What does 'solution focused' mean and how is it different from other types of hypnotherapy I've heard about?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a well researched, science-based, modern approach to hypnotherapy that involves helping people to move towards their prefered outcomes, behaviours and feelings rather than revisiting or going over the past and problems in depth. In the initial consultation I will explain how the brain is working to create the issues at hand and explain how, from a (child friendly) scientific perspective, this solution focused approach works. Put very simply, we know, from modern discoveries in Neuroscience, that when we operate from the positive, intellectual part of the brain, we make proper, more rational assessments of situations and our mind is more open to identifying better solutions and behavioural changes. When we focus on problems and negativity too much we get more and more stuck in the anxious, angry, depressed part of the brain.

Of course, your child can be re-assured that I understand their concerns and know they feel very real to them at present, however, we do not need to focus on trauma or spend time delving into negative issues and problems to make significant changes.

Every session begins with talk therapy followed by 20-30 minutes of hypnosis (relaxation). We always start with your child reflecting on the postive events or moments from the previous week, creating lots of lovely endorphins and serotonin (happy chemical) which encourages them to think from the intellectual part of their brain - a fantastic, positive 'can do' resource that we can then utilise within the session, so they can get the very best out of themseves during the theraputic process.

Can anyone go into trance?

Yes. Trance just means 'focused attention.' It's something you, your child, even I do naturally every day for example, when driving the car or watching TV. Teenagers, like adults tend to prefer to relax back into the recliner chair, close their eyes and have a wonderfully relaxing experience. Younger children often prefer to keep their eyes open, focus on something of interest in the room such as an object, sensory toy or sit and colour in a picture. The important thing is that they feel calm, comfortable, relaxed and focused in the moment. With hypnosis we utilise this state of focus to help your child's brain make the belief and behaviour changes needed to reach their desired outcome.

How do you put somebody into trance?

You'll be pleased to know that there's no swinging pendulum as you may have seen on TV. I will use music and my voice to lead your child into a relaxing, calm and focused visualisation. I'll use stories and metaphors that allow them to create more helpful, positive thougths and beliefs about themselves.

Will you be able to control my child's mind and make them do things?

The thought of making your child clean their bedroom with just the click of your fingers may seem very appealing to you, however this is not something I am able to do. People who strut around like chickens on TV shows are doing that because they want to NOT because they have been made to. Once your child is relaxed I will use positive visualisations and stories to help change some of their unwanted behaviours and unhelpful beliefs but they will still be completely in full control. Their mind will reject anything that they don't feel is relevant and if they need to wake from the trance at any point they will be able to do so. In fact, as explained in previous answers, it is not unusual for younger children keep their eyes open, fidget or move around on their chair during the hypnosis part of the session and this is perfectly okay and normal.

Will my child have to relive events or keep going over the things causing them the problems?

Absolutely not. In fact, I will actively discourage them from doing so as my approach is 'solution focused' so rather than reliving the past, we will focus on moving forward to how they want things to be without having to overly dwell (if at all) on the past.

How many sessions will my child need?

Each young person is unique so it's hard to put an exact figure on it. For phobias, they will only need 3 sessions and a rough estimate for everything else is between 6 and 10 sessions.

How quickly will we see results?

Most children start to notice improvements within the first couple of weeks, with many starting to see changes after just the free consultation. During this I explain, in a child friendly way, the neuroscience behind how their brain is working in relation to their issue. This knowledge alone is often very powerful and gives them (and you) more clarity and hope.

How long does a session last?

Each session lasts an hour and I see children weekly or fortnightly.

Can I be in the session with my child?

Yes. In fact I would actively encourage it for the initial consultation. This is a chance for us all to meet, get an oveview of the concerns and for me to share with you the 'science bit.' I'll explain how the brain works in relation to the problems at hand and why your child is feeling or behaving the way they are. This will allow you all to go home feeling really informed and enlightened before making your decision either way about moving forward with the therapy. After this I am flexible to the wishes of the child. I am Enhanced DBS checked and if your child would rather see me alone you are more than welcome to sit and wait.

Are there any risks to hypnotherapy?

None at all. Your child will be in full control throughout the whole process. If there was anything that they did not feel 100% comfortable with their mind would just reject the idea during the relaxation.

Can someone have hypnotherapy if they are on anti-depresents or other medication?

Yes. If your child has been prescribed medication of this nature by a doctor then hypnotherapy can compliment and increase their effectiveness. Anti-depressants work by keeping the pleasure receptors in your brain open for longer to allow them to receive more of the happiness chemical, serotonin. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a process that helps you to create more serotonin, meaning more for the receptors to recieve.