05/07/2025
As a clinical hypnotherapist, I've had the immense privilege of guiding countless individuals toward profound and lasting change. And after almost 15 years in this field, my personal mission has become crystal clear: I want to help make clinical hypnosis everyone's first choice and not their last, when seeking support for their well-being.
Why? Because the landscape of therapy is evolving, and frankly, it's thrilling to be at the forefront. We now understand so much more about the human brain and its incredible capacity for healing. The old idea that therapy has to take years to see results is being beautifully challenged by modalities that truly accelerate progress.
Let's be clear: there's nothing "woo" about what I do. At its heart, any modality that genuinely helps a client alter their state of awareness and access their subconscious mind is, in effect, working with the principles of hypnosis. Whether it's through guided imagery, focused attention, deep relaxation, or mindfulness, we're simply creating the optimal conditions for your brain to engage in powerful, positive change.
And we're not just guessing anymore. The advent of advanced neuroimaging techniques like fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and EEG (Electroencephalography) allows us to actually see the brain at work when someone is in a hypnotic state. We can observe distinct changes in brain activity, showing how different neural pathways are engaged, how pain signals are re-routed, or how emotional regulation improves. This isn't magic; it's neuroscience in action. It's about leveraging the brain's natural plasticity to forge new, healthier connections.
The medical community's increasing embrace of hypnosis isn't just theoretical; it's happening in practical, tangible ways across various specialties. It's no longer just a standalone "alternative" but often integrated as a core part of a comprehensive treatment plan:
Integrated Pain Management Clinics: From chronic back pain to fibromyalgia and even acute pain after surgery, hospitals and pain clinics are regularly incorporating hypnosis to help patients reduce discomfort and improve their quality of life. This means less reliance on medication and more empowerment for the individual.
Oncology Departments: To help cancer patients manage the distressing side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, hypnosis is proving to be an invaluable support. It also assists with anxiety around scans and treatments.
Maternity and Birthing Units: For expectant mothers, "hypnobirthing" techniques (which are essentially clinical hypnosis for childbirth) are becoming increasingly popular. They help women manage discomfort, reduce fear, and promote a calmer, more positive birthing experience.
Dental Practices: The dentist's chair can be a source of significant anxiety for many. Hypnosis is a fantastic tool to help patients relax, reduce their perception of pain, and even manage gag reflexes during procedures.
Gastroenterology: Notably, gut-directed hypnotherapy is now a well-established, evidence-based treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), helping millions find relief from debilitating symptoms.
Patients undergoing surgery with hypnosis have seen a significant 7-point reduction in pain on a 100-point scale compared to those without. Imagine that difference in recovery and comfort!
Perhaps even more strikingly, studies have shown that hypnosis can lead to 23% shorter post-anesthesia care unit stays after certain surgeries, demonstrating tangible improvements in recovery time.
For women in childbirth, clinical hypnosis techniques have been shown to reduce the use of pharmacological pain relief by an impressive 27%.
These statistics aren't just academic; they represent real people experiencing less pain, less anxiety, and faster recoveries.
Therapy shouldn't always have to be a marathon. With our evolving understanding of the brain and the proven efficacy of clinical hypnosis, I truly believe we can empower people to make profound, lasting changes more efficiently and effectively than ever before.
It's science, it's powerful, and it's here to stay.
