Hypnotherapy

What is Hypnotherapy?

Like many health professionals who take a holistic approach, hypnotherapists believe that the mind and body are inextricably linked. If you feel down mentally you will find physical activity extremely hard and if you have a physical problem it will have an impact on the way you feel.

People with Multiple Sclerosis use Hypnotherapy for a vast range of problems; from being unable to control pain, to feeling isolated, lacking in confidence, fearing for the future and chronic worry. Many have to give up work, and both young and old often get out of the social loop. Trying to get back in can be incredibly difficult.

First, clients are taken through a series of relaxations - getting them used to just switching off and allowing the unconscious mind to be accessed. Then they are helped with a series of visualisations which shows them overcoming their particular problem. For example, if it was someone lacking in confidence, visualisation is used where they see themselves in a social situation, but in a very positive way.

Self Hypnosis

It's quicker and easier to get results by working with a hypnotherapist, but anyone can learn basic self hypnosis, which includes relaxation and visualisation.

Relaxation

Relaxation can reduce stress and boost the immune system. It isn't difficult or time-consuming. It can easily be learned and benefits gained from just 5 minutes a day.

• Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed.
• Decide how long you want to relax for
• Sit or lie down
• Remind yourself that if you are needed for anything you will come out of relaxation straight away.
• Close your eyes, gently breathe in and out.
• Try to let your mind drift.
• Count back from 5 down to zero - Try to let your body sink down into relaxation.

  5: Relax your head and shoulders.
  4: Relax your arms and hands.
  3: Relax your chest and stomach.
  2: Relax your legs.
  1: Relax your feet and ankles.

• At this point introduce your visualisation seeing yourself doing or achieving something.
• Open your eyes slowly when you have had enough relaxation.
• Gently let your eyes and body adjust before moving.

Visualisation

Visualisation is quite simply being able to see things happening in your mind, training your mind to see the positive outcome in a particular situation, and getting your mind to accept a particular route.

This could be compared to day dreaming but in a very focused way. As our mind often finds difficulty in deciding what is real and what is imagined, (think of a vivid dream or nightmare and how it can seem real.) When you visualise it can leave a lasting positive impression.

With visualisation, it's important to set goals and focus on what you want to achieve.

1. Set goals
Know, exactly what you want to achieve. Sort out your goals, then visualise yourself achieving these goals. Start small and build up, giving yourself little rewards of your choice along the way.

2. Focus on the positive
You can make problems smaller or bigger by thinking about them positively or negatively. Focus on something positive today.

---

How To Find a Good Hypnotherapist

• Personal recommendation
• Ask your GP
• Contact the Hypnotherapy Practitioners Association who run a national freephone referral scheme:

Phone: 01257 795627

Webpage: www.hypnotherapypractitioners.com

---

National Council for Hypnotherapy

The NCH is the largest not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association in the UK and is committed to ensuring the highest possible professional standards amongst its members. Choose a qualified and insured hypnotherapist with confidence.

Website: http://www.hypnotherapists.org.uk/

---

The Hypnotherapy Directory

This website is a support network of UK hypnotherapists, with information on their training and experience, areas of hypnotherapy, fees and contact details. This service is free, confidential and easy to use.

Webpage: http://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/

---

Richard O'Neill is a clinical hypnotherapist, counsellor and motivational and management consultant to Sport, Industry and Education.

Tel: 0161 763 7416 and 0771 981 6207 (Manchester)
E-mail: mensbox@aol.com

---

Jane Hollis Hypnotherapy

Jane Hollis is a hypnotherapist based in Sherwood, Nottingham offering hypnotherapy to hep with a wide variety of issues including pain management, dealing with illness, anxiety, depression and smoking cessation.

Phone: 0115 9126931

Website: The Ying & Yang of MS

---

Further Information

Meditation

The Power of Positive Thinking

Hypnotherapy Helped Me

© Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre