The Transparent Hypnotist

Location: London, England
Cyber Location: www.affinityhypnosis.com

1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbyist?

I am a part-time hypnotist.  I love being a hypnotist and also adore my researching.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

Most of my clients are other therapists and I tend not to specialize, although I am particularly fond of experiential (not experimental!) hypnosis. Some people like the hypnosis experience without needing therapy and others just want to know what being hypnotized feels like.

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

I haven’t been asked yet to do anything I wouldn’t want to do.  However, I am aware of my boundaries and would refer someone on if I felt I was not the best person to work with them.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life? If so, how?

I regularly use self-hypnosis.  When I first started I went through the whole induction procedure, now I can go into hypnosis with just the intent (although it can shock people so tend not to in public!)… I use it often to simply have some time out and relax.

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

I am fortunate to have access to some lovely consulting rooms… The reception area is suede and leather, really comfortable chairs and sofas and lovely pictures.  It sets the mood beautifully for when the clients come to the therapy rooms, which are decorated in a similar way.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

A typical hypnosis work day would start with reading emails and looking at the internet (what a research tool!).  I would then see clients (usually 1 to 1.5 hours at a time) and then finish off with more emails and some research. I am researching at Doctoral level into how hypnotists and hypnotherapists are taught.  The advantage being that I have been on a vast amount of courses and the knowledge is never wasted.  I have met some amazing people from all around the world and it is fantastic to find out how other countries approach hypnosis.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

I did my clinical hypnosis training with the London College of Clinical Hypnosis, am a member of several professional organizations in the UK and recognized as a Certified Hypnotist with the NGH.

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

I have two that I find amazing.  The first is the Self-Integration Dissociation (’SID’) technique which is wonderful for clients with boundary issues, and the second is the Positive Phobia Replacement technique which is usually now my first step when working with anyone with a specific anxiety or phobia.

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a valuable
learning experience.

I went on a stage hypnosis course, mainly out of curiosity as it was so frowned upon by many clinical colleagues. Whilst at that time I was comfortable with hypnotherapy inductions, the rapid inductions needed so much intent and confidence I struggled.  Then I realized that if I didn’t have confidence in me, whatever the induction, how could I expect my client to?…The course was a turning point in my confidence in my abilities.

10.  Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

To potential clients, know that there are many different therapists and approaches, so find the one you are comfortable with.  To other hypnotists, believe in yourself and your abilities whilst doing all that you can to ensure you develop and evolve (so keep learning!)

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