Image of happy people jumping for joy
Image of happy people jumping for joy
The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic
The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic  

How effective is Pure Hypnoanalysis?

The IAPH Survey:

Introduction
Between July 2008 and July 2009 the IAPH conducted a type of survey (known as a cross sectional study) of clients who had completed a special course of hypnotherapy known as Pure Hypnoanalysis.

This paper presents a summary of the project following one year. It is ongoing as a number of follow ups are planned over a further 12 month period. We are extremely grateful to those who participated in our survey. Their comments have helped us to more our practice forward with renewed enthusiasm and confidence in our therapy.

 

Summary
Clients who had completed a course of Pure Hypnoanalysis were invited to participate in an online survey indicating the degree to which their original presenting 'complaint' had been affected following the course of therapy. The initial feedback indicated that all participating clients had reported a reduction in, or resolution of their original symptoms.

The initial feedback indicated that all participating clients had reported a reduction in,
or resolution of their original symptoms.

Respondents also produced detailed additional comments regarding their experiences of therapy. A follow up is planned at twelve months.

Why did we do this?
Pure Hypnoanalysis is a unique approach to therapy that has been developed by Rob Kelly FIAPH, and other Members of the International Association of Pure Hypnoanalysts (IAPH). Its origins date back to 1974 since when the practice has been developed and modified. The terms hypnotherapy and hypnoanalysis are frequently used in medical literature, but have wildly differing interpretations, as such any previous research cannot be drawn upon as evidence for the effectiveness of Pure Hypnoanalysis as it is unlikely that hypnotherapists were using this specific technique. It was for this reason that we developed our survey. We were interested in hearing from clients who had been through 'our' therapy in contrast to other forms of hypnotherapy.

How does Pure Hypnoanalysis work?
The practice of Pure Hypnoanalysis involves working with a client for approximately six to ten sessions at weekly intervals. Its underlying premise being that we all have 'bottled up' thoughts and emotions, stemming from earlier periods of our lives and that these have a significant role in the development and maintenance of some physical and psychological problems. (It is a condition of therapy that presenting physical problems should have been thoroughly investigated prior to therapy). The degree to which these 'hidden' emotions will affect an individuals functioning will vary from person to person. Practitioners do not however interpret or analyse client's recollections in the traditional sense, (such as frequently seen in the practice of psychoanalysis in films), but rather allow the opportunity for material to surface using a modified version of free association (FA) whilst the client is in a pleasant relaxed hypnotic state, (some times referred to as a 'focussed state of mind').

This simply means talking freely and without hindrance. The assertion being that thoughts and feelings which are of significance are not deeply buried in the mind, but likely to be seeking an outlet, (which in effect they already have, albeit unhelpfully by creating the symptom, such as fears, phobias etc).
Clients are encouraged to link associations and 'here and now' experiences rather than to recall a chronological history. Practitioners are extremely aware of the risks associated with 'leading' a client, especially when in hypnosis and for this reason interventions made by them should only be for prompts or clarification. Pure Hypnoanalysis is totally different to 'normal' hypnoanalysis (and other forms of therapy) in that it genuinely seems to resolve the underlying cause of a persons 'neurotic conflicts'.

What did we already know?
Practitioners experiences to date have strongly suggested that using this method, clients can reach a point of insight at between six to ten sessions, and that having done so, this leads to a reduction or disappearance of the presenting problem, e.g. emetophobia. Evidence from clients suggests that the majority of these 'bottled up' experiences are linked with strong feelings irrespective of any underlying 'incident'. It is not therefore the recollection of a client's history which is significant, but the processing and releasing of experiences (i.e. as they are occurring in the clients mind at the time of therapy) which has the therapeutic effect.

A number of terms have been used to describe how a client feels after the completion of therapy. The words 'enlightened' and 'librated' have been in common use for some years. Clients are offered the opportunity for a follow up appointment after the course of therapy before being discharged. Prior to the survey, no systematic collation of client's responses had been coordinated, although several validated anecdotal accounts, including testimonials were in existence.

 

How did we conduct the survey?
The survey was administered nationally (in the UK) and all practising IAPH members were able to bring it to the awareness of discharged clients. On completion of therapy clients were given a card offering them the opportunity to log on to the IAPH website if they wished to participate.

This process included gaining their consent. Participants were then directed to an online questionnaire which asked a number of 'direct' and 'choice' questions. Most questions contained additional comment boxes. The inclusion criteria meant that only clients who had completed the course of therapy were included. For this study no provision was made to follow up those who decided not to complete the course of therapy. The study design was subject to ethical approval by the IAPH Council.

 

What did we find out?
The majority of respondents were female. The largest age group category for both groups being 26-35 yrs followed by 36-45 yrs. No respondents were aged over 65 yrs. The majority of clients completed therapy within 10-12 sessions, with the next largest group completing in7-9 sessions. The majority of clients presented with problems under the heading of 'general anxiety' although several also indicated other presenting difficulties, the second highest category being 'social phobia' and 'Depression'.

These were self diagnosed conditions which were used by participants to best describe their situation. Clients were offered a rating scale to indicate the 'intensity' of their problem for a pre and post therapy rating. This ranged from 'No interruption to everyday thinking, feeling and behaviour'' to 'Very significant interruption to everyday thinking, feeling and behaviour' on a five point scale. All clients reported a reduction from their original rating on completion of the course.

 

All clients reported a reduction from their original rating on completion of the course.

 

A number of comments were received, for example;
'Before therapy I felt my life had come to an end. I was unable to do normal everyday things like eating out, going on public transport, hairdressers etc. The normal things that people take for granted'
(This client rated from 'significant interruption to daily living' to 'no interruption to daily living' on pre and post therapy scales).

Clients were asked about their understanding of the originating cause of their problem. Approximately 50% stated that what they experienced in therapy was a complete surprise, (usually meaning that what the participant had thought was the cause of their problem turned out to be incorrect) with the remainder having 'some idea' (albeit vaguely) of the contributing cause. For these clients therapy was rather like a jigsaw puzzle with the missing pieces joined together. All clients reported a reduction in their original presenting problems. A number stated that it had now been completely resolved, (often following a number of years during which other treatments had been tried).

 

In conclusion
This cross sectional survey indicates very positive results for clients who have undertaken a course of Pure Hypnoanalysis. The responses and detailed comments from this sample group indicate that Pure Hypnoanalysis has been effective at symptom removal, and allowed clients the opportunity to lead improved lives as a result.

 

What have we learned?
We are delighted to have received such positive results, and to know that our therapy has been effective at helping change peoples lives. Many participants gave us detailed comments that enabled us to draw together a picture of what happens in therapy and how the positive effects were evident, in many cases almost immediately. A significant number also commented on the professionalism shown by our practitioners, and the sensitive and caring manner that was demonstrated in the sessions. A very high number of participants have permitted us to use some of their comments as testimonials and you can see some of these below....

 

Client Feedback from the Research Project

 

Depression

It's unbelievable really. I had suffered depression most of my life. I have been to numerous therapists, on lots of different drugs, been under psychiatrists and psychologists, and even been admitted to hospital - none of it really helped that much. 8 sessions of pure hypno and I'm cured! It's gone! I have never felt better in my life. Thank you so much, for giving me back my life.

 

Weight Issues and Self Esteem

I initially approached my therapist with weight related issues and low self esteem but found by my 6th session that weight was no longer a major issue. I had more self confidence and was no longer binge eating when things were upsetting me. I was calmer and felt more relaxed than I had in years. People were commenting on how different I had become and without any effort I started to lose weight and go down a clothes size.

 

Depression and Anxiety

I feel the benefits of my analysis has made many, many changes to me. I found I was often moody in the morning from waking and this has gone. I was shy and would blush and this has gone. I have loads more confidence in myself amd generally feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I feel like me it's great!!

Over Eating and Low Self Esteem

I feel in control of my feelings and those negative feeling which always came to destroy me or my diet. I don't put myself down anywhere near as much as I have in the past. If I feel any negative thoughts I can soon get rid of them and take control.

'Control' Issues

I do feel completely liberated and at complete peace. I can not believe how simple the whole process is but how extremely difficult it is to allow the repression out. I cannot believe that one repressed memory could have caused so much devastation in my life.

Social Phobia

Right now 5 hours after final session feel like I can take on the world. I feel at peace inside and hopeful that my stress levels have substantially reduced/gone to enable me to make a success of my career.I have confidence to make decisions for me. I am happy with myself and am going to start living my life for me without fear of peoples opinions and trying to fit in. I have been living within a glass box my whole life and I now feel like the doors and windows have been opened, I am now free so watch out world cos Im not scared anymore!!!

 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

I simply feel much more confident now - in work and in my personal life. My self esteem has greatly increased - I feel like I matter, that I have a value. I walk taller. I no longer feel that I have no right to be here. I feel more physically attractive as a result and much more masculine. I feel powerful and in control. I avoided relationships with the opposite sex to the point where I convinced myself that I was homosexual. Unbelievably, I now feel that it would be possible for me to have a relationship with a member of the opposite sex! For the first time in my life I feel sexually attractive. I used to think and plan constantly. I would play out scenarios in my head, usually planning for when things went wrong - this led to the constant worry I experienced. This has virtually stopped. I feel a great deal lighter (of mind) and more spontaneous. I'm simply enjoying life more, now that I don't have this constant conversation with myself. The OCD has all but disappeared too. I can't say that all of this has made me feel euphoric in any way, I just feel normal and content and that's exactly what I wanted out of this. It has honestly been life changing

Insomnia

After suffering from occasional but severe insomnia for years, I now sleep like a baby, even when I have problems and anxiety in my life. On average it now takes me 15 minutes to get to sleep - before, even when I wasn't suffering from a bout of insomnia, it took a lot longer, around an hour. There were also several completely sleepless nights.

Relationship Issues

I saw my therapist at a very low point in my life almost a year after a relationship break up with the father of my children, which had been at my instigation. I was very confused as to which direction my life should take and had got involved with someone else I didn't really want to be with but felt unable to break off. My therapist helped me come to terms with everything that had gone on and made me feel valid as a person again with the right to say no to situations/people without feeling guilty and thinking I was a horrible person. She made me realise my inability to say no and my fear of being unloved and unliked stemmed from a repressed childhood incident. My life has now turned around and I am extremely happy and able to give my opinion without worrying who I will upset and I don't feel I have to go along with situations just for the sake of it cos I don't want to upset anyone.

Social Phobia, General Anxiety and Self Esteem

My therapy has helped me realise that I am not as bad as I had forgotten I thought I was. It helped me remember the cause of the inner-dislike, and it showed me how that feeling had affected my perception and feelings about events during my childhood since the original cause. I now, feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest and have been left with a chance to make a fresh start without the inner-dislike of myself. I have been much happier since my therapy and feel like I can achieve more than I have up until now.

Hair Pulling and Finger Picking

I'm happy to say that the reasons I sought therapy for have been resolved; that my eyelashes, eyebrows and fingernails are starting to recover after years of abusing them. What I couldn't have foreseen are the emotional benefits. Half way through therapy I almost gave up: I was looking for a quick fix for my habits and didn't want to tackle any underlying reasons why I might have started them in the first place. Your organisation didn't give up on me and after a second try at therapy, what I found was a complete cleansing of my thoughts and feelings about myself and life in general. I never believed I could ever feel this good. The past is no longer defining who I am; I'm enjoying the present; and looking forward to my future!

Social Phobia and Blushing

Before - I was an irrational blusher and suffered terribly at work, I would avoid situations that I knew would flare up my symtoms. Now - I feel so confident, happy and more importantly enjoy challenging myself to enter situations I previously would have avoided. I feel like I have a new lease of life.

Social Phobia

I had very bad social phobia since childhood. The fear I had when in any social situation was uncontrollable. I would try to avoid people as much as possible which effected all aspects of my life. After having a course of pure Hypno-analysis with my local hypnotherapist - therapists name - my fear of people has completely gone. I find it incredible and still have to pinch myself sometimes but pure Hypno-analysis has worked for me. I now see a bright future free from social phobia and look forward to getting out meeting new people and moving forwards in my career.

Social Phobia and Sexual Issues

I went into therapt feeling that if this did,nt work then I would spend the rest of my life being ruled by panic attacks. After 7-9 weeks in therapy with - therapists name - at the -therapist- center and my life has changed completely. I had no self confidence, no self esteem, and my driving force was anger. Anything I achived through out my life was achived through anger this is no longer the case. I have never experinced this kind of happyness or self worth. I will be forever grateful to hypnotherapy and - therapists name.

 

Eating Disorder

I finished my therapy very recently but I would say that my life has changed significantly. I feel more confident and worthy to go after what I want in life and that began by ending a destructive relationship I have been in. I was terrified of losing him at the start of my therapy, so what a turnaround in ten weeks!! I'm excited at what life has to offer which is amazing considering I've spent so long waiting for my life to get better. The biggest weight has been lifted and I know that I can lose the rest from my body now.

Depression, Anxiety and Anger Issues

I felt it crossed the T's and dotted the I's on a part of my life that had come to a head and it really felt like it 'lanced' a boil' or wound that had not healed properly and was still festering within me. It now feels that the healing has occurred properly.

Weight Loss

Makes me feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders - Makes me understand why events happened - Lets me move on and forget about the events - It has left me feeling free

Past Issues

It has helped me come to an understanding about things that have happened in the past and helped me now move forward in a positive way, which I wasnt able to previously.

Emetophobia

I started my therapy in Dec 08 when I was at my wits end; every waking minute of my day was consumed with emetaphobia... Classic symptoms included not breathing through my mouth in public, hand washing all the time, not eating out, obsessing over my sons temperature and nappies, I started treatment and although I did not have the 'big bang' moment I did see an improvement in my condition after each session. After 4 or 5 sessions I was hesitant about continuing because of the emotions I exposed but towards the end (12-13 sessions) I looked forward to therapy and enjoyed the experience of travelling back in time. I am 90% cured, although I don't think anyone is totally unphased by vomit so I see myself as 'normal' now. I enjoy life; I am closer to my son and worry only when I need to now. I can say that I do not like vomit but I am not overcome with the shakes, sweat and panic attacks when confronted with it or what could potentially be vomit. I feel like I can finally enjoy life and look after my son how I should....since my therapy I have fallen pregnant and suffered with awful nausea, I have not had ONE panic attack as a result and I firmly believe this is because of my therapy. I could continue but I think you get the point, one last point, my therapist was wonderful.... if you want to contact me to discuss my experience please feel free.

Emetophobia

It's amazing. I had suffered from emetophobia for 22 years, and It was completely ruining my life. I had tried many different types of therapy before, but none really helped. My course of pure hypnoanalysis only took six sessions, and it has completely CURED me of my fear of being sick. I am just a new person, and it is amazing.

Sexual Issues and Childhood Abuse

The therapy helped me understand myself, give me more confidence in myself and allow me to feel normal again. I have since been enjoying getting on with my life happily!

Depression, Anxiety and Weight Issues

Though it was intense at times and it took a while to adjust to the process, the steady stripping away of the pain has been amazing and I felt in very safe hands all the time.

Emetophobia

My emetophobia is gone completely, so has my social anxiety. I can't believe how fantastic I feel. I have wasted so much time and money on other therapies. I would recommend Pure Hypnoanalysis to anybody.

Anxiety, Bulimia and Childhood Abuse

The therapy has given me a greater understanding and acceptance of myself. It has helped me to make sense of things and to increase my self worth. It has given me the confidence to believe that I can overcome the eating disorder that I have had for the last 21 years.....I finally am starting to believe that I am lovable.

Depression and Anxiety

It has changed my life because I am now more confident,self assured and I like myself, still got a bit of a way to go but I know I will get there. I was a wreck when I first started my therapy and I honestly thought that was the person I was meant to be and would not have believed that in 12 weeks or so I would be the confident and strong woman that I am now. I no longer blame everything on things I thought were my fault. Now at 62 and single I am ready to live again. Thank you so much

Anxiety, Negative Thinking and Conflict Over Fetish

Banished negative thinking. Restored and enhanced confidence and self esteem. Stopped me catastrophising things and blaming others. Freed me of childhood guilt. Helped me enjoy my fetish instead of thinking I was a freak. Made me feel generally more happy and calm. Felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my body.

