause of your issue.
In the following session(s) we’ll spend some time discussing what has been different and hone in on the challenges that you have faced since the previous session. By working in the present, we can identify the patterns that are getting in the way of your goal. Depending on this, I will suggest exercises or techniques we can use to resolve any limiting beliefs, protective mechanisms, conditioned responses or unhelpful behavioural patterns. I will always explain the exercise or technique and ask for your agreement so you feel safe and comfortable. If different issues come up, I will ask you which one you want to tackle first.
How often will I need to see a therapist and how many hypnotherapy sessions will I need?
The answer is the number of sessions you may need depends on your issue and how you respond. Some clients have a specific concern, some have several interconnected issues that benefit from a more gradual and open ended approach. Sessions are usually on a weekly basis but that depends on your needs.
Some people reach out to me with a specific concern like a phobia, that they want to resolve for a specific occasion, so I will plan accordingly to meet their deadline but I cannot guarantee a specific outcome because it depends on their response and readiness for change.
Other people come to me with more complex issues, for example a difficult relationship with a parent or a history of abuse, where an open ended approach is more appropriate. Or sometimes clients are looking for ongoing support through an important transition or challenging time in their life, for example the end of a relationship, or recovery from burnout, serious ill health or accident.
During our initial conversation, we will discuss what you would like to achieve, your budget and consider a realistic plan for you. I will explain my fees and recommendations clearly so that you can make an informed decision. Solution focused hypnotherapy prioritises results over lengthy exploration of the past.
What can hypnotherapy help with?
People seek hypnotherapy for a variety of emotional, psychological or behavioural concerns. Depending on your circumstances, it could help you make changes relating to:
- Anxiety and stress
- Social anxiety
- Panic attacks and dissociation
- Fears and phobias
- OCD and compulsive obsessive behaviours
- Burnout
- Addictions
- Confidence, self-esteem and low self-worth
- Unhelpful habits and behaviour
- Emotional eating
- Insomnia and sleep difficulties
- Relationship difficulties
- Overwhelm and emotional roller-coaster
- Anger and irritability
- Imposter syndrome
- Procrastination
- Shame and guilt
- Loss of purpose
- Conditioned survival responses
- Trauma, PTSD and CPTSD
If you are wondering whether hypnotherapy is right for you, you can book a free confidential chat now and ask me any questions. We will discuss what you are experiencing and how hypnotherapy, counselling or a combination of approaches might be suitable or whether another form of support would be more appropriate. I am here to help you find the best support for you.
Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety?
Anxiety can manifest in different ways, sometimes as conditions like phobias OCD or PTSD that can be diagnosed, sometimes not. Anxiety can affect many aspects of life: from sleep and concentration to relationships, confidence, everyday decisions or our ability to cope with life. You might find yourself feeling overwhelmed, overthinking, anticipating the worst, avoiding situations or feeling constantly on alert.
Hypnotherapy can help in different ways: from managing anxiety through guided relaxation and regulation techniques, making changes in habitual unhelpful patterns, setting boundaries or healing unconscious wounds.
Drawing from my background in developmental psychology, counselling and solution focused hypnotherapy, I will look for the root cause of your anxiety below the surface level symptoms, with attention to your individual circumstances, rather than treating anxiety as a label and being the same for everyone. As with all therapy, hypnotherapy is a collaborative process and I cannot guarantee you a specific outcome. If you were experiencing significant or persistent symptoms, we can discuss what additional support from a healthcare professional may be helpful.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis, or hypnotic trance, also called trance, is a naturally occurring state that has been used for healing purposes since ancient times. It is a state of absorption that sits between wakefulness and sleep where you remain conscious but physically relaxed.
All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. This means you can only be hypnotised if you allow yourself to be induced into it by your therapist and you remain alert and in control throughout the experience.
During hypnosis, your body is resting deeply and your mind remains alert but your focus changes. You have greater awareness of your internal reality, the external reality feels more distant. You can com out of hypnosis instantly by simply opening your eyes. Hypnosis is safe because you remain conscious and in control.
Studies show that hypnosis is associated with specific frequencies of neural activity. It increases Theta and Delta brain waves. Theta waves are associated with light sleep, REM and vivid visual imagery. Delta waves are associated with deep dreamless sleep, transcendental meditative states, increased self-healing and immune system functions.
In other words, during hypnosis you gain access to vivid imagination and creative faculties and memories, you are more open to suggestions and able to find solutions that are right for you.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis doesn't necessarily feel unusual and often feels less dramatic than people expect. People describe it as feeling of deep physical relaxation combined with focused attention, absorbed in their own thoughts or focused on a particular image sensation or idea, a bit like day dreaming or when you are completely engrossed in a book or film. Contrary to popular beleif, hypnosis is not a passive state, your mind remains active and alert and in control throughout the experience.
Occasionally forgotten memories or situations may come up into your awareness but a good therapist will observe and monitor your reaction while you are in hypnosis and will support you if needed.
Most people remember what happened during hypnosis and continue to hear their therapist’s voice guiding them throughout the process. Occasionally people may drift off and stop hearing what their therapist for a few seconds, but they are still taking in relevant information.
There is no right or wrong way to experience hypnosis and you don't need to feel completely relaxed or experience anything extraordinary for a session to be useful.
What are the benefits of hypnosis?
There are different effects and depth of hypnosis. Hypnosis can alter our motor activity, perception and sensations.
Hypnosis can induce catalepsy, a state where the brain motor control is suspended and you feel temporarily unable to move. In that state, a hypnotist can give you suggestions and make your arm move a certain way or they can give suggestions that you are unable to move it and when you try you can’t. This is the territory of stage hypnotists.
In the context of therapy, catalepsy can enable techniques like Ideo-Motor Lever or automatic writing and allow your unconscious mind to guide your hands to express certain things.
Hypnosis can induce analgesia, which reduces sensations in parts of the body. In the medical field, this can be useful in pain management, child birth, dentistry or surgery where analgesic drugs cannot be used, for example brain surgery.
Hypnosis can also alter perception and feelings and induce positive or negative hallucinations. In the context of therapy, this can be useful to a activate high performance state to create a resource anchor or make you experience what it feels like to complete an incomplete sequence and have your problem resolved.
Is Hypnotherapy safe? Are there any risks, side effects or contra-indications to hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is generally considered safe when practised appropriately. However, because hypnotherapy works at unconscious and emotional levels, you may feel temporarily tired or emotional after certain sessions.
As with any form of complementary therapy, please consult your GP or healthcare practitioner to verify that you have no contraindication to hypnotherapy and discuss how hypnotherapy could fit alongside any existing care.
It is important that you tell me if you have a diagnosed medical or mental-health condition, take medication, or are receiving other treatment, or if you have any concerns before we begin.
If you have a history of epilepsy or psychosis, hypnosis may not be recommended. In this instance I will ask you to get approval from your mental health or neurology physician before we start therapy.
Hypnotherapy cannot replace medical care. Hypnotherapy can help alleviate the stress and anxiety caused by a physical ailment but not treat it.
Can a hypnotherapist make me do something I don't want to do? Will I be unconscious or stay in control during hypnosis?
Yes you will remain consious and in control throughout the experience . During hypnosis you do not hand control of yourself to a hypnotherapist and they cannot make you do something against your will. Hypnosis is an active learning state. You remain aware, can choose how you respond during a session. You can communicate with your therapist and you can come out of hypnosis if you wishs imply by opening your eyes.
If you're nervous about losing control, discussing your concerns before you start can help you feel more comfortable and better understand exactly what to expect.
Can anyone be hypnotised and what if I can't be hypnotised?”
Hypnosis isn't something that can be imposed on someone against their wishes and people differ in how readily they respond to hypnosis. Being able to focus, engage with the process and feel comfortable following your therapist's guidance can all play a part but you don't have to be exceptionally imaginative or particularly suggestible to try hypnotherapy.
If you're unsure whether hypnosis will work for you, the best thing is to book a free confidential chat and I can explain the process and address any concerns you have before you decide.
How do I know if this therapist is right for me?
That’s a very important question. Studies consistently show that the therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist is a key factor in getting a positive outcome. Same goes with hypnotherapy.
Most people find it difficult to share painful thoughts memories and feelings and feel awkward if they cry in front of their therapist. But you can trust your instinct....
