HYPNOTHERAPHY
The natural solution to many of life's problems.
History of Hypnotherapy
The history of hypnosis and hypnotherapy goes back thousands of years. In various forms hypnosis has been used to help and heal the sick through the centuries. In ancient times these cures were deemed ‘miracles' and credited to the gods, because little was understood of the power of the mind to create dramatic improvements in physical and psychological health.
The science of hypnosis began to be recognised at the end of the 19th century as distinguished members of the scientific communities in both Europe and the USA started to examine and explore the clinical potential of hypnotherapy.
The legendary psychologist Sigmund Freud began using it, and it was a young Scottish doctor named James Braid who is credited with actually coining the phrase 'hypnosis'.
In the 20th century hypnotherapy was used extensively during the two World Wars to treat 'shell-shocked' soldiers returning from battle – a condition now known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Modern Hypnotherapy
Modern hypnotherapy is indebted to a number of medical professionals and talented laymen who studied and taught new ways of applying the principles of hypnosis. Psychiatrist Milton Erickson is revered by many in the profession as ‘the father of modern hypnotherapy' and Dave Elman single-handedly took it upon himself to teach the benefits of hypnosis to thousands of doctors, dentists and anaesthetists in the period after the Second World War.
Their ideas and techniques are still used extensively today.
Hypnosis in therapy has been recognized by both the British Medical Association (BMA) and the American Medical Association (AMA).
In 1892 a BMA committee satisfied themselves of the genuineness of the hypnotic ‘state' and in 1955 they re-confirmed their recognition of the therapeutic benefits of hypnosis. In 1958 the AMA did likewise and the use of hypnosis in therapy has since become more widely accepted on both sides of the Atlantic.
Hypnotherapy – moving forward
Still more needs to be done to eliminate the old ‘swinging watch' image of hypnosis and to counter the misconceptions of ‘mind control' created by some tabloid journalists.
More resources need to be applied to medical research in order to expand the use of hypnosis in mainstream medicine. The Medical School Hypnosis Association under the patronage of Professor Peter Whorwell, the famous British gastroenterologist, is making great strides in this area.
Up to now, the hypnotherapy profession has been held back by a lack of national standards in training and accreditation. This is changing. The current lack of regulation in the field of hypnosis practitioners is now being addressed by the leading UK hypnotherapy organizations and new regulations and codes of practice should be in place in the near future.
Hypnotherapy - My Approach
With all these developments, there are now many more ways for hypnotherapists to acquire new skills enabling them to alleviate or eliminate problems. Technology has allowed us to learn more, faster.
It's incumbent upon all practitioners to continue to educate themselves and expand their knowledge and expertise. I'm a great believer in doing just that. Using what's available to help my clients. That's what the leading exponents of hypnotherapy have always done.
So my overall approach is guided by a simple set of principles:
Deliver the highest standards of therapy, using techniques best-suited to the client's needs, in a professional and ethical manner, and in the briefest period of time.
Nervous about Hypnosis?
Would you like to be able to enjoy the benefits of hypnotherapy, but find that the very word ‘hypnosis' makes you feel a little nervous? Don't worry - you're not alone.
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