 

General Anxiety and Self Esteem

It's been 2 months since I stopped and it's taken me some time to get used to not having low self esteem and a feeling of worthlessness that I've had for over 40 years. That has taken some time but I am now feeling loads better. I'm beginning to realise I can achieve so much in life and have much more confidence in myself to grab chances when the come. I am now ready to take on whatever comes and to pursue the type of life I want for myself and not that which is dictated by what 'should' happen.

Shy Bladder and Anxiety

It's hard to explain the change in me - it was a gradual process of self-discovery. I now feel able to cope with the stresses that life may bring me. Life feels calmer and I CAN COPE.

General Anxiety and Sleep Problems

The initial feelings of high anxiety have been releaved but mainly the guilt I felt but didn't know I was carrying has been completely released. I now understand a bit better certain thought patterns and behaviours so much better than I could have imagined.

Weight Loss

I would recommend it to every one as it helps you wake up to things you know about but would never speak to close friends and family

Jealousy & Insecurity

I came to -therapists name - at the point when my jealousy and insecurities had reached breaking point. I felt very unhappy and angry all the time and could not see it geting better. Only seven sessions of free association with - therapists name - and I am extremely pleased to say that I feel on top of the world. Through free association hypnosis, - therapists name - has helped me bring out the emotions that I had bottled up while I was a child and get rid of all the guilt, anger and hatred that I had within myself which was seriously affecting my daily life as an adult. In my opinion, going for free association hypnosis was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I would highly recommend - therapists name -, as she is extremely friendly, kind, non-judgemental and most importantly she knows what she is doing. Thank you for everything.

 

Eating Disorder

Although the experiences revealed in therapy were completely unexpected many things in my life now make sense - the missing parts of the jig-saw!

Childhood Abuse

I was very nervous about the thought of Hypnosis and didn't think it would work for me as I've had this black cloud hanging over me, my whole life..(well since I could remember), and thought I would take this to the grave....but i'm the other side now as my therapy finished nearly 2 months ago now, and I'm still in shock as to what's happened and I still can't believe the new me....I really can't put into words how this has changed my life. I am now such a confident adult, who's wearing a constant smile, and don't think of all the bad stuff that was in my childhood. I'm 38 and can't believe I've got so much to look forward to. I understand it now when someone say's they owe there life to someone, cause that's how I feel toward my therapist. He will never know how much he has done for me. I will never doubt until I've tried something now.

General Anxiety

Therapy has made me look at things in a different way and has freed me to live again. Never thought something like hypno could work but at the time would have tired anything! it all makes more sence now ...So glad I took the chance. Just go with it and stick with as on many occasions I didnt want to go back. Glad I did!!! Thanks

 

Social Phobia and Self Confidence

- therapists name - has been absolutely wonderful and has given me a new lease of life. The self confident person that would happily recommend him to anyone

General Anxiety

Although I presented for therapy with known anxiety related problems, I have found since completing therapy that not alone have my original known problems eased considerably already but that other symptoms and behaviours that I had thought "normal for me" have also gone! This is an amazing therapy and the ONLY one that I know of that provides a real and lasting cure for emotional and nervous problems. Anything else that I've heard of or tried only treats the ongoing symptoms, never curing the problem.

Depression and General Anxiety

I attended therapy feeling depressed,that noone understood how I felt and that I should just try to get over it. events that I had no recall of came to the surface where I could begin to deal and accept them. I now feel at peace with a positive outlook to take with me..I like my self now.

 

Depression, Anxiety and Relationship Issues

Pure hypnoanalysis has completly chnaged my life and im really gratfull . I would recomend this life changing therapy to anyone.

Comfort Eating

Therapy was difficult for me as I find it very hard to open up, but I do feel better for doing it. I was aware of my underlying problem, but I was not aware of how it had affected me and how it was the root cause of the compulsive symptoms I was displaying (comfort eating, nail biting, depression etc). Therapy has helped me to piece together the jigsaw of my childhood years - and, most importantly, helped me release the feelings of guilt and shame that I'd been carrying with me for so long. It seems so simple really but I honestly could not have done it without my therapist. I feel strongly that more people should be offered therapy as a treatment for emotional problems as opposed to drugs. I have tried both methods and would definitely recommend 12 weeks of therapy over 2 years on anti-depressants any day! I'm looking forward to the future!

Social Phobia and Sleep Problems

Life has changed Although I feel the same in myself, I am free of fear and worry of what others think of me. I'm just happy to be myself. I didn't realise how this was controlling every aspect of my life until it had gone.

Depression, Anxiety and Sleep Problems

At the age of nealy 60years it has taken me 49years to get help for child abuse. My self asteem as come back, I feel normal again,all the guilt as gone and I can actually talk about it without feeling guilty. I feel a new person and without - therapists name - help I would have taken my life. This treatment has made me want to live again.

Depression, Anxiety, Panic and Claustrophobia

I am no longer paralysed with fear and unable to complete only the most basic of tasks. I am no longer suffering from feelings of claustrophobia and no longer getting panic attacks. I feel much calmer and not so stressed about people and events around me. I feel a much stronger person mentally.

General Anxiety and Childhood Abuse

All of my ailments, depression, drug abuse, cystitis, irratable leg syndrome, aches and pains - gone!! What a mixture! Plus I can sing and I dont care who's listening. I studied psychology and counselling for years - I have had many hours of analysis. It took 8 hours of hypnoanalysis. I voted with my feet, I am now a hypnoanalyst.

