How does hypnotherapy work and how can it help me? - Bristol Hypnotherapist Catherine Embleton

Firstly, let’s begin with saying there are many different forms of hypnotherapy and some of the teachings cross over between them but l am going to be talking about Cognitive Hypnotherapy. This has been my foundational training and has given me the most transformational changes in my own personal life. 

What is Cognitive Hypnotherapy?

Cognitive Hypnotherapy is a highly effective and supportive way of unearthing and changing any problem we may be struggling with. Drawing from Positive Psychology, Evolutionary Psychology, Cognitive Theory, NLP and modern hypnosis, my sessions create a supportive new framework that offers a modern, effective and evidence-based therapy. I do not believe in the traditional ‘one size fits all’ model so l tailor each session to each client for the best results. I use hypnosis, also known as trance, to tap into the client’s unconscious mind and find out where the problem, behaviour, thought or emotion originates, and use specific and tailored techniques to let them go. This is done by gently guiding the client into a state of deep relaxation where they are more suggestible and able to make the best possible change. The next step is to instill more positive and healthy beliefs, thoughts and emotions to rewire the brain and create lasting change. As the mind can’t tell the difference between what we imagine and what we actually see and experience, we can use the adaptability of the brain to shift it to our desired way of being. This shift makes way for healthier thoughts, responses and habits which lead to a happier and healthier way of living. 

Everyday states of trance

Trance is an everyday occurrence that we go in and out of multiple times each day without realising it. It is this state of trance that we utilise when working with clients to access the unconscious mind and create lasting change. So whether we are watching TV, driving to work or brushing our teeth - we are all in trance states around 90% of the time which means that in those moments, our unconscious mind is driving our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It is astonishing that we are only consciously in control 10% of the time. Our unconscious mind always has one goal, to keep us safe, so when a potentially threatening situation arises like giving a talk at work or asking someone on a date, our brain will take us back to all the times we have been in similar situations and how it didn’t go well. Our body and mind then gets hijacked and flooded with cortisol so we avoid the threat. Most negative habits we are struggling with are actually trying to help us and were instilled in our lives during a difficult time when we needed extra support. Our job is to find out where and when these things happened and then rewire your thinking to make positive and healthier thoughts, beliefs and responses. With Cognitive Hypnotherapy and NLP, we are consciously choosing more positive and empowering trance states that lead us to happier and healthier lives.

What can hypnotherapy help with?

Cognitive Hypnotherapy can be very effective at treating several different things no matter what it is you are experiencing. At the core of every problem will be a solution and finding that solution is the key.

• Anxiety & Panic Attacks

• Low mood & Depression

• Addiction & Breaking Habits

• Low Self-esteem

• Eating Disorders

• Stress & Constant Worry

• Phobias & Fears

• Lack of Purpose

• Health Anxiety & Chronic Pain

• Insomnia & Poor Sleep

• OCD & Intrusive Thoughts

What will l gain from hypnotherapy?

The flexibility of Cognitive Hypnotherapy means that no matter what you want to work on we can find the solution. The common outcomes from hypnotherapy session are:

• Feeling calmer and more relaxed.

• Having more self awareness.

• Feeling more confident and in control.

• Enjoying life more and being present.

• Finding your purpose and passion.

• Creating a life that inspires you.

• Connecting with others more easily.

• Laughing and smiling more.

How do l start?

The best place to start is to email me and share what you would like to work on and l can book you in for a free consultation to go through any further questions. I work in a supportive and gentle way so that you always feel part of the process and safe within it.

I offer modern, effective and evidence-based sessions for hypnotherapy in Bristol to help lead a healthy life. You can have quite a powerful impact in just a few sessions alongside using a personal hypnotherapy recording that you will be given as part of the session. Sessions happen in my studio in Clifton, Bristol, in Stroud or online via Zoom, whichever is more convenient for you.