The history behind Solution Focused Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy has developed over many years as our understanding of the brain, behaviour and wellbeing has grown.
Modern solution-focused approaches have been influenced by the work of a number of therapists and researchers. In the 1970s, psychotherapists Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg developed Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, an approach that placed greater emphasis on people's strengths, goals and preferred futures rather than focusing mainly on problems and the past.
Solution-focused hypnotherapy brings this forward-looking approach together with hypnosis and an understanding of how the brain responds to thoughts, emotions and situations.
Rather than spending lots of time exploring what has gone wrong, the focus is on where you'd like to be, what you'd like things to look like when things are better, and the changes that can help you move towards that future.
This approach is now used in hypnotherapy to support people with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, confidence, sleep, fears and other challenges that may be affecting everyday life.
How Solution Focused Hypnotherapy came together
Solution-focused hypnotherapy brings together the principles of solution-focused therapy with hypnosis and our growing understanding of the brain.
David Newton, who later founded The Clifton Practice with his wife, was originally trained as an analytical hypnotherapist. As his own understanding and approach developed, he became increasingly interested in a more positive and forward-looking way of working with clients.
He explored solution-focused approaches alongside hypnosis and developed an approach that placed greater emphasis on strengths, positive change, the future and the way the brain responds to thoughts and emotions.
In 1995, David and his wife founded The Clifton Practice in Bristol, and in 2002 they established the first training course in Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy.
The Clifton Practice is where I trained and qualified as a Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist.
I was drawn to this approach because it combines an understanding of the brain with a practical, positive focus on the changes someone would like to make, rather than spending lots of time exploring the past.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy
Solution-focused hypnotherapy combines hypnosis with a positive, forward-looking approach that focuses on the changes you'd like to make.
During sessions, we'll look at what's happening for you now, where you'd like to be and what you'd like things to look like when things are better. We can also explore how the brain responds to thoughts, emotions and situations, helping you understand why you may sometimes feel or respond in certain ways.
Hypnosis provides a relaxed and focused state where you can be more open to helpful ideas and suggestions, while remaining aware of what's happening and in control throughout.
The approach can be used to support people with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, confidence, sleep, fears and phobias, habits and other challenges that may be affecting everyday life.
Everyone is different, so there isn't a set number of sessions. The number of sessions you need will depend on what you'd like help with, your circumstances and the changes you'd like to make. We'll review your progress together as we go.
Supporting You Between Sessions
You may also be given access to a relaxation recording to use between sessions. Regular relaxation can help you practise settling your mind and body and gives you something you can use at home between appointments. You can find out more about hypnotherapy recordings here.
We'll talk about how to use the recording during your sessions and find an approach that works for you.