Social Phobia, Anxiety and Relationship Issues

I have just completed theraphy and feel full of hope and determination that I am a worthwhile person which i would never have believed. I wish you all continued success in your most amazing science.

Pre-Menstrual Tension

The benefits from my therapy started the minute - therapists name - phoned me back to arrange my first sessioin. I will say though that I was really nervous and didn't know what to expect...apart from the feeling I had on my wedding day,I have never been on such a roller coaster of emotion. To have the feeling of happiness back in my life means everything to me. It has totally changed my life and has made me want to work really hard to hold onto this fantastic feeling. I would also add that in my opinion it is down to the therapist you see,as over a period of two months I felt comfortable enough to share information that I haven't even told my own Father or Husband about to - therapists name - who I only met! and that is a huge achievement on his behalf. Thank you for everything

 

Panic

It is only a week since I have completed therapy so therefore very early days. However, I feel very excited about the future, especially booking holidays and going away, and am very keen to put myself to the test. Life looks and feels very positive and I feel extremely happy and contented.

General Anxiety

I feel calmer, more in control and less panicky. The biggest thing for me was being able to walk down the aisle and get married, knowing there were many many people watching me. Normally this would have made me want the ground to open up and swallow me but I remained calm and collected and actually enjoyed myself, which is exactly how a bride's big day should be!

General Anxiety

Transformed my life. Have confidence, energy, drive and excitement for the future. I no longer have a critical voice inside my head. I am calmer, have emotions that are appropriate and at an appropriate level of intensity (i.e. are not irrational) My friends notice a huge difference in my outward level of happiness. An incredible experience that I would recommend to anyone and everyone that feels they have an issue that is holding them back.

Depression

I feel much stronger as a person, and have stopped blaming myself for alot of the past.

 

Vaginismus

I have only just very recently finished my therapy and I feel great. My sex drive is back with a vengeance and my spirits have lifted. I have noticed that I am more tolerant, calm and even tempered. I feel so full of energy during the day and I sleep like a baby at night (if I want to that is!). My friends and family have commented on the difference in me. Actually the nicest thing of all is that after a particularly stressful eighteen months in my marriage I have fallen in love with my husband all over again. I have recommended this therapy to many friends and family on the strength of my personal experience.

Social Phobia

I can cope much better, with everything it seems. I am generally happier and more relaxed. I feel far less angry and frustrated at things and my anxiety levels have really gone down. I didn't realise that I had any sexual inhibitions at all but now I am definitely more 'liberated' - nothing kinky or weird though! I am also much more affectionate in my relationships with my other half and my child. I am aware of still going through some emotional changes but I feel that these can only be for the better in the long run judging by the changes so far.

 

Anxiety

This is powerful stuff. I feel free of the anxiety that had hijacked my life. I was on heightened alert waiting for someone to say a trigger word that would set me into a terrible blushing and anxiety attack. At times I did not want to be alive because I could not tolerate my anxiety attacks and how I felt about myself as a result. Now I feel 100% alive and I really like being free and empowered. I feel I am in control of my life and i like my life.

 

Social Phobia, Sexual Issues and General Anxiety

I just cannot believe how easy it was to get rid of my anxieties, and looking pain it was quite painless. I cannot recommend pure hypnoanalysis enough. Areas in my life in terms of sex and social anxiety that i thought i was just cursed in - actually turn out to make such sense as to why i was like i was. I have been living with a repression of rape and was abused on other occasions by a family friend. For a man it is difficult to comprehend but it happened. My life is different now. As far as sexual issues and anxieties go, they have practically stopped. I am having to rebuild my self esteem and strength but my life is 10 times better now. If it was not for this treatment i would be lost and in conflict forever - I know the repression and abuse was real because of the tears, sweat and genuine fear that came up. Also the negative symptoms that have plagued my life in work, social, sexual and relationships have been irradicated. I am thankful to the organisation and my therapists and it really has been a journey of true discovery.

 

Bruxism

I am now ready to take on my life, experience everything and become better than i could have ever dreamed 4 months ago before my consultation. I had been suffering from intense bruxism every day (during the day & night) for several years. I tried osteopathy and a night splint (from my dentist) but neither made any difference. My osteopath suggested hypnotherapy, recommending a therapist. After a long & difficult time I am so happy to have finally got rid of the daytime bruxism and general tension & unhappiness. I am confident that the last remanants of tension in my jaw will disappear with time. I had no idea that hypnotherapy could deal with physical problems and have no hesitation in recommending it and my therapist to anyone.

Pure HA   - Jan 20th 2012 www.Successfulhypnotherapy.com

The IAPH Survey:

 

Introduction
Between July 2008 and July 2009 the IAPH conducted a type of survey (known as a cross sectional study) of clients who had completed a course of hypnoanalysis. We now know that a successful outcome, i.e. profound change that is effortless to maintain, is achieved in hypnoanalysis through the mechanism of memory reconsolidation.

This paper presents a summary of the project following one year.  A number of follow-ups were planned over a further 12 month period.

 

Summary
Clients who had completed a course of hypnoanalysis were invited to participate in an online survey indicating the degree to which their original presenting ‘complaint’ had been affected following the course of therapy.  The initial feedback indicated that all participating clients had reported a reduction in, or resolution of, their original symptoms.

The initial feedback indicated that all participating clients had reported a reduction in, or resolution of, their original symptoms.

Respondents also produced detailed additional comments regarding their experiences of therapy.  A follow-up was planned at twelve months.

