The Transparent Hypnotist

Locations: Ewloe, Flintshire and Ruthin, Denbighshire

Cyber Location: www.markdarlington.com

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

I’ve been a full time Hypnotherapist for just over a year now. It often feels like more than full time though as I run two busy practices, host a radio show, write, conduct seminars and am passionate about self-development. I attend courses at least four times a year to make sure I’m using all the most up to date methods.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

My “specialty”, if you like, is to incorporate different therapeutic and psychological approaches into my hypnosis sessions depending on what the client needs. I’m a big believer that the client knows themselves better than anyone else does and so spend a great deal of time really listening to them and especially the specific language that they use to describe what’s going on for them. This helps me to tailor each session for each individual for more rapid, permanent results – that’s my specialty.

My main client base (around 80%) is people suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, stress and those “stuck” in a place where they don’t want to be emotionally. I also deal with fears, phobias, stop smoking and weight loss.

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

I don’t do “stage hypnosis” or any other hypnosis purely for entertainment. Not particularly as I have any views for or against it, but my reasons for becoming a hypnotherapist were all around touching as many people’s lives in a positive and helpful way as I can. I prefer to use my skills in a therapeutic way.

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

I use self hypnosis to prepare me for the day and to relax me in an evening as often as I can.

My favorite time to use self hypnosis, however, is at the dentist. I had a horrible experience at the dentist when I was six years old, which left me with a huge fear. I only got rid of that during my training while working with another trainee. Now I use self hypnosis instead of pain relief. My dentist was amazed when I had some root canal work carried out using hypnosis instead of anesthetic.

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

I’m fortunate to work from two wonderful places in North Wales, UK.

I split my time between seeing clients in my consulting room at home in Ewloe, Flintshire and one in Ruthin, Denbighshire. Both spaces are minimal, neutral but warm and homely with the most comfortable chairs I have ever sat in and some art on the wall. When I was furnishing my new room in Ruthin I found “The” chair and had to buy one for each room - it was that wonderful.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

I’m generally up early and spend an hour from 8am responding to emails, updating my website www.markdarlington.com and preparing for the day ahead over breakfast. I’ll then walk my son to school and see my first client at 9.30am. I work Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm and the occasional Saturday morning.

On a Tuesday it’s “media day”. I record my “Positive Habits” Radio Show with my fabulous producer Gill Roberts. The show goes out every Sunday and Wednesday on www.wrexhamfm.com and is also transcribed and podcasted for anyone who can’t listen live. I spend the rest of the day writing articles and self help guides.

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

I initially trained in NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) with Paul McKenna. UK readers will instantly know Paul and readers in the USA may have seen his show “I Can Make You Thin” on TLC. I was also lucky enough to train with Richard Bandler, John LaValle and Michael Neill (who is just fantastic, check out www.geniuscatalyst.com to see for yourself).

I also trained in and studied various other psychological approaches before completing my Diplomas in Clinical and Advanced Hypnosis and my Hypnotherapy Practitioners Diploma.

So yes, you could say I’m extremely well certified.

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

I’m careful not to have a favorite technique as I am aware of other people who will try to shoehorn their favorite techniques into as many client sessions as possible regardless of what the client needs, just because the hypnotist loves it.

Therefore, in my opinion, the most fabulous hypnosis techniques are the ones where the client gets maximum benefit and results. There’s nothing more satisfying or magical in this profession than seeing success for your client.

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

I remember early on in my career having five appointments booked in for the day. Each new client shared their own traumatic story with me, all obviously in a terrible place in their lives and desperate for help. By the end of the day I was physically and emotionally exhausted and started to question whether or not I could cope with that kind of experience on a regular basis.

However, within a few short weeks the change in each person was amazing. It was wonderfully uplifting to see how far they had come.

So now, when I’m with a client telling me a traumatic story, I focus on where I know they will be in just a few weeks time.

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

Clients:

• Before committing to any form of treatment, make sure you meet your therapist.
• Be sure that you’re comfortable with them and have confidence in them.
• A personal recommendation is great, however if that’s not possible always check their qualifications.
• Ask lots of questions and feel comfortable to call them back to ask the questions you forgot to ask at your first meeting.
• If you’re unsure about anything during your treatment be confident to bring it up. A good therapist will be pleased you did.

Therapists;

• Only ever deal with issues within your realm of expertise.
• Listen fully to your clients, they hold the keys to their well-being.
• Hypnosis on its own is not a “cure all”, use complimentary techniques and/or professionals for your clients’ sakes.
• Did I mention listen fully?!

This entry was posted on Friday, October 24th, 2008 at 5:03 am and is filed under 10 Questions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.