What is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and what exactly does Solution Focused mean?
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern talking therapy that also utilises the power of hypnosis. It is brain and evidence based, drawing on the latest findings in neuroscience, and takes lessons learnt from other psychotherapy models including positive psychology, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) and solution focused brief therapy.
The solution focused approach was first developed in the United States in the 1980s by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer. These two pioneering psychotherapists led a team working with families at the Milwaukee Brief Family Therapy Centre. The therapists noticed that their clients improved more when they were asked to focus on solutions to their problems rather than the problems themselves. After analysing thousands of hours of therapy sessions over a course of several years the team devised a brief programme of treatment with the aim of moving clients forward quickly. Since its early development solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) has evolved and the solution focused approach has become a major influence, not only for therapy, but also for business purposes such as personal development and change management.
In Solution Focused Hypnotherapy we use the best of the SFBT approach to evoke a positive state of mind in our clients. We encourage problem-free talk by asking solution focused questions and helping clients to find positive answers. So, rather than saying “I wouldn’t be feeling anxious” we encourage our clients to imagine what it’s like to be free from anxiety and to express this in a positive way. This might be “I would be feeling calm and relaxed” or “I would be coping better with … ” or “I would be feeling more confident to do … “. It’s so important that we focus on what we do want rather than reminding ourselves of what we don’t want.
This positive psychotherapy work is enhanced with the application of hypnosis and the effects of trance (a wonderful state of relaxed awareness). Brain waves change during this process, allowing clients to see solutions to their problems more easily and effect positive change with greater ease and rapidity.
A solution focused hypnotherapist will not typically advise a client as to what they should or should not do, on the basis that the only expert of the client’s life is the client. Through the combination of solution focused questioning techniques and hypnosis the client is helped to identify for themselves their solutions and the steps they can take to move towards their preferred future. With the focus on drawing solutions from the client’s own resources, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is highly effective at moving people forward quickly.
To find out more about Solution Focused Hypnotherapy call 07514 931 096 or email me using the contact form.