Hypnotherapy on Trial

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Does Hypnotherapy really work?  Or is it all swinging watches and talking nonsense?  A nervous (and blotchy) JT Murray finds out...

Fed up of my neck breaking out in big red blotches and my face burning with embarrassment every time a manager at work spoke to me, I knew I needed to take action.  It was summer and wearing polo necks to hide my neck just wasn't an option anymore.  

A friend had been to see a Hypnotherapist for insomnia and raved about how successful it had been, and she urged me to give it a try.  Now, I've always been pretty sceptical about such things and pride myself on being a grounded and rational person, but I knew there was nothing rational about breaking out in blotches every time my very nice, friendly manager spoke to me, so I decided to bite the bullet.

I turned up to my appointment with, ironically, my neck all blotchy from nerves.  The Hypnotherapist’s office was surprisingly normal – I'd imagined incense sticks, candles and chanting.  There was no couch either, instead I was told to sit in a big comfy chair with my feet up on a footstool.  After an initial consultation where the Hypnotherapist asked me all about what situations triggered the blotching, she lowered the lights and started the session by talking in a low, soothing voice, getting me to relax my arms, my hands, my legs and so on.  When she started counting down from ten I have to admit I wanted to laugh as it was so clichéd, but I managed to stifle the urge and tried to take it seriously.

It’s a strange feeling being hypnotised - a bit like half-dozing on the sofa at home but still being aware of noises around you.  I didn’t fall into a deep sleep or go into a trance, but apparently this isn’t necessary as the subconscious is still receptive to suggestions in this deeply relaxed state.  The theme of the session was confidence and relaxation, and concentrated on situations where I knew my flushing would flare up.  When I was in such a position I would now take slow, deep breaths which would reduce my heart rate and the subsequent rush of blood flow to my neck and face.  The Hypnotherapist went through the various scenarios I’d given her where the flushing happened and with each situation she talked about my breathing slowing down, feeling calm and relaxed, and acting confidently.

The session lasted around forty minutes and I was sent away with a recording of it all and instructions to shut myself away and listen to it daily for a couple of weeks, and after that on regular occasions whenever I felt like I needed a confidence boost.  The session, plus the initial consultation cost £75.

The Hypnotherapy hasn’t completely cured the blotching, but it’s definitely helped – I now recognise what triggers it and automatically start taking long, slow deep breaths before it gets too bad.  Yes, it still happens on occasion, but it’s not as severe as it was before, and doesn’t happen as often.  I’d certainly recommend Hypnotherapy for any condition that is deep-rooted in the subconscious, but be aware that it’s not an instant cure and it does take time to improve.

J T Murray, MyVillage: , 06th August