There are around 3 million Australians living with depression or anxiety and there is an abundance of information readily available describing the spectrum of anxiety disorders and their symptoms.  For those interested, I can recommend www.blackdoginstitute.org.au or www.beyondblue.org.au as great places to start understanding these often debilitating conditions.

So instead of telling many of you what you already know, I’d like to share what you may not know, about the use of hypnosis and hypnotherapy as a treatment option for anxiety and depression.

 Our Clients

Over the years, in several locations, we’ve worked with many depressed and anxious clients who’ve come to us at various stages of their illness.  Some are undiagnosed, some have self-harmed, some suffer panic attacks, some are trauma survivors, and others live with unbearable obsessions or phobias.

Importantly, these are everyday people:  new mothers, students, police, soldiers, truck drivers, correctional officers, paramedics, miners, teachers, housewives, nurses, single fathers, veterinarians, etc.  They could be your family, friends or neighbours, and often you’d never even know.

Before We Start Hypnosis

There is, without exception, a discussion with all of our clients surrounding proper diagnosis and their treatment regime.  We recommend that they discuss hypnosis with their GP, Psychologist and where appropriate their Psychiatrist.  We also ask for a referral or obtain permission to discuss their case with their medical team.

We do this because hypnosis and hypnotherapy is an adjunctive treatment option.

Frequently, our clients are disillusioned with their conventional treatment and feel as if their recovery has stalled.  Sometimes they want to stop taking medication.  In all cases, we encourage them to discuss these concerns with their treating medical providers.

We do not offer medical advice – ever.  We offer advice regarding hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapeutic Technique

The techniques we engage are individually selected for each client based on our years of experience and their unique situation.  We can do this as we have studied two different diploma courses and taken advanced diploma training in both Clinical Hypnosis and Clinical Hypnotherapy.

Most often, in anxiety and depression cases, we do not use regressive techniques which cause our client to re-live traumatic memories.  Instead, in these situations, our preferred techniques involve deep relaxation and delivering a private, safe and comfortable method of working towards resolving behaviours, feelings and symptoms in a way that best suits them.

Often the first benefit client’s note is a feeling of peace and relaxation they have not experienced in a long time.  A typical response is “I feel so much lighter and brighter”.  From a therapist’s point of view, clients emerging from trance display a glowing complexion, an ability to breathe more fully and a sense of hopefulness, when they had arrived an hour earlier typically grey faced, hunched over and clutching at their chests.

Anxiety and depression is experienced differently by different people, so results do vary depending on factors including the severity of the condition and the client’s motivation to get well.

Moving Forward

Like any therapy for anxiety and depression there is no ‘miraculous cure’ or ‘quick fix’ offered by hypnosis or hypnotherapy.  We encourage all of our clients to persist in taking, those sometimes small, incremental steps.  Where disillusioned with any treatment we insist clients discuss these concerns with their medical staff and only make changes under proper supervision.

We are always available to liaise with treating medical professionals as appropriate.  Our aim is to complement existing treatment plans and to assist in restoring our clients to their optimum health.

If you think hypnosis may help you, please don’t hesitate to contact us for additional information.

About Us

Blending traditional hypnosis with science and spirit is our forte at Whispered Wisdom Hypnotherapy, Muswellbrook.  You can find out more at www.whisperedwisdom.com.au, like us on FaceBook, email lee@whisperedwisdom.com.au or call M:  0427 431 567.