Do you feel comfortable talking to your therapists? Do you feel that your therapist is listening to you, understands things from your perspective and without judging you? Do you feel that your therapist cares and has your best interest at heart? Do you trust that what you say during your sessions remains between you and your therapist? If the answer to those questions is no, then you should probably look for a different therapist.
I will give you a safe confidential and non-judgemental space where you can express yourself as much or as little as you want, without worrying about being judged. I will listen to you and suspend my own views in order to understand your perspective and I will always assume good intent. Hypnotherapy offers techniques that are content free. That means that you don’t have to describe or explain things that are too difficult to talk about but we can still work on healing them.
How do I find a qualified reputable hypnotherapist and what qualifications should a hypnotherapist have?”
Unlike doctors, clinical psychologists or psychiatrists, counsellors and hypnotherapists are unregulated. So look for a practitioner who can clearly explain their training, experience, approach and the type of issues they work with. It can also be useful to check whether they belong to a recognised professional organisation and follow an appropriate code of ethics.
Before booking, consider asking:
- What training and qualifications do you have?
- What experience do you have with my particular issue?
- What approach do you use?
- How many sessions might I need?
- What happens if you think another type of support would be more appropriate?
- How much does each session cost?
A good consultation should leave you feeling informed rather than pressured to book a particular number of sessions.
My background is in developmental psychology and neuroscience, I am a member of the BPS (British Psychological Society) and UKASFP. Beyond my training I have 20 years’ experience helping clients in a wide variety of settings including the NHS, charities, schools and running my private practice since 2018. I draw from what different schools of therapy contribute to our understanding of healing.
How do different psychotherapeutic approaches differ?
Developmental psychology
Is concerned with studying the many factors, individual and environmental, that influence the development of our Central Nervous System, beginning in utero into childhood and adolescence. Different fields of study separate between the functional processes such as perception, attention, memory, language, emotional regulation, while other fields are concerned with neuro-biology and genetics . Our developmental trajectory is divided between typical development such as emotional, social, cognitive, sexual and identity formation, as well as atypical developmental pathways into Autism, ADHD, Au-DHD, learning difficulties, certain communication difficulties and the neurobiological legacy of developmental trauma.
Rogerian, humanistic, also called client centred therapy
Considers the client-therapist relationship as central to the healing process. The relationship is built on the principles of unconditional positive regard, congruence and empathy, to allow clients' to develop greater agency.
Psychodynamic therapy
explores early life relationships and how they influence the maturation of our attachment system and the way we relate to others and how we see the world.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Assumes there are four levels of experience: body sensation, emotion, cognition and behaviour. All affect each other. Focusing on one level can promote overall change. For example increasing physical activity increases serotonin release, which is associated to a more positive mood state, in turn influencing thoughts.
Systemic therapy
Assumes that individuals are members of a different social systems: a family system, a community system, a national system, cultural system and so on. These systems evolve across time, and the individuals adapt and transition through different stages of life. When stress and pressures affect the system, this may be experiences and expressed at the individual's level.
Compassion and mindfulness based therapy
advocate for a shift in attitude, based on the understanding that suffering is part of life. In order to decrease suffering, they teach us to become witness, according the principles of non-resistance to what is, paying mindful attention to here and now, with non-judgemental openness, compassion, letting go of expectations, flexibility and least effort. Grounding ourselves in the moment and developing our sense of observation can help regulate emotional states, and develop self-awareness of our automatic responses.
Gestalt therapy
also focuses on experience here and now, to develop greater awareness of sensations and emotions felt in the body. The therapeutic relationship is central to exploring different aspects of the individual’s self, encouraging awareness and integration of aspects of self that have been split or disowned.
Jungian psychology
is essentially positive, assuming that we strive for growth and that psychological difficulty is an opportunity for learning. Jungian psychology accounts for the collective evolutionary dimension of our self. Our personality is organised according to traits, each measured along a continuum of opposites, for example introversion and extraversion. Individuation involves the re-integration of opposite aspects of our self and those relegated into our shadow.
Solution focused therapy
involves identifying the desired future outcome from therapy, and steps to move towards it. The focus is on the future rather than the explaining the past.
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