Hypnotherapy

“The biggest misconception is that hypnotic states are rare, 

and are under somebody else’s control. The truth is you actually

have more control over yourself in an altered state than you 

do in a waking state.” 

Richard Bandler, The Guide to Trance-Formation

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Contrary to what many believe, trance states are a normal part of our lives. We frequently go in and out of trance without being conscious of it.  Current literature uses the work 'focus' instead of trance. Daydreaming is but one version of a trance state.

Hypnosis is defined as a state that resembles sleep but in which you can hear and respond to questions or suggestions. It is an effective treatment model that addresses mind, body, and spirit. What comes to mind for many people, when they think of hypnosis, is the entertainment stage version; Kreskin, Raveen, Anthony Cools, etc. Clinical Hypnosis is very different in that the client defines the direction of their work and the therapist facilitates or is the "guide on the side" as Shelley often refers to herself.

With a goal of enhancing, enriching, and empowering the individual, the therapist uses language and metaphors that appeal to the client's unique way of dealing with the world.  It is a respectful, powerful tool, used to support the individual to reset and anchor their chosen decisions, assisting them in challenging blocked or conflicting core beliefs, and resolving past traumas. This process invites clients to explore their own, profoundly exciting, journey of self-discovery, enhancing the individuals ability to deal with or  overcome problematic issues and patterns in their lives, creating their chosen more effective beliefs and patterns, strengthening skills/abilities they wish to develop.  It can be used with individuals of all ages.

Shelley’s utilization of hypnotherapy is characterized by a process of mutual learning and discovery. The therapist and student/client work together to engage the clients’ subconscious, so they work with and on their behalf, toward their chosen decisions, beliefs and goals.

One of the many tools in Ms. Brierley’s toolkit, she frequently utilizes hypnosis with students to deal with insomnia, anxiety, fear, self-esteem issues, pain management, life transitions, stress reduction, and smoking cessation, to name but a few. As part of this process, Shelley frequently teaches mindfulness practice and meditation. There is a growing pool of research  acknowledging Mindfulness, Meditation, Hypnotherapy in the strengthening of the individual, at all levels of being.

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“What can we gain by sailing to the moon

 if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves?”  

Thomas Merton

Painting by:  Fred Good