Hypnotherapy - does it really work?

[troubledmind]

Am having analytical hypnotherapy for a phobia I have, I have had two sessions and have come away feeling really despondent about the whole thing. I just don't see how this can work for me as I just don't have the ability to relax and let my mind wander, I just feel so silly lying there whist the therapist is talking to me. He is trying to get me to tell him what I am thinking but tbh I am just thinking why I am I paying for this (£50 for an hour) when it clearly isn't going to work. I really want to be rid of this phobia but I just don't see how.

Anyone else had any success with this???

bump

Hi troubledmind. Not sure if we have 'spoken' about this before but it is normal to feel that way early on in the therapy. And when he says to you to tell him everything that is in your mind, if you are thinking 'why am I paying for this?' then tell him you are thinking that. Honestly...it has to be everything, no matter how trivial, or unconnected, or silly, or embarrassing. If you can do this (and it does take time to train your mind to do this) it can be a life changing therapy.

Yes its me Marmaladesun, was a bit worried to post under my name as I didn't want you tell Jonathan I was feeling this way

Not sure I can do this as I just don't feel comfortable enough to say everything I think in my mind to a complete stranger!!! I think I may have to have a rethink tbh!!!!

Oh Crazydazy...stick with it. There is nothing you can say that we haven't heard before...and much more besides. To be honest it's not what you say that's all important, it's the fact that you 'bring it out in the open' and get rid of any feelings associated with it, and thenm move on. Believe me, every IAH member has been through it; it's a pre requisite of our training that we go through a full course of analysis prior to practicing and it IS difficult. But...it gets easier. You build up a trust and rapport with the therapist and you CAN do it. It's such early days for you. Every client, and I mean EVERY client will recall embarrassing things; if they didn't then they are not doing it right. Talk to Jonathan about how you feel. He can reassure you, and he won't try and force you into contnuing if you don't want to but he WILL reassure you that what you are feeling is completely normal and you will get past it. I am in touch with Jonathan but he will not and does not mention you as we all abide by a strict code of confidentiality so anything you say in his consulting room stays in his consulting room.
Hope that helps...stick with it for a couple more sessions and see how you go. Take care. x

Maybe its because he's a man, I feel much more comfortable talking to a woman. He is young too, not sure if thats got anything to do with it but just feel a bit uncomfortable about everything really.

Will keep going with it though as I really do want to be rid of this phobia but hope I am not going to be made bankrupt in the process!!!

Message withdrawn