Hi everyone
I am new to this site and thought I would say hi - at the moment I am studying Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy with the School of Natural Science, home study (self-tutored). I have read mixed reviews regarding the School, but my views are all positive and enjoying every moment of it. With a view to become a professional hypnotherapist when my studies are complete.
Because I am studying from home, I do not really get the opportunity to hear other peoples views regarding hypnotherapy and it can be a bit isolating at times as I have no opportunity to challenge my own opinions (if you get my meaning) and listen to other perspectives.
Recently been studying the 'state' - 'non-state' argument. Which was quite interesting as I naturally went with the 'state' view before even reading any of the arguments. I find it difficult understanding how people can use hypnosis if they subscribe to the non-state theory. Especially when in the Esdaile state and using hypnosis to undergo surgery.
..... so that's my thoughts for today 🙂
Hope to chat with other hypnotherapy students or professionals
Hi I am a hypnotherapist. I can't imagine doing distance study as the practical experience we got on my course was invaluable. But thats just me
However I can understand you feeling isolated. Hypnotherapy is something quite odd that a lot of people just don't understand. So I am happy to swap experiences and ideas with you.
I haven't been practicing that long - only a couple of years. I am only just starting to get clients. I have picked up an interesting one who wants some help with her fear of driving on motorways that stems from an accident 30 years ago. I am wondering whether treating as a phobia will work or whether I need to treat is as PTSD. I will know on Monday when I see her I guess.
Hi Tashanie
Thank you for your reply. Yes home study is quite hard, but it was either home study or no study, so I opted for the home study. But its rather cool because I have a mentor and lots of volunteers, I also hope to attend some one day training seminars at some point.
Hypnotherapy is fascinating and I am loving it. Just waiting for the day I become a self employed practitioner!
That is quite an unusual fear 'fear of motorway driving' and quite challenging. On Monday is that your initial assessment day? Where you decide between suggestion therapy and analysis therapy?
I have yet to have a client, but my case studies have been interesting. One person had athletes foot (since he was a child) and after two sessions of hypnotherapy, about 4 weeks later it was gone and not returned as yet, which although I shouldn't .... find absolutely amazing and am in awe of hypnosis!
I am not a therapist (well, I am, but not hypnotherapist!) but have been a long time 'beneficiary' of hypnosis.
Over the years I have been treated by a variety of people who have undertaken both distance and class study. After about 10 minutes at the first consultations, I was able to tell which form of training they had done. Sorry to report that I did not go back to the 3 individuals who were practically self-taught. I did not go into a deep relaxation state with them. I felt very uneasy with one in particular, and stopped the session the minute he laid his hand on my knee, and told him that I was not willing to continue.
I am still seen periodically by a therapist who has been in the business for more than 30 years, even though she has officially retired. She had a background in psychiatric nursing. She oozes confidence and care, which I find reassuring - she has helped me deal with some serious stuff over the years - she also got me through childbirth, virtually pain-free, 24 years ago.
Another therapist I saw helped me when I had surgery for carpel tunnel surgery - albeit under local anaesthetic, but I was so relaxed the surgeon thought I'd been smoking something in the car park before I went in!!!!
I hope you find someone else who has done self-study training, and succeeded at making a career using the therapy.
Hi Jabba
Thank you for your reply. Not the sort of discussion I expected from my post - but thank you anyway lol
Good job I had the insight to get a mentor, its like 1-1 tuition and being a teacher I know how valuable that kind of tuition is.
I can see your point! I was just coming at it from the perspective of a client, having been treated by someone who had basically not had a thorough grounding in the technique. I would say the same of any therapy really. So glad that you have a mentor.
Hi Tashanie
Thank you for your reply. Yes home study is quite hard, but it was either home study or no study, so I opted for the home study. But its rather cool because I have a mentor and lots of volunteers, I also hope to attend some one day training seminars at some point.
Hypnotherapy is fascinating and I am loving it. Just waiting for the day I become a self employed practitioner!
That is quite an unusual fear 'fear of motorway driving' and quite challenging. On Monday is that your initial assessment day? Where you decide between suggestion therapy and analysis therapy?
I have yet to have a client, but my case studies have been interesting. One person had athletes foot (since he was a child) and after two sessions of hypnotherapy, about 4 weeks later it was gone and not returned as yet, which although I shouldn't .... find absolutely amazing and am in awe of hypnosis!
I rarely use regression therapy. I favour solution focussed - so suggestions rather analysis. In this case combined with defusing the memory (if I can)
I am no longer surprised at what hypnotherapy can achieve because we are only just starting to realise the effect the mind has on the body.. So while hypnotherapy would not be my first choice as cure for athletes foot (being a pharmacist I would have suggested Canestan Cream! ) I can believe it worked.
Hi Samantha Jane
Welcome to the forum. I've been a hypno-psychotherapist for 20 years.
You say you feel isolated- does your school not supply students with each other's contact details, so they can meet together at intervals, or maybe have an online forum where they can discuss things? Even a Yahoo group or similar would be better than nothing.
You might like to check out by the way.
By the way, by a mentor, do you mean someone who is already a qualified practicing hypnotherapist, who can observe your practice at first hand and offer constructive comments?
As regards state vs non-state, I think the crucial issue is this- in the experiements where they attempt to compare the two conditions, are the "non-hypnotised" group actually hypnotised? In which case there's no surprise that they can do the same things as the "hypnotised" group! The script that is read to both groups is almost the same. THat at any rate is the view of the writer who discusses this in the Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis Theory Research and Practice.
Another problem with hypnosis research IMO is that so much of it uses scripts and even recorded scripts, which is fine from scientific POV ie it makes sure everyone gets the same "dose" of the same thing, as if it were a drug trial. However, hypnotherapy is not a drug, it is an interaction between two people, thus no two sessions are the same just as no two conversations are the same, even between the same two people.