ENJOY YOUR RELAXATION.

*  Don`t feel guilty when you take time to relax. 
*  You deserve this time each day to unwind and enjoy the experience.
*  When you are relaxed, often others around you will become more relaxed.

COST INVOLVED TO RELAX.

*  The only cost is your time.
*  If you desire soft music, candles and a darkened room, these are extremely low cost.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING RELAXED.

*  When you are calm you cope well with daily challenges and decision making.
*  Your general health improves.
*  You feel in control of yourself.
*  You enjoy life more.

TAKE THE TIME TO BE KIND TO YOURSELF AND THEREFORE YOU WILL BE KIND TO OTHERS.

I HAVE SPENT MOST OF MY LIFE WORRYING ABOUT THINGS THAT HAVE NEVER HAPPENED.
Mark Twain.

WHAT LIES BEHIND US, AND WHAT LIES BEFORE US ARE TINY MATTERS, COMPARED TO WHAT LIES WITHIN US.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

TO AVOID CRITICISM, DO NOTHING, SAY NOTHING, BE NOTHING.
Elbert Hubbard

THE WAY I SEE IT, IF YOU WANT THE RAINBOW, YOU GOTTA PUT UP WITH THE RAIN.
Dolly Parton

YOU CAN NOT SHAKE HANDS WITH A CLENCHED FIST.
Indira Gandhi

SPEAKING WITHOUT THINKING IS LIKE SHOOTING WITHOUT TAKING AIM.
English Proverb

THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE A FRIEND IS TO BE ONE.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

WHEN THE POWER OF LOVE OVERCOMES THE LOVE OF POWER, THE WORLD WILL KNOW PEACE.
Jimi Hendrix

TO ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS WE MUST NOT ONLY ACT, BUT ALSO DREAM;  NOT ONLY PLAN,  BUT ALSO BELIEVE.
Anatole France

Hypnotherapy and Counselling are availabe as seperate modalities or utilized together as requested by the client.

I will not keep the client waiting for their scheduled appointment.

Humour may be incorporated where appropriate.

My home office offers a comfortable and safe environment.

The client is always my focus.

There will be no interruptions except in the case of an emergency.

The client is in control of their session.

I will guide the client through their challenges.

Together we can make a difference.

I assist this exploration by asking open ended questions and challenging their belief system in a respectful manner, and often validating their concerns.  I may offer suggestions as to different ways of addressing the situation, options available to achieve change, to achieve their desired goal.  This concept is very benefical to the client and also to me, I find it rewarding to be able to assist a client move from a negative place to a more positive and fulfilling place.  Hypnotherapy and Counselling blend so beautifully.  Hypnotherapy is implemented to enhance the sub-conscious and counselling to utilize the conscious mind.  Thus incorporating the two techniques the client has the benefit of both modalities. 

Practicing Clinical Hypnotherapy is very exciting for me as a therapist. To assist a client to tap into their sub-conscious mind where so much information and feelings are stored is rewarding and exhilarating to me.  To see the reaction of the client when they realise the shift of change of behaviours and feelings is enlightening.   To be working in an environment where I can help clients improve their self confidence and live their life the way they really desire, is magical, it never loses its wonderful impact on me.  