Frequently asked questions:

What happens in a therapy session?

First of all, I talk with you about the problem which you are concerned about. But visiting a therapist for the first time can be a rather unnerving experience and you can tell me you tell me as much or as little as you want during the discussion; there is no pressure to go into details which may be painful. Some of the details may not be clear anyway, but may emerge as time goes on. Hopefully, as you feel more secure, further aspects of the problem will emerge if necessary, which can be looked at together and worked on.

A range of methods may be appropriate to help you, and I wiill discuss the most appropriate ones with you. It is essential that, whatever the methods used, they first with how you view yourself as a person, and that you feel comfortable that the therapist has taken on board who you are.

A Person Centred or Humanistic approach is perhaps the one which influences my work most strongly. This involves means non-judgemental and valuing what you say, who you are, and the inner resources you have to help yourself. These factors in themselves can start off the process of inner change. A relationship of trust between client and therapist is, I believe, central to change.

Other techniques, including hypnosis , may be used in a session. These are lways discussed, expalined, and agreed beforehand.

So if hypnosis is used... what is it anyway?

Hypnosis is often thought to be like a state of relaxation. This is not entirely the case, though a hypnotic state may well induce relaxation. It is more like a state of altered awareness, with the ability to focus attetion on a particular thought, emotion, or memory, without become distracted by what else is going on around one.

My own work in this area is strongly influenced by Milton Erickson, who  
"maintained that a hypnotic 'trance like' state is in fact common, in everyday life. For example, when doing something we enjoy, it is often the case that we become 'absorbed' in the experience, excluding awareness of other things happening around us. 'Classical' hypnosis is often regarded as authoritative, using direct commands or suggestions to promote change. Erickson frequently used a more indirect approach, which was less likely to encounter resistance on the part of the person he was working with. This is also more likely to help a person get in contact with his/her inner resources, which are often not available to the conscious mind, to begin the process of healing. The suggestions, which a therapist may make are aimed at activating these resources. At all times, you are an active participant in the process and are aware of what is said. Suggestions which you do not feel comfortable with, or which you do not find helpful for who you are would simply be rejected."

How long does this process take?

This is a difficult one. Some people find that they get the results they want after only a few sessions. For others, it is a longer process, a 'journey of discovery,' at the risk of using a well worn turn of phrase. But at all times you should feel supported and that the therapist is genuinely wanting to help you find a solution right for you as a person. Nobody should be asked to attend therapy for longer than is necessary. At the same time, it is essential that the therapist works at a pace which is comfortable for you, and goes only so far as you feel comfortable with.

Is therapy a painful process?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, it is true, memories and feelings can surface which are painful. The therapist should, I believe, strive to do his/her utmost to support you through this if it arises, ans to help you feel that the experience is overall a rewarding and valuable one.

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Are you considering psychotherapy or hypnotherapy? Contact Martin Limb today for confidential, no-obligation advice. Call
01473 281 202