Maybe you’ve just moved to a new town. Perhaps you’ve decided to make a move from working at home to working in a clinic. Or it might be that you’ve decided to work another couple of days as a hypnotherapist in a nearby town. The question is the same – how do I decide which clinic I want to work from?

Your first task is to find out what clinics there are in your town and the surrounding area. I say clinics, but it could be a room over a hairdresser’s salon or a room in a health food shop, or even a room at a gym – there are a lot of options available. For convenience, I’ll call them all clinics – but you know what a wide range of establishments I have in mind. Once you’ve identified the options available, the next step is to go and have a look at them. What does the clinic look like from the outside? Is it somewhere that you would feel happy going for treatment? If not, cross it off your list and move on to the next clinic on your list. If you’re based in a big city, where most people walk or use public transport, parking won’t necessarily be an issue. But in most towns, your clients will mainly arrive by car and so somewhere to park could be an issue for them. Also, you may want to think about ease of access for your less-mobile clients. Are there drop kerbs nearby? Is there ramped access and handrails to hold on to?

Having looked at the property from the outside, the next step is to go inside. Is there a welcoming reception area? Are there clear signs directing clients to the waiting area? Does the inside feel comfortable? Is the temperature warm enough (or cool enough if it’s summer time). Does the paintwork look OK? Are the pictures on the wall suitable? Is the noticeboard up-to-date? Are the leaflets tidy? And go to the toilet. Are they clean? Is there any kind of smell? If the inside doesn’t seem like somewhere you’d like to go for treatment, leave and visit the next clinic on your list.

So, if you like the location, and you like the look of the place, the next thing to check out is the staff. Do they look professional? How many people work there? Are some more frequent users of rooms? Will you always use the same room, or will you have to use whatever is available? Do staff cross refer? Does the acupuncturist recommend the reflexologist etc? Does it feel like a science-based clinic or a ‘fluffy’ one (ie very little science-based treatments)? Is that what suits you? Can you advertise your services on the noticeboard? Does the clinic have its own website? Can you put your information on it? And, how much will it cost you? If you’re still giving free initial consultations, you need to take that into consideration when calculating how many hours you want to rent rooms for and how much that will eat into your profits.

Once you have the answers to those questions from all the clinics you have in your area, then you can start to make a choice about which one to choose. Will the clinics that you felt comfortable with let you have the times of day you want? Can you afford to set up in the one you liked best, or do you need to compromise slightly so that you can stay in business? Do you feel the clinic manager was someone you could work with?

Once you’ve decided on a clinic (or room or whatever) that suits you, your needs, and your pocket, you need to start building the business. That means you need to put on your website the details of the new clinic – it’s address including postcode, phone number, and even a small map (Google maps makes doing this very easy). You also need to put the days of the week and the times when you will be at that clinic. You want people to easily be able to find you.

It can be very useful to get in touch with other solution-focused hypnotherapists in your new area. That allows you to introduce yourself, and you can learn from them what works in terms of marketing and what doesn’t. Sharing experiences and resources can always be valuable. It’s also a good idea to have a wander round your new location and get friendly with your local shops, cafes, and hairdressers because they will chat to their clients and can help to spread the word about your new clinic, and they might even allow you to leave your cards in their premises. You might want to offer them free mini-initial consultations and short trance sessions. Hairdressers are generally very chatty and will tell everyone about what they experienced. It’s definitely good advertising.

Always have your ‘elevator pitch’ ready to hand. The more people you meet, the more opportunities you have to briefly describe your hypnotherapy practice. Your pitch needs to be full of enthusiasm, humorous, and factual. You need to appear confident and the kind of person they could trust with their particular issues. You need to make a great first impression – so it’s worth practising your pitch.

And you’d be amazed at the power of doughnuts (or even just a packet of biscuits). They are a great way to make new friends – with your new colleagues at your new clinic. And once they’ve taken one of your doughnuts, you can give them your elevator pitch and before you know it (hopefully) they are recommending their clients to see you.

If business is quiet during those first few weeks, then use the time to write blogs and publish them on your website. Google likes websites that change regularly and will move you up the rankings. The other thing you can do is make short videos about hypnotherapy. Again, put these on your website because they help get you up the Google rankings – and that means potential clients are more likely to find you.

Written by Trevor Eddolls, Solution Focused Hypnotherapist, Specialist Trainer and NCH Supervisor. 

What is ‘Mindful Hypnotherapy’?

A cutting-edge stress treatment, blending mindfulness and hypnotherapy, has showcased promising outcomes in a Baylor University pilot study.

Emphasizing the potential

Dr Gary Elkins, a renowned researcher and Director of the Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory at Baylor University, highlights the study’s core premise. By integrating hypnosis to achieve mindfulness goals, this approach offers efficiency, accessibility, and ease. Dr Elkins emphasizes its potential to effectively manage anxiety and reduce stress in a single session, outshining existing methods in terms of convenience and impact. 

One hour weekly sessions

Published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, the study delves into the synergy of mindful hypnotherapy. While standalone mindfulness often demands extensive time commitments, the study’s participants reaped benefits from just one-hour weekly sessions. These sessions comprised hypnosis inductions and personalized mindfulness suggestions. Additionally, participants received self-hypnosis audio recordings, enhancing the integration of mindfulness into their daily lives.

Striking results

The intervention group reported a significant drop in stress levels coupled with heightened mindfulness. This powerful combination led to a remarkable 75% satisfaction rate, demonstrating the effectiveness and appeal of mindful hypnotherapy.

The study’s impact resonates beyond stress relief. Dr Elkins envisions a future where mindful hypnotherapy can address broader concerns such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. While the study acknowledges its small sample size, it paves the way for larger-scale investigations that could unlock even more transformative possibilities.

Source:

Baylor University

Journal reference:

Olendzki, N., et al. (2020) Mindful Hypnotherapy to Reduce Stress and Increase Mindfulness: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2020.1722028.

Why should you start your own business? With the proper planning and sound advice, you can.  The satisfaction of being your own boss, pursuing your passions, and reaping the rewards of your hard work is tempting. This article will explore five compelling reasons why starting your own business can be life changing.

Pursue your passion

One of the most significant advantages of setting up your own business is the opportunity to pursue your passion. When you work for yourself, you can choose a venture that aligns with your interests and values. Whether it’s a hobby you’ve always been passionate about or a solution to a problem, you’re deeply invested in solving. Building a business around something you love can bring fulfilment and satisfaction. The students that join our SFTA Hypnotherapy Training course find their motivation in their desire to help others. This genuine passion for work can boost drive and creativity, and make the journey more rewarding, even during challenging times. 

Flexibility and work-life balance

Entrepreneurship allows you to design your work-life balance according to your needs and priorities. Unlike the rigid 9 to 5 schedule of traditional employment, you can set your own hours and work from wherever you desire. This flexibility allows you to attend to personal commitments, spend time with family, and pursue hobbies without feeling confined to a specific location or timeframe. You may want to work in the mornings or alternatively in the evening. The flexibility is yours. While starting a business requires hard work and dedication, it can eventually lead to a lifestyle that offers more time for the things that matter most to you.

Financial rewards

When you start your own business, you can decide how much money you make. If you want to earn more, you can work more hours. It’s all up to you. As the owner, you have direct control over the success of your new venture, and your efforts translate directly into success. Unlike a salaried job, where your income might be limited by a fixed pay scale, running a successful business can produce substantial financial rewards. However, it’s essential to understand that this may require initial investment and perseverance, especially during the early stages.

Make a difference

Running your own hypnotherapy practice, you will witness your clients’ positive changes and personal growth as they overcome challenges and achieve their goals. You are empowering people to tap into their strengths and resources. The pleasure you will receive from making a tangible difference in the lives of others is extremely rewarding. Engaging with a diverse range of people and being exposed to various life experiences continuously expands your own understanding and empathy.

Personal and professional growth

Launching and managing a business is an incredible learning experience that can foster substantial personal and professional growth. As an entrepreneur, you’ll be exposed to many challenges, from handling finances and marketing and making critical decisions. These experiences will test your problem-solving skills, resilience, and adaptability. The knowledge and skills you acquire throughout your business journey can also be transferred to future endeavours.

Conclusion

Starting your own business can be a transformative and rewarding venture. The ability to follow your passion, enjoy flexibility, achieve financial independence, and experience personal growth is why entrepreneurship appeals to many. While the road to success may be challenging, the potential benefits are vast. At SFTA Hypnotherapy Training, we educate our students on how to build a business, write a business plan and successfully market themselves. It’s essential that they have a vision and the determination to see it through. Setting up your own business can be the first step towards realizing your dreams and shaping a fulfilling future.

As hypnotherapists, our communication relies on a unique lexicon. Let’s delve into the essential terms of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and gain a deeper understanding of our field. Explore the concepts of neuroplasticity, induction techniques, the subconscious mind, and more.

1. Critical Faculty

The conscious critical faculty (CCF) serves as a natural filter, protecting us by rejecting information that contradicts our existing beliefs. Hypnosis allows us to bypass this filter, enabling the acceptance of new and positive ideas without triggering resistance or threat.

2. Default Mode Network (DMN)

The DMN is the brain’s internal game of “solitaire” that activates during daydreaming and trance states. It facilitates reflection on the past and future, creating an optimal environment for new ideas and insights to emerge.

3. Induction Techniques

Hypnotherapists utilize induction techniques to guide clients from a conscious state of awareness into a trance-like state. These techniques may involve progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, or eye fixation, all designed to induce relaxation and facilitate access to the subconscious mind.

4. Miracle Question

The miracle question prompts clients to envision a future where their problem no longer exists or has significantly improved. By bypassing conscious constraints, this question stimulates creative thinking and opens up new possibilities and perspectives.

5. Mirroring

Also known as the mirror neuron system, it is a concept discovered by Italian neurophysiologist Giacomo Rizzolatti and his team. Mirror neurons are a type of brain cell that becomes activated when an individual performs a specific action and when they observe someone else performing the same activity. These neurons “mirror” the actions of others, leading to a neural representation of observed actions in the brain. By mirroring clients’ nonverbal behaviour, body language, and vocal patterns, hypnotherapists can establish rapport and build a sense of connection and trust.

6. Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and change throughout life. It involves the reorganization of neural pathways, the formation of new connections, and the creation of neurons. Hypnotherapy harnesses neuroplasticity to transform negative thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviours, facilitating positive change and personal transformation.

7. Reticular Activating System (RAS)

The RAS acts as a filtering system in our brain, helping us focus on important information while disregarding the overwhelming amount of stimuli we encounter. Understanding the RAS aids in guiding clients’ attention and facilitating effective hypnotherapy sessions.

8. Suggestibility

This refers to a person’s responsiveness and susceptibility to suggestions during the hypnotic state. It measures the ease with which individuals accept and act upon suggestions the hypnotherapist provides.

9. Subconscious Mind

The subconscious mind, also known as the unconscious mind, refers to mental processes occurring outside of conscious awareness. It serves as a reservoir of acquired experiences and operates on a symbolic level. During hypnosis, the subconscious mind can explore new possibilities and gain understanding.

10. Trance Indicators

Trance indicators are external phenomena hypnotherapists observe to assess a subject’s response during hypnosis. These indicators include eye fluttering, changes in breathing, muscle twitching, and alterations in muscle structure. At the Solution Focused Training Academy, we use advanced monitoring equipment called the Hypnophix. This monitors the client’s brainwaves in trance so the hypnotherapist can target the hypnotic suggestion for the optimum effect.

Enrol in our comprehensive SFTA Hypnotherapy Training Course to deepen your understanding of these essential concepts. Master the art of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and empower your clients to achieve lasting change. (link)

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began in March 2020, walk and talk therapy has experienced a surge in popularity. Therapists have embraced this method to prioritize client safety while providing effective therapeutic support.

While face-to-face therapy sessions are still permissible with Covid-secure measures, walk and talk therapy has emerged as an appealing alternative. It caters to individuals who prefer not to engage in virtual sessions or confine themselves to a traditional therapy room.

Understanding Walk and Talk Therapy

Walk and talk therapy involves conducting therapy sessions outdoors, fostering a more comfortable environment for clients to open up while engaging in movement and conversation. Typically set in natural surroundings like woodlands, parks, and green spaces, clients have the freedom to determine the pace and extent of conversation during the session.

The Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy

Immersing oneself in nature offers healing effects, which walk and talk therapy capitalizes on. Research by Mind, a mental health charity, reveals that walking in the countryside can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Participants reported reduced depression and tension by 71%, with 90% experiencing improved self-esteem. The NHS and other mental health organizations endorse spending time in green spaces due to the positive impact on mental well-being.

Walk and talk therapy also ensures adherence to social distancing guidelines, with clients and therapists wearing face coverings and maintaining physical distancing. Protocols for walking routes, confidentiality, and encounters with acquaintances are discussed before therapy sessions.

Although different from traditional therapy, where clients visit a therapist’s clinic and engage in hour-long sessions, it’s important to note that traditional therapy remains valuable and recommended. However, walk and talk therapy provides an effective alternative for individuals who prefer the outdoors and believe they would benefit more from therapy in a natural setting.

If you’re interested in helping others through therapy in nature, explore our SFTA Hypnotherapy Training Course. Learn how to facilitate Solution Focused Walking Therapy and make a difference in people’s lives. (link)

Let’s explore this fascinating hypnotic technique. Firstly, what is hypnotic induction?  It’s a process used to guide someone into a state of hypnosis.  

Let’s travel back in time to 1929 when the legendary hypnotist Milton Erickson wowed the crowd with his hand levitation induction at the Clark Hull Seminar. This induction involved guiding the subject’s hand to rise up using direct suggestion. It certainly made a lasting impression but also required complex instructions from the hypnotist.

Let’s look at some different types:

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This technique involves guiding the client through the relaxation of different muscle groups. The therapist suggests relaxation for each group, focusing on them one at a time. You might hear the hypnotherapist say, “as a wave of relaxation travels down the back of your neck, the muscles relax and soften, as the wave travels down each arm……”

The hypnotic voice is a powerful tool in guiding clients into a state of deep relaxation and receptiveness to suggestions. In this guide, we’ll explore the secrets behind cultivating a hypnotic voice and its significance in delivering effective trance sessions. Learn how to develop and refine your hypnotic voice to enhance the therapeutic experience.

Importance of a hypnotic voice

Most hypnotherapists will intuitively deliver their sessions with soft, gentle intonation. Adopting a more soothing tone may establish an environment of safety and comfort, enhancing receptiveness to suggestions. The hypnotherapist will speak slower, allowing clients to focus deeply and effortlessly. This deliberate slowing down of speech promotes mental and physical relaxation, allowing for a more immersive experience. Other hypnotherapists adopt a more strident approach, which reflects their personality. Remember, while experimenting with your hypnotic voice, be mindful not to sound odd or unnatural. Be you!

Practising and developing your hypnotic voice

As a student hypnotherapist, practice and self-awareness are key to honing your skills. Record and review practice sessions to assess progress and make necessary adjustments. Seek feedback from colleagues to gain valuable insights and guidance. However, the most important element of your hypnotic voice is that it should be a natural extension of your authentic self.  Being real and meaning what you are saying will be conveyed in your voice, and your clients will feel your sentiment. Mean it! 

Anchoring the hypnotic voice

In Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy, we give all the clients a clinic support track (MP3) to listen to between the sessions. This is prepared by the individual therapist, with the recorded voice of the therapist speaking and background music.  The client will form anchors both the music and the therapist’s voice to a state of relaxation.

Transitioning out of trance

When bringing a trance session to a close, gradually transition from your hypnotic voice to your regular waking voice. This clear shift signals the unconscious mind to awaken from the trance state. Maintaining a distinct vocal tone establishes a boundary between the trance and waking states, facilitating a smooth and clear transition.

Embracing the Power of Your Hypnotic Voice

Gain practical insights, hands-on practice, and expert guidance to master this essential skill. Contact us at SFTA Hypnotherapy Training to listen to professional Solution Focused Hypnotherapists delivering successful trance sessions. (link) 

Nature’s Own Remedies: Exploring Fractals and Phytoncides for Well-being

Discover the fascinating effects of fractals and phytoncides on our mental and physical health. Uncover the calming influence of fractal patterns and the immune-boosting properties of phytoncides found in nature. Explore our SFTA Hypnotherapy Training course to learn more about incorporating nature-based therapies into your practice.

Nature holds remarkable secrets that contribute to our well-being. In this article, we explore the world of fractals and phytoncides, shedding light on their influence on our mental and physical health. Discover the synergy between nature and therapy in Solution Focused Walking Therapy.

Have you ever wondered why you feel better after walking in the park or feel happier pottering around the garden? 

You might blame it on the fresh air, enjoying being out in nature. But there is more to it than that, a lot more ….

It’s all to do with fractals and phytoncides….

What are fractals?

Fractals are repeating patterns abundantly found in nature, exhibiting infinite complexity. Explore how objects like ferns, seashells, and trees display fractal patterns, providing a glimpse into the inherent order and harmony of the natural world. Discover how exposure to fractal patterns can reduce stress levels and create a calming effect.

The beauty of fractals

The closer you look at a fractal, the more interesting it becomes. Think about a fern with its fonds and branches. Take a closer look; you will see the branches coming out from the main stem. Each of those branches looks similar to the fond itself: a nautilus shell or the delicate symmetry of a snowflake. Fractals offer a glimpse into the inherent order and harmony present in the natural world. They are not limited to nature alone; they are generated through mathematical algorithms or created by digital artworks that stimulate and inspire us. 

What happens when you look at a fractals 

We have hard wiring in our brains that respond to certain natural fractals. The results of many studies show that exposure to fractal patterns reduces people’s stress levels by up to 60%. This stress reduction effect seems to occur because of a certain physiological resonance within the eye. You may have been in a doctor’s or dentist’s office with a scenic mural of some aspect of nature on the wall. Bringing nature and those repetitive patterns indoors can have a calming effect on patients.

So how can you use fractals to feel happier?

Take a walk in nature, go to a park, visit a garden, yours or someone else’s, sit and watch the clouds for a while and notice the patterns. Or you can do what children often find pleasing; get a bottle of bubbles and blow bubbles outside. Why not set your screensaver or wallpaper to a fractal image?

Experiment for yourself and deliberately place yourself in one of those fractal rich environments for about 20 minutes daily for a week. Notice your stress level before and after each episode. See how you can use fractals to bring calmness and relaxation to your day.

Phytoncides – the reason to be in nature

Do you choose to go for a woodland walk to remedy stress? Have you ever wondered why this happens?

Well, scientists are unveiling the secrets of this phenomenon. They have been working on this subject for some time and have made wonderful discoveries!

Some particles in the air can have amazing effects on our mental and physical health. These spectacular molecules are called phytoncides.

What are phytoncides?

Phytoncides are volatile organic compounds emitted by plants and trees to defend against pathogens and pests. This means they evaporate easily and release large numbers of molecules into the surroundings at room temperature.

These compounds are responsible for the distinctive and refreshing scents often associated with forests, mountains, and other natural environments. The musty, earthy odour of the forest, the aroma of pine trees, or the smell of the fresh, pure flowing water. 

When we spend time in these areas, we inhale these phytoncides, and they interact with our bodies to provide various health benefits, including anxiety reduction. 

Where can you find phytoncides?

All plants produce some phytoncides, from the wild garlic in the forest to the trees in your garden or the chilli plants on your windowsill. Of course, the most concentrated amounts of phytoncides are in areas with the densest plant coverage – woods, jungles, botanical gardens… You get the idea?

What are the effects of phytoncides?

Being exposed to phytoncides in the air can greatly help your immune system.

The most researched path of improving the immune system is through the induction of Natural Killer cell activation. This path helps bodies more effectively kill tumours or virus-infected cells.

Interestingly, the effect of the heightened activity of NK cells is available for up to 30 days after a couple of hours walk in a forest. Scientists also found out that these volatile molecules decrease the concentrations of adrenaline. We destress!

There isn’t that much information about phytoncide’s effects on our bodies. But the available data makes us believe they are another reason to surround ourselves with plants. Going for a hike through the woods, growing plants inside our homes, or simply sitting on a bench in a park.

Nature is giving us amazing natural remedies that some of us seek intuitively. So, now it’s a great time to go out and embrace those fractals and phytoncides.

We have even combined therapy with a gentle stroll. This we call Solution Focused Walking Therapy.

I hope you found this interesting and inspiring. Start to lower those anxiety levels by taking control – and strolling!

Explore our SFTA Hypnotherapy Training course to expand your skills and incorporate the therapeutic potential of nature into your practice.

Do you want to become a fantastic Hypnotherapist then read this post it will only take a few minutes to sell and it could change the quality of your hypnosis results immediately. 

The most skilled Hypnotherapist know that great preparation is everything. In this article I’m going to highlight some top tips and it doesn’t matter what type of hypnosis your practice. 

It’s not just chitchat 

Smalltalk or chitchat or inconsequential language is a great opportunity to help your clients feel more positive and connect with you. Researchers say the effect can last last for hours. Those first few minutes when you meet your client for your hypnosis session, is you chance to make a difference. So what should you do…… 

NO to the ‘How are you?’ question

Why? Because you may be opening the clinic door to a waterfall of sadness, unhappiness and misery. It’s hard to avoid because it’s what we usually say, but with practice you will get it! 

Common ground searching 

You naturally learn a lot about your clients during the sessions and you may be able to converse with them on topics you may be familiar with. It might be about your joint love of music, or your passion for football. Remember not to over share. 

Be specific 

Doing your homework, particularly in unfamiliar areas, can enhance your ability to master the art of inconsequential language. For instance, I know a hypnotherapist who dedicated many hours to watching Love Island, so they could discuss the to employ relatable and inconsequential language with a young client.

Parroting, a form of active listening, helps you create a conducive environment where your clients feel genuinely heard. It’s as simple as repeating the last few words your client utters as a question. This technique not only validates their experience but also empowers them to explore their thoughts and emotions further.

To master these skills, consider doing a practice run. Inconsequential language may come naturally to some, but for others, it can be a challenge. By planning ahead and deciding on specific strategies or using props, you can boost your confidence and effectiveness. For example, you might furnish your therapy room with an array of captivating pictures or showcase a vibrant plant, stimulating curiosity and relaxation.

Your best lively chit chat will be fuelled by specific. You might remember that we’re going to see a film the week before or perhaps you been on holiday do your homework, especially if it’s not an area you are familiar with, I know a hypnotherapist who watch many hours of Love Island to create fine in consequential language with a young client Parroting is a form of active listening letters to person now you are listening. It feels good to be listen to all you need to do is repeat the last few words back to your client as a question do a practice run. Some people are super brilliant at in consequential language and the rest of us find it tricky so plan what you’re going to use you can use props you may decide to furnish your therapy room with a selection of interesting pictures of a wonderful coloured plant on the side.