A very warm welcome

Welcome to my new website and blog.

I will be using this space for announcements and special interest articles but to begin I wanted to explain how and why I became interested in Hypnotherapy.

I first experienced hypnotherapy some years ago in order to treat my fear of flying, a fear that had steadily increased over the years following a terrifying flight home from Cyprus.  We’d hit a thunder storm somewhere over Europe, the plane was struck by lightning, we were buffeted by 100 mile per hour winds and then forced to land in Belgium when the pilot ran out of flying hours.  What started out as a routine four and a half hour flight home ended up instilling a fear in me that grew exponentially.

I began to dread travelling abroad, having to get on a plane, even travelling to the airport had me wound up so tight I'd be grinding my teeth.  Arriving at the airport had me in full 'airport mode', rushing my travelling companions through check-in, security and 'no, we definitely don't have time for duty free', until I could find the bar.  One glass of pre-flight wine became two glasses of pre-flight wine, became three, became...... ridiculous.  

And then the inevitable happened, a training course for work, in America, that I had to attend.......alone.  PANIC.

I spoke to friends, I spoke to family, hell, I even asked my GP if he could give me something to knock me out (turns out that's actually quite dangerous).  BUT, he did suggest hypnotherapy.  Really? All that swinging pocket watches and 'back in the room' nonsense?

And yet, my thoughts still kept coming back to the dreaded long haul, solo flight to America. 

Although I was sceptical as to whether hypnotherapy would help me, I did a little (loads of) research, read testimonials on therapists' websites, looked at the science behind how hypnotherapy works, read articles..... At this point I was ready to give anything a try.

So, I booked a session with a local practitioner and I cannot begin to explain the difference that one session made.  My trip to America loomed, I arrived at the airport, cool, calm and relaxed.  I breezed through check-in and security and yes, I had time to browse duty free.  I'll admit to a little anticipation boarding the plane, but clicking my seatbelt in place, whilst repeating the affirmations given to me by my hypnotherapist, I was calm, safe and secure.

The flight passed surprisingly quickly, I treated myself to a glass of wine with lunch, I even slept a little and arrived in Buffalo, NY, relaxed and ready to meet my American colleagues.

So there you have it, hypnotherapy enabled me to fly without fear, (or wine) for the first time in over 20 years.  Don't get me wrong, there is always a little apprehension before I board a flight and any turbulence has me gripping the arm rests, but at least I'm not self-medicating anymore and the idea of travelling abroad has me wondering which bikini to take not whether the plane is going to suddenly fall out of the sky.

Happy flying folks  X

With the increasing reliance on digital platforms for various services, hypnotherapy has also found a place online. Online hypnotherapy offers the convenience and accessibility that can make this therapeutic approach more attainable for many people, and the best bit?  It works just as well online as it does face to face.  Here’s a quick look at how online hypnotherapy works and what you can expect from the process.

What is Online Hypnotherapy?

Online hypnotherapy involves conducting hypnotherapy sessions through digital platforms such as video calls, making it possible for individuals to receive treatment from the comfort of their own homes. This form of therapy maintains the same principles and techniques as traditional in-person hypnotherapy but adapts them to a virtual environment.

How Online Hypnotherapy Works

At Restorative Hypnotherapy, we offer a preliminary consultation to discuss your issues and goals and assess whether online hypnotherapy is suitable for you.  It also gives us the opportunity to get to know each other, to understand if we will work well together.

Setting Up the Session

Sessions are typically conducted via Google Meet and you will receive a meeting invite via email a couple of days before the scheduled session.

You will need to ensure you have a reliable internet connection, a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone, and a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed.  Its also best if the client can use a headset or earphones as this creates a more intimate and relaxing atmosphere, particularly during the actual therapy sessions.

Preparing for the Session

You should choose a place where you feel safe and relaxed. Dimming the lights and having a comfortable chair or reclining back on a bed or sofa can enhance your experience.  Turn off notifications on your devices, inform household members of your session time to eliminate any potential interruptions.  Home environments can present distractions, It’s important to create a dedicated space for your sessions to minimise interruptions.

Conducting the Hypnotherapy Session

At Restorative Hypnotherapy, we take our time to really get to know our clients, taking time at the beginning of the first session, building rapport, discussing your goals, and explaining the process.

The online process is similar to in-person sessions but conducted through the screen.  You will be guided into a relaxed state using verbal cues and visualisation techniques. Once in a hypnotic state, we use various techniques to address your specific issues, such as suggestion therapy or regression therapy.

After the therapeutic work, you will be guided you back to full awareness, ensuring you feel calm and alert.

You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your experience, any insights gained, and how you feel after the session.

You may be provided with exercises, self-hypnosis recordings or scripts or strategies to practice between sessions. Follow-up sessions are scheduled based on your progress and needs.

Benefits of Online Hypnotherapy

Online hypnotherapy makes it possible to access qualified therapists regardless of geographical limitations, making it an excellent option for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.

Conducting sessions from home can save time and reduce stress associated with travel. It also allows for more flexible scheduling.

Being in a familiar environment can enhance relaxation and make it easier for some individuals to enter a hypnotic state.

Online hypnotherapy is a viable and effective option for many individuals seeking help with stress, anxiety, and many other issues. By understanding how it works and preparing appropriately, you can make the most of your online hypnotherapy sessions.

 If you’d like to discuss whether online hypnotherapy is right for you, contact Restorative Hypnotherapy to find out how we can help.