You have probably seen hypnosis portrayed on television and might be under the impression that it’s all about past-life regression or mind control. The truth is, hypnosis is a naturally occurring state, one that anyone can easily enter if they know how to.
The unconscious mind is an extensive reservoir of one’s thoughts, emotions and experiences. It is endlessly creative and positive by nature, making it a significant resource for anyone who wishes to get the most out of their life.
Human beings, however, can sometimes get stuck in a negative mindset that convinces them life will never get better. Working with a clinical hypnotherapist can help remove such blockages or self-fulfilling prophecies.
Understanding clinical hypnotherapy
Clinical hypnotherapy is a form of psychological therapy that addresses both the conscious and unconscious mind. It starts like any counselling session, but your therapist is trained to listen to what you are saying as well as what’s going on in both parts of your mind.
Once you have explained the problem, your therapist will guide you into a very safe and welcoming state of relaxation. Many people feel their problems start to float away; others feel light, carefree, and connected to an inner part of themselves that is wiser and confident.
Indeed, when you regularly tap into your unconscious mind, you are reconnected to a sense of personal confidence and optimism. It is common to hear clients say they have found a part of themselves they didn’t even know was missing.
Clinical hypnotherapy is considered a brief strategic therapy, which means the primary focus is on helping you live the life you want in a few short sessions. This provides the gateway or bridge to access the power for positive change that lies latent in most people.
How to be a clinical hypnotherapist
If you have experienced a positive daydream or found yourself driving safely on autopilot, then you have already experienced clinical hypnosis. Studies show that 90% of the population can experience the light state of hypnosis necessary for therapeutic purposes.
People begin to experience benefits after just one session of clinical hypnotherapy, making it useful both as a standalone treatment or as an addition to other psychotherapy or counselling sessions. Research shows that clients often recover more quickly, and feel motivated and encouraged from the outset.
Clinical hypnotherapy can be used in coaching, or as a treatment for medical symptoms, sports performance, emotional counselling, and even personal growth. This is one of the reasons behind the modular approach for learning at the London College of Clinical Hypnosis Asia (LCCH).
The first part of the practitioner training course offers a hands-on introduction to clinical hypnosis and personal growth. Students will leave with tools and skills that can transform their lives and those of others.
The next two parts focus on behavioral change and coaching, as well as on medical and psychological symptoms. Having a phobia, for instance, can make someone bad tempered and stressed. Not being able to sleep can affect work performance, leading to anxiety and depression.
Clinical hypnotherapy can help alleviate these issues. In fact, one of the advantages of clinical hypnotherapy is that it treats the person, not just the symptoms.
Is this the career for you?
The desire to help others is important, but it takes a special person to invest in a career as a clinical hypnotherapist. Advanced training equips future therapists with the skills and dedication, commitment, and safe practices that can transform someone else’s life.
LCCH’s Practitioner Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy is a practical training course that is delivered virtually, with plenty of opportunities to practise with classmates and future clients. Most people who explore clinical hypnotherapy are working adults who bring a wealth of experience to the learning journey.
This is important as the demand for good therapists remains high, and people are increasingly receptive to visiting clinical hypnotherapists. One of the legacies of the pandemic is that virtual therapy is widely accepted, and clinical hypnotherapists are able to build practices at home, co-share practices with colleagues, or join the LSCCH Therapy Centre.
Find out more about LCCH and its training programmes by clicking here.
Sheila Menon is the principal of the London College of Clinical Hypnosis in Asia and Australia, and the CEO of the LSCCH Therapy Centre.