 

Why did we do this?
Hypnoanalysis traces its origins back to 1974, since when the practice has been developed and modified.  The terms hypnotherapy and hypnoanalysis are frequently used in medical literature but have wildly differing interpretations; as such, any previous research cannot be drawn upon as evidence for the effectiveness of Pure Hypnoanalysis as it is unlikely that hypnotherapists were using this specific technique.  It was for this reason that we developed our survey.  We were interested in hearing from clients who had been through ‘our’ therapy in contrast to other forms of hypnotherapy.

 

How does hypnoanalysis work?
The practice of hypnoanalysis involves working with a client for approximately eight to sixteen sessions at weekly intervals.  Its underlying premise being that we all have unresolved or unprocessed material stemming from earlier periods of our lives and that this has a significant role in the development and maintenance of some physical and psychological problems: (it is a condition of therapy that presenting physical problems should have been thoroughly investigated prior to therapy).  The degree to which this ‘hidden’ material will affect an individual’s functioning will vary from person to person.  Practitioners do not however interpret or analyse client’s recollections in the traditional sense, (such as frequently seen in the practice of psychoanalysis in films), but rather allow the opportunity for material to surface using a version of free association (FA) whilst the client is in a pleasant, relaxed hypnotic state, (sometimes referred to as a ‘focused state of mind’).

This simply means talking freely and without hindrance.  Clients are encouraged to link associations and ‘here and now’ experiences rather than to recall a chronological history.  Practitioners are extremely aware of the risks associated with ‘leading’ a client, especially when in hypnosis and, for this reason, interventions made by them should only be for prompts or clarification.

 

What did we already know?
Practitioners’ experiences to date have strongly suggested that using this method, clients can reach a point of insight at between six to sixteen sessions on average and that, having done so, this leads to a reduction or disappearance of the presenting problem.  Evidence from clients suggests that it is not the recollection of a client’s history which is significant but the processing and releasing of emotions (i.e. as they are occurring in the clients mind at the time of therapy) which has the therapeutic effect.

A number of terms have been used to describe how a client feels after the completion of therapy.  The words ‘enlightened’ and ‘liberated’ have been in common use for some years. Clients are offered the opportunity for a follow-up appointment after the course of therapy before being discharged.  Prior to the survey, no systematic collation of client’s responses had been co-ordinated, although several validated anecdotal accounts, including testimonials, were in existence.

How did we conduct the survey?
The survey was administered nationally (in the UK) and all practising IAPH members were able to bring it to the awareness of discharged clients.  On completion of therapy, clients were given a card offering them the opportunity to log on to the IAPH web site if they wished to participate.

This process included gaining their consent.  Participants were then directed to an online questionnaire which asked a number of ‘direct’ and ‘choice’ questions.  Most questions contained additional comment boxes. The inclusion criteria meant that only clients who had completed the course of therapy were included. For this study no provision was made to follow up those who decided not to complete the course of therapy.  The study design was subject to ethical approval by the IAPH Council.

 

What did we find out?
The majority of respondents were female.  The largest age group category for both groups being 26-35 yrs followed by 36-45 yrs.  No respondents were aged over 65 yrs. The majority of clients completed therapy within 10-14 sessions, with the next largest group completing in 7-9 sessions.  The majority of clients presented with problems under the heading of ‘general anxiety’ although several also indicated other presenting difficulties, the second highest category being ‘social phobia’ and ‘depression’.

These were self-diagnosed conditions which were used by participants to best describe their situation.  Clients were offered a rating scale to indicate the ‘intensity’ of their problem for a pre- and post-therapy rating. This ranged from “No interruption to everyday thinking, feeling and behaviour” to “Very significant interruption to everyday thinking, feeling and behaviour” on a five point scale.

All clients reported a reduction from their original rating on completion of the course.

A number of comments were received, for example;
‘Before therapy I felt my life had come to an end.  I was unable to do normal everyday things like eating out, going on public transport, hairdressers etc.  The normal things that people take for granted’
(This client rated from ‘significant interruption to daily living’ to ‘no interruption to daily living’ on pre- and post-therapy scales).

Clients were asked about their understanding of the originating cause of their problem.  Approximately 50% stated that what they experienced in therapy was a complete surprise, (usually meaning that what the participant had thought was the cause of their problem turned out to be incorrect), with the remainder having ‘some idea’ (albeit vaguely) of the contributing cause.  For these clients, therapy was rather like a jigsaw puzzle with the missing pieces joined together.  All clients reported a reduction in their original presenting problems.  A number stated that it had now been completely resolved, (often following a number of years during which other treatments had been tried).

 

In conclusion
This cross sectional survey indicates very positive results for clients who have undertaken a course of hypnoanalysis as practiced at the time by most IAPH members.  The responses and detailed comments from this sample group indicate that hypnoanalysis has been effective at symptom removal and allowed clients the opportunity to lead improved lives as a result.

 

Postscript
The above is an abridged version of the original study.  At the time, the results of the survey were encouraging, but even so we were always aware of those clients who failed to get their ‘liberating moment’ – a source of frustration and disappointment for both client and therapist.  With the recent advances in neuroscience, we now have a better understanding of the actual change we seek – memory reconsolidation – which in turn guides us to greater success. Having said that, there is always space for the type of client who overthinks and ruminates to do some beliefs work and improve their symptoms where they were essentially caused by their own poorly managed thinking.

