Cath Stamper, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Counsellor  Psychotherapist 
 

Counselling and Psychotherapy are now accepted as forms of healing alongside other techniques. It is a process whereby a trained therapist helps you by purposeful conversation in an understanding atmosphere,  providing a supportive place for you to talk in confidence about your difficulties. We all have times in life when we feel lost, confused or stuck and can’t sort things out for ourselves. At times like this it can be a good idea to get some help from a trained listener.

The aim of Counselling and Psychotherapy is to give you the opportunity to explore your concerns and feelings, discover what might be the underlying causes and to clarify ways of living more effectively and to move towards a greater sense of well-being. Your counsellor or psychotherapist will listen in a non-directive, non-judgemental way, trying to understand things from your point of view. He/she will not make decisions for you but will help you to understand why you feel the way you do and find your own way forward. Counselling and psychotherapy provide a facilitative relationship aimed towards your growth and well-being.

Talking about your feelings, however bad or ugly you consider these feelings to be, is a starting point for a journey of self discovery. In a supportive setting people can do the emotional work they need to do, addressing past hurts, allowing feelings to rise up, and uncovering aspects of themselves which have become hidden. Through this process we become more fully ourselves, more whole, freer of the past, and more able to relate to others in a satisfying way.

Change in any form can be difficult. You may be experiencing an unwelcome change and need to discover how you can adjust to it.

Alternatively, you may realise that you yourself want to make particular changes in your life and need to discover how you can bring those about.

Whatever the reasons, together we can help you grow.

Hypnotherapy  In the early part of the 20th Century, hypnosis was used almost exclusively by stage hypnotists, thereby projecting a hopelessly distorted view of a very powerful therapeutic tool. However, in 1955, the British Medical Association endorsed the practice of hypnosis in Medical School education and since then it has become a valuable addition to conventional medical treatment.

We sometimes know that we would like to change in some way, but find ourselves unable to put our plans into action. Our conscious intention is interfered with by our subconscious.

Hypnotherapy uses a light trance to allow the mind and body to achieve a state of deep relaxation. During this relaxed state, the mind can let go of anxieties and enter a powerful solution-based mode, finding solutions and changing negative thought patterns to positive ones.

The therapist guides the client in concentrating on the changes they would like to make in their lives, and during trance, the client can find their own personal solutions. The subconscious mind becomes more receptive to new patterns of behaviour. Negative behaviour patterns can be replaced with positive patterns and unwanted habits changed.

The trance state is a very natural state of highly focused attention, similar to that experienced when engrossed in a good book, watching a film or daydreaming. No one can be made to go into a trance against their will. The client is in control at all times and is aware of everything going on around them.

Frequently asked questions

 Do I fall asleep?

Some people may do, but as hypnotherapy works on the subconscious mind, that’s ok. However, most clients will stay awake and experience a lovely state of deep mental and physical relaxation.

Can you make me do things I wouldn’t normally do?

No, I am not a magician and cannot make you do anything that you don’t want to do.

 Is hypnotherapy safe?

Hypnotherapy is totally safe and is not painful and there are no drugs involved.

 Will I remember everything that has been said to me?

Most clients remember everything that they need to remember and the subconscious mind definitely remembers every single word that I say during a session.