As an experienced hypnotherapist I provide treatment using the safe and effective Ericksonian Hypnosis system.
Ericksonian hypnosis is a form of indirect or metaphorical hypnosis, it can be described as one branch of hypnotherapy which focuses on suggestion, symbols, metaphor and storytelling; as opposed to more direct forms of hypnosis that came before.
While not as widely known as counselling or psychotherapy, hypnosis has a long clinical history and scientific backing. However hypnosis works differently on different people, some may be extremely receptive, while for others it may take a little more work for hypnosis to be effective.
Ericksonian hypnosis was developed to assist people who were typically resistant to falling into a trance-like state.
More direct methods of hypnosis would dictate to the participant exactly what they would do and what would happen to them; Ericksonian hypnosis provides a much gentler framework.As a trained hypnotherapist, allow me to guide you through this safe, complementary and effective medical treatment.
Have you tried other forms of therapy without success?
Rather than struggling through unhealthy life patterns, plagued by negative thought processes, it is far healthier and progressive to seek professional help from our caring, qualified counsellors.
I work with couples who are experiencing negative and destructive patterns of communicating and help them develop the skills for forming and maintaining healthy and loving relationships. I also work with couples who have committed to a relationship and want to learn how to make it work as well as they can. Whether you and your partner are arguing more often, find your relationship has lost its spark, or there is a major difference in opinion across cultural, racial or financial aspects, couples counselling can help you reconnect with your partner and in many cases leave with a stronger bond.
I have extensive experience and training in many areas of the counselling field, however my speciality is working with individuals who are experiencing relationship pain, whether with partners, or with various family members or even within friendships. Providing insights into the dynamics of your relationship, learn to apply an assertiveness that takes care of both your needs and the needs of your relationship. When relationships become unbalanced, it can be beneficial to attend a session on your own.
Developed from Thought Field Therapy by psychologist Roger Callahan, this is an energetic therapy which uses our body’s energy system to release blockages created by negative thought patterns. We release these by tapping on acupressure points throughout the body, rather like ‘do it yourself’ acupuncture, without the needles. I have been doing EFT with my clients for 14 years and many report feelings of immediate relief as well as the reassurance and comfort that comes with knowing you have a tool you can use any time you need it. EFT works especially well for those who have experienced a trauma of some kind
Developed from Thought Field Therapy by psychologist Roger Callahan, this is an energetic therapy which uses our body’s energy system to release blockages created by negative thought patterns. We release these by tapping on acupressure points throughout the body, rather like ‘do it yourself’ acupuncture, without the needles. I have been doing EFT with my clients for 14 years and many report feelings of immediate relief as well as the reassurance and comfort that comes with knowing you have a tool you can use any time you need it. EFT works especially well for those who have experienced a trauma of some kind
I offer meditation practice and instruction for those who are interested in learning more about themselves and who wish to foster an increased ability to self soothe and relax, using various breathing techniques. Creating awareness of your surroundings, meditation encourages you to see your partner’s needs more clearly, helping you work towards common ground. Teaching forgiveness, developing gratitude, spreading positivity, and bringing contentment, meditation can help keep you connected with your partner.
Psychotherapy offers you the chance to understand how your current problems stand on the shoulders of your history, in your family of origin relationships and throughout your childhood and young adult life. It gives you the chance to uncover patterns and themes that endure to this day and contribute to the triggers you experience in your relationship with others. Reduce stress, feel better, and work towards achieving your personal goals.
Anxiety
Does hypnosis work for anxiety?
Absolutely.
Anxiety plagues even the best and brightest from time to time, it is a condition that can affect our lives, careers, and relationships.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
Through hypnosis, anxiety can be controlled, leading to a happier lifestyle.
Depression
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.
Fortunately, it is also treatable.
Hypnosis can work to combat these negative feelings through suggestion and the development of healthy new thought patterns.
Grief
Grief, though challenging and difficult, is a part of life.
Things may go wrong, we lose ones we love, and we suffer through truly difficult periods.
However, with hypnosis, together we can explore this pain and its roots, and begin to develop better coping mechanisms.
Emotional Pain
Similar to grief, using hypnosis for emotional pain can be very effective.
All the way through our lives, we are struck by periods of emotional pain.
Perhaps a relationship ends, we undergo a major life change or something bad happens to us in the workplace – perhaps even all of these occur at once.
Together we can work through your pain.
Weight Loss
Looking to lose some weight?
Weigh to go.
Perhaps the reason is purely aesthetic, it’s beach season or your wedding day is approaching.
Or perhaps the reason you’d like to shed a few pounds is for your own self-esteem.
Perhaps you simply want to be healthy and reap the benefits that a fitter frame brings.
Whatever the reason, Ericksonian hypnosis is a great tool to have on the road to looking and feeling your best.
During our Ericksonian hypnosis sessions, I will engage in a casual conversation, and through the use of storytelling, metaphor, confusion, suggestion and symbolism, will guide the you into a trance state.
Eriksonian theory says that we enter trance states many times a day, on the commute, watching television, or looking out of the window.
All that ‘trance’ means is that our subconscious mind has taken control.
Basically, we are pondering things without being completely aware of our exterior and our surroundings.
Once you are in your trance state, you are in a higher state of suggestibility.
Whereas classical hypnosis would be more head-on, e.g. ‘you will lose weight’, Ericksonian therapy is softer and offers less chance for sudden resistance, e.g. ‘you may wish to look into healthier eating patterns if they interest you’.
Through humour, casual conversation, storytelling and metaphor, counsellors well-skilled in hypnosis are able to suggest new ideas and ways of thinking.
These can be so subtle as to be completely missed during your sessions, only to become evident later in the form of a benefits that stay with you long after you leave.
Step One – Book a free 10 minute phone consultation
Taking the first step to attend counselling can be a challenge.
Convenient, flexible and with your needs in mind, let’s chat about your expectations and concerns in a complimentary 10 minute phone consultation.
Step Two – Make an Appointment
If you choose to go ahead and book a counselling session we’ll arrange a time that’s suitable to you and your partner (if applicable).
As a safe and transparent space my consulting room is private, tranquil, and completely confidential.
‘I suffered with fear of flying all my life. I used to simply suffer in silence, but then I began to attend sessions. I had tried other forms of placating my fear, but nothing had so far worked, and this fear really stunted my life. And as for hypnosis? Well, I’ll say this. Last week I took my first aeroplane in eight years thanks to Amanda Woolveridge Counselling. I can’t say thank you enough.’
‘I was a little bit unsure about hypnosis at first, I didn’t think it would work on me or that I’d respond to it as I’m quite cynical naturally. I was amazed to find myself drifting into a trance, however, within fifteen minutes of my session beginning.’
‘I feel empowered to go out and change my life for the better after completing my sessions under hypnosis. I have always had quite low self-esteem, and it wasn’t until a friend recommended that I try hypnosis that I had really considered my options. I would recommend this to anyone – and I regularly do!’
‘Hypnosis – it sounds a little far-fetched, don’t you think? At least, that was what I thought. But I took a chance and attending a session, and I found that it worked wonders on me. It didn’t feel unnatural at all – it was the opposite in fact. I simply found I was incredibly relaxed with my therapist, and I feel free to share things I’ve longed to for many years. It was wonderful to get it all out.