Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is generally understood to have evolved from the work of the 18th century Austrian doctor Franz Anton Mesmer. He was eventually branded a charlatan and "mesmerism" was denounced, but in 1843 a Scottish surgeon, James Braid, attempted to explain trance in scientific terms. Surgery was performed under what Braid termed "hypnosis". In the 1890s, the publication of Braid's papers in both French and German sparked new interest, and a "school of hypnotism" was founded in Nancy, France.
In the 1950s and 1960s, a US psychotherapist, Milton H.Erickson, developed the modern form of hypnotherapy which is widely used in the West today. Practitioners believe that the mind has different levels of consciousness. Under hypnosis, the conscious, rational part of the brain is temporarily bypassed, making the subconscious part which influences mental and physical functions extremely receptive to suggestion. Although hypnosis may be light, medium or deep,a medium trance is normally used, during whihc metabolism, breathing and heartbeat slow and the brain produces alpha waves.
Hypnotherapist - Marygrace Anderson
Marygrace is a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. She holds a degree in Hypnotherapy, Counselling, and EFT (Emotional Freedom Therapy and other Energy Therapies). She holds a BA degree in psychology from Regis University, in Denver, CO. Marygrace moved to London from the United States in 1991. She came to start the renowned international woman’s accessories company, Johnny Loves Rosie, with her sister. She lives and works in South West and Central London. You can see her website at www.mghypnosis.co.uk
The Interview
Name - Marygrace Anderson
Location - London
Family - Single Mom, with beautiful 5 year old girl, Aimee
How did you become a Hypnotherapist? What is your background?
I became interested in helping others with hypnosis after experiencing first hand how incredible and effective it was with smoking cessation. I decided to master the technique to assist others in improving their own lives.
I trained as a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, plus completed a degree in Hypnotherapy, Counselling and EFT (Emotional Freedom Therapy). I moved to the UK from the States in 1991 and I had already gained a BA degree in Psychology from Regis University, in Denver, Colorado.
What exactly does Hypnotherapy involve?
Hypnotherapy is a treatment that uses hypnosis to alter the way you feel or change aspects of your life that need improving. Hypnosis is a perfectly natural condition, which we experience every day of our lives, like day dreaming. We drift in and out of a hypnotic state all day long without being aware of it. Under hypnosis, we are capable of making amazing changes to our thinking patterns and unlocking unlimited potential to improve and transform our lives.
All hypnosis is self-hypnosis – meaning you are in control at all times. A hypnotherapist guides and empowers the client throughout the hypnotic process. This is a focused state of relaxation, in which the subconscious mind can achieve incredible transformations for beneficial purposes.
We discuss what you want to improve or change. Then we agree the goals and desired outcome you want to accomplish. Next, we'll work together with various techniques and hypnosis to achieve those results, all in a tranquil, calming and relaxing environment.
What sort of problems/issues do clients normally have when they come to you for help/therapy?
Increase Confidence and Self Esteem, Goal Achievement, Improve Motivation, Stop Unwanted Habit, Smoking Cessation, Weight Management, Relaxation Techniques, Eliminate Phobias, Panic Attacks, Manage Stress, Eliminate Anxiety, Sleeping Disorders, Learn Self-Hypnosis, hypnobirthing, life coaching, and many other issues covered.
What/Where was your training? How long did it take overall?
I trained at the Institute of Clinical Hypnosis in London – Kings College. Training too a little over a year, one weekend a month, to cover introduction, professional and advanced professional course. It was excellent and they offer master courses as well.
How many hours a week was your training? How did training fit round your daugter?
One weekend a month. Reading and studying in the evenings and 6 case studies. The case studies took about 4 hours each to prepare, do the session and write up the notes. It was a easy to manage if you stayed on stop of studying between classes. I worked around my sister or ex-husband having Aimee for a weekend.
Roughly, how much did your training cost?
£5,000.
Where do you carry out your work?
Chelsea, Putney, Greater London Area (home visits). I also work in The Clinic, 1 Deodar Road, London SW15 2NP - www.putneyclinic.co.uk and Me & My Baby Therapy Rooms & Clinic, 236d Fulham Road London SW10 9NB - www.meandmybabyclinic.co.uk
Do you need lots of specialist equipment?
No, it's good to have a good chair, and reference books for ideas on scripts.
How many hours do you work a week?
Varies upon how much you want to do. Currently 2.5 days a week. I also own another company. Keeps my days varied.
How does the job fit round your family life?
It works well for me as I have a live in au pair and we are both flexible. I also have back ups but clients usually can fit in somewhere during the week that doesn't effect my time with Aimee.
How do you find clients - do you advertise?
Flyers, advertising, press, referrals. .
What is the earning potential?
It's literally up to you. The more you work - the more you earn. It is unlimited.
Do you think it is a job that fits in well with being a Mum?
Yes, very much so.
Is the job rewarding?
VERY! The feed back from clients on how I've changed their lives, have brought me to tears.
Do you think you have to have any special qualities (in terms of personality) to become a Hypnotherapist?
Good listener, counselor, soothing voice and cares about people.
Any advice for a Mum or Dad wanting to start training?
Call ICH and book yourself in. It was a life changing event for me. I love it.
Useful Links
www.thehypnotherapyassociation.co.uk
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