Hello and Welcome!
I'm Helen, the creator and lead therapist behind Bunbury Hypnotherapy.
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My philosophy is that what got you here, won't get you there. In other words, if you want to achieve a different result you need to vary your approach, or you'll end up in the same place.
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Now, I don't know about you, but I spent many years wanting to do things differently but not knowing how.
That quest to understand how I could confidently do things that I found hard but other people seemed to find easy, led me to clinical hypnosis and strategic psychotherapy.
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I've achieved things I never thought possible and now, nothing makes me happier than helping other people move past their fears and worries to unlock their potential.
Why Hypnotherapy?
I am naturally curious about life but when I was younger I had so many doubts and insecurities that I held myself back from doing many interesting or fun things. Sometimes I wasn't sure if I could do them and didn't want to risk failing. Sometimes I knew I had the skill to do something but just couldn't face being seen or heard. Today my voice is my greatest asset and I am so glad I found it.
My first experience of Hypnotherapy was as a client and I was thrilled with the results. I was dreading an event that was coming up. In fact, I was absolutely terrified. The therapist gave me the skills to take myself into a centred calm state where I was in control and I breezed through the event with ease. I knew then that this was a skill that had so many potential applications and I wanted to learn more.
The Beginnings of Change
And so my journey into this profession started with that seed being planted. Over the years I have studied many different types of hypnosis plus counselling, strategic psychotherapy, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), TLT (Time Line Technique), coaching, leadership and management, as well as qigong and meditation, for that mind-body-breath connection.
After many years working in education, being a Mum, moving around the world, and having a wide range of other roles and experiences I eventually became a full-time Clinical Hypnotherapist. There was a time when I regretted not going straight into higher education after leaving school but now I understand the value of all that lived experience. It really is, never too late to change the way you think or act, or to start something new and succeed.
What to Expect as a Hypnosis Client?
Whether you have worked with a Hypnotherapist before or are completely new to it, I understand that you may have questions or preconceived ideas about the experience.
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Let's explore what the therapeutic use of hypnosis is all about and answer some basic questions. There are some FAQ's at the bottom of the page and if there's anything I've missed feel free to contact me for further information.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Definitions vary but for me, Hypnotherapy is the process of providing therapeutic suggestions to a person while they are in a focused state. You may have already experienced a similar state to hypnosis and called it being in the zone or in a trance.
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Hypnosis in this context, is all about letting go of distractions so that you can deeply consider those therapeutic suggestions and become absorbed in developing supportive strategies for doing everyday tasks better.
What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?
Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state that you may already be familiar with. If you've ever got really absorbed doing something you enjoy, like listening to your favourite music, reading a good book, or doing sport, and temporarily let go of your worries, then you already know what self-hypnosis feels like.
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In the clinical setting, the experience is slightly different for each person and depends on which type of hypnosis is being used. Some people feel like they are simply listening comfortably, some feel deeply relaxed and others feel their mind engaging and becoming clearer or opening up to possibilities.
Can Anybody be Hypnotised?
Most people can be hypnotised if they can understand and follow simple instructions, however, the client has full control over whether they wish to follow the process. Changes occur when the client in hypnosis, agrees with and finds value in, the suggestions that the therapist is making.
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If the client has been sent by another person to do something that they are not willing or ready to do, then the therapist cannot achieve an outcome against the client's will. The process is a partnership.
How do you Hypnotise People?
The traditional image of hypnosis is someone swinging a pocket watch or pendulum, in front of the eyes. In reality, there are many ways to guide a person into a hypnotic state.
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For me, my voice is my main tool. Hypnosis occurs because of the way that I speak and the words that I use. I often record hypnotic sessions for clients to use at home. Some hypnosis is done while relaxing with eyes closed and other work is done with eyes open looking at a fixed point or a moving object.
How Many Hypnosis Sessions Will I Need?
Most of my Hypnotherapy clients have between 3 and 6 sessions, with the first one being 2 hours long and the rest being 90 minutes. The actual number depends on whether we are working on one or more issues and a range of other factors.
Shorter sessions are available for children and teenagers.
Sessions are generally held a week apart. Audio recordings and/or other tasks are provided to help you make quick progress between sessions. These tasks are an important part of the process.
"Helen makes it so easy to relax with her most soft calming voice, it's magical."
B.M.
What Should I Bring to a Hypnosis Session?
To get the most out of a session, come along with an open mind and any questions you wish to ask. I recommend you wear comfortable clothes. Water is provided and I encourage you to stay hydrated.
I will work with you to find the best position for you to feel at ease. There are supportive armchairs and a super comfortable meditation chair to relax in and there is plenty of room to accommodate a wheelchair. If you prefer relaxing with a cover, blankets are provided. You are also very welcome to bring your own light blanket.
Frequently asked questions
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