Recognising that something needs to change!
We are always interested to hear what has prompted clients to seek help in the first place. Sometimes a client will book an appointment to help them overcome a recent event, maybe a relationship break-up, a redundancy, or an accident of some sort. More often than not, clients tell us they’ve been struggling with anxiety or low mood for a while.
We know that human brains are designed to register change as a threat, so they often cling to old habits and mindsets. We have a built-in preference to repeat patterns of behaviour and thought, even if they are negative, rather than use more brain energy in order to change those patterns. In other words, our brains would prefer to stay in an uncomfortable situation, rather than do anything to improve it.
In light of this, we don’t underestimate the level of insight required for clients to recognise that something needs to change.
Realising that things can change
Frequently, clients will say something like: ‘I’ve always been anxious and I’m probably too old to change’ Nothing could be further from the truth!
Science has shown us that we can influence the structure of our brains, and hence our thought patterns, by consciously directing our thoughts in a more helpful direction. We do this by focusing on solutions and developing positive behaviours. But as Neuro-leadership experts David Rock and Jeffery Schwartz point out, this requires energy and effort.
Clients need to understand that they do have to apply some effort to elicit change – hypnotherapy is something we work on together, it’s not something we ‘do’ to them.
Understanding how to change
We also have to understand how brain functions are fundamental to moving forward. During every session with clients we place a great deal of emphasis on the explanation of the functioning of the brain. It can be a huge revelation for clients when they understand why they are feeling the way they do, and of course, what they can do to change unhelpful, habitual patterns of thought.
After that, sessions involve guiding clients towards their preferred future. We do this using solution focused techniques designed to overcome the brain’s default desire to maintain the status quo.
With the emphasis on solutions and positivity, change happens naturally, one step at a time.
What’s even better? Well, you can learn all about this on our Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma course and then work with this fascinating area of work to help improve your clients’ lives! No previous qualifications or training required – we train students who have good common sense and a personality that is suitable to work with members of the public.