Social Phobia

Right now 5 hours after final session feel like I can take on the world. I feel at peace inside and hopeful that my stress levels have substantially reduced/gone to enable me to make a success of my career. I have confidence to make decisions for me. I am happy with myself and am going to start living my life for me without fear of peoples opinions and trying to fit in. I have been living within a glass box my whole life and I now feel like the doors and windows have been opened, I am now free so watch out world cos I’m not scared anymore!!!

 

Weight Issues and Self Esteem

I initially approached my therapist with weight related issues and low self esteem but found by my 6th session that weight was no longer a major issue. I had more self confidence and was no longer binge eating when things were upsetting me. I was calmer and felt more relaxed than I had in years. People were commenting on how different I had become and without any effort I started to lose weight and go down a clothes size.

 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

I simply feel much more confident now – in work and in my personal life. My self esteem has greatly increased – I feel like I matter, that I have a value. I walk taller. I no longer feel that I have no right to be here. I feel more physically attractive as a result and much more masculine. I feel powerful and in control. I avoided relationships with the opposite sex to the point where I convinced myself that I was homosexual. Unbelievably, I now feel that it would be possible for me to have a relationship with a member of the opposite sex! For the first time in my life I feel sexually attractive. I used to think and plan constantly. I would play out scenarios in my head, usually planning for when things went wrong – this led to the constant worry I experienced. This has virtually stopped. I feel a great deal lighter (of mind) and more spontaneous. I’m simply enjoying life more, now that I don’t have this constant conversation with myself. The OCD has all but disappeared too. I can’t say that all of this has made me feel euphoric in any way, I just feel normal and content and that’s exactly what I wanted out of this. It has honestly been life changing

 

Insomnia

After suffering from occasional but severe insomnia for years, I now sleep like a baby, even when I have problems and anxiety in my life. On average it now takes me 15 minutes to get to sleep – before, even when I wasn’t suffering from a bout of insomnia, it took a lot longer, around an hour. There were also several completely sleepless nights.

 

Relationship Issues

I saw my therapist at a very low point in my life almost a year after a relationship break up with the father of my children, which had been at my instigation. I was very confused as to which direction my life should take and had got involved with someone else I didn’t really want to be with but felt unable to break off. My therapist helped me come to terms with everything that had gone on and made me feel valid as a person again with the right to say no to situations/people without feeling guilty and thinking I was a horrible person. She made me realise my inability to say no and my fear of being unloved and unliked stemmed from a repressed childhood incident. My life has now turned around and I am extremely happy and able to give my opinion without worrying who I will upset and I don’t feel I have to go along with situations just for the sake of it cos I don’t want to upset anyone.

 

Social Phobia, General Anxiety and Self Esteem

My therapy has helped me realise that I am not as bad as I had forgotten I thought I was. It helped me remember the cause of the inner-dislike, and it showed me how that feeling had affected my perception and feelings about events during my childhood since the original cause. I now, feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest and have been left with a chance to make a fresh start without the inner-dislike of myself. I have been much happier since my therapy and feel like I can achieve more than I have up until now.

 

Social Phobia and Blushing

Before – I was an irrational blusher and suffered terribly at work, I would avoid situations that I knew would flare up my symptoms. Now – I feel so confident, happy and more importantly enjoy challenging myself to enter situations I previously would have avoided. I feel like I have a new lease of life.

 

Eating Disorder

I finished my therapy very recently but I would say that my life has changed significantly. I feel more confident and worthy to go after what I want in life and that began by ending a destructive relationship I have been in. I was terrified of losing him at the start of my therapy, so what a turnaround in ten weeks!! I’m excited at what life has to offer which is amazing considering I’ve spent so long waiting for my life to get better. The biggest weight has been lifted and I know that I can lose the rest from my body now.

 

Sexual Issues and Childhood Abuse

The therapy helped me understand myself, give me more confidence in myself and allow me to feel normal again. I have since been enjoying getting on with my life happily!

 

Anxiety, Bulimia and Childhood Abuse

The therapy has given me a greater understanding and acceptance of myself. It has helped me to make sense of things and to increase my self worth. It has given me the confidence to believe that I can overcome the eating disorder that I have had for the last 21 years…..I finally am starting to believe that I am lovable.

 

Depression and Anxiety

It has changed my life because I am now more confident,self assured and I like myself, still got a bit of a way to go but I know I will get there. I was a wreck when I first started my therapy and I honestly thought that was the person I was meant to be and would not have believed that in 12 weeks or so I would be the confident and strong woman that I am now. I no longer blame everything on things I thought were my fault. Now at 62 and single I am ready to live again. Thank you so much.

 

Shy Bladder and Anxiety

It’s hard to explain the change in me – it was a gradual process of self-discovery. I now feel able to cope with the stresses that life may bring me. Life feels calmer and I CAN COPE.

 

Social Phobia and Sleep Problems

Life has changed Although I feel the same in myself, I am free of fear and worry of what others think of me. I’m just happy to be myself. I didn’t realise how this was controlling every aspect of my life until it had gone.

 

Depression, Anxiety, Panic and Claustrophobia

I am no longer paralysed with fear and unable to complete only the most basic of tasks. I am no longer suffering from feelings of claustrophobia and no longer getting panic attacks. I feel much calmer and not so stressed about people and events around me. I feel a much stronger person mentally.

 

General Anxiety

I feel calmer, more in control and less panicky. The biggest thing for me was being able to walk down the aisle and get married, knowing there were many many people watching me. Normally this would have made me want the ground to open up and swallow me but I remained calm and collected and actually enjoyed myself, which is exactly how a bride’s big day should be!

 

General Anxiety

Transformed my life. Have confidence, energy, drive and excitement for the future. I no longer have a critical voice inside my head. I am calmer, have emotions that are appropriate and at an appropriate level of intensity (i.e. are not irrational) My friends notice a huge difference in my outward level of happiness. An incredible experience that I would recommend to anyone and everyone that feels they have an issue that is holding them back.

Anxiety

This is powerful stuff. I feel free of the anxiety that had hijacked my life. I was on heightened alert waiting for someone to say a trigger word that would set me into a terrible blushing and anxiety attack. At times I did not want to be alive because I could not tolerate my anxiety attacks and how I felt about myself as a result. Now I feel 100% alive and I really like being free and empowered. I feel I am in control of my life and I like my life.

For the Best Help, Advice, Therapy & Treatment ...

...Speak to Peter !

Image of Surry Psychoanalyst and Hypnotherapist Peter Back at The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic Surrey Psychoanalyst and Hypnotherapist Peter Back at The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic

Welcome

Select the button below for a welcome letter from Peter, with more about the Surrey Hypnotherapy clinic, or instead just e-mail Peter to arrange a convenient time for a consultation.

Beat the Coronavirus Restrictions !
Safe Online Therapy and Consultations   available now in your own home
e-mail Peter today for details of
 Online Therapy

The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic TM

A Client Talks about his Gambling Addiction Cure Therapy ( more... )

May is Mental Health Awareness Month ( more... )

Prince Harry is an Advocate of Talking Therapies ( more... )

How can The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic TM help you ?

In order to visit

Our address is:

The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic

Sandcroft
Blackbridge Road

Woking

GU22 0DN

 

Note. All callers by prior appointment.

Guideline directions:

Directions from nearby towns and districts are given here: Directions.

 

Particularly convenient for:

Addlestone, Aldershot, Ashford, Bookham, Bracknell, Bracknell Forest, Brookwood, Caterham, Camberley, Chertsey, Chobham, DorkingEghamElmbridgeEpsom, Ewell, Farnborough, FarnhamGodalming, Guildford, Hampshire, Hart, Horley, Jacobs Well, Knaphill, Leatherhead, London, Ottershaw, Pirbright, Reading, Ripley,  Runnymede, Rushmoor, Sheerwater, Send, SpelthorneStaines, SunburySurrey, Surrey Heath, Sutton Green, Walton, WaverleyWest Byfleet, Weybridge, Woking, Wokingham, Worplesdon

Select the button below for a map, address & e-mail contact form:

Contact info

Please note, if you should 'phone it is quite likely that Peter will be busy with a client and unable to take your call.

 

E-mail tends to be the best way to contact Peter, to arrange or reschedule appointments.

 

However, If urgent, you might be able to reach Peter on the following 'phone number but please be prepared to leave a message... Thank you.

 

Phone:  08707 606765 08707 606765

Select the button below for a map, address & e-mail contact form:

" The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it's the same problem you had last year."

- John Foster Dulles

" Tell your friends about

The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic TM "

 

A member of the Surrey community

 Partner Links:

The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic, Home Page, Areas Served, Hypnotherapy Surrey, Guildford Hypnotherapy and CBT PsychotherapyHypnotherapy4GuildfordSurrey West Byfleet Woking Guildford and Surrey Hypnotherapy West Byfleet Woking Guildford and Surrey Hypnotherapy West Byfleet Woking Guildford and Surrey Hypnotherapy blog Pennsylvania PA Hypnotherapy West Byfleet Hypnotherapy Woking Hypnotherapy Online Hypnotherapy Surrey Hypnotherapy Surrey Hypnotherapy Portsmouth Hypnotherapy Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic  Farnborough Hypnotherapy Guildford Hypnotherapy West Byfleet Hypnotherapy Woking Hypnotherapy Surrey Hypnotherapy Farnborough Hypnotherapy Guildford Hypnotherapy Penn PA Hypnotherapy West Byfleet Hypnotherapy Woking Hypnotherapy Southampton Hypnotherapy Surrey Hypnotherapy Surrey Hypnotherapy  Surrey Hypnotherapy Surrey Hypnotherapy Hampshire Hypnotherapy  Surrey Hypnotherapy   Poole Hypnotherapy Surrey Hypnotherapy hypno counselling psychotherapy Bournemouth Hypnotherapy counselling hypnotherapy Hypnosis Counselling Psychotherapy - Surrey - Woking - Guildford - West Byfleet PA Hypnosis  Hypno Counselling Therapy for Woking Guildford & West Byfleet Hypno Counselling Therapy for Woking Guildford & West Byfleet Hypno Counselling Therapy for Woking Guildford & West Byfleet Hypno Counselling Therapy in Guildford Woking & West Byfleet Surrey Woking Guildford & West Byfleet Hypno Counselling Therapy in Surrey Surrey Hypnotherapy Surrey Hypnotherapy Surrey Counselling Hypnosis Woking Guildford Surrey Online Therapy Online Counselling Online Hypnotherapy Online Hypnosis London Hypnotherapy Essex Hypnotherapy Sussex Hypnotherapy Online Hypnosis Online Counselling Online Therapy Online Hypnotherapy Online Hypnotherapy Surrey Hypnotherapy Surrey Hypnotherapy Online Hypnotherapy Hypno Counselling The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic online surrey hypnotherapy Bucks Hypnotherapy The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic HOCD HOCD HOCD

Print | Sitemap
© Peter Back @ Surrey Hypnotherapy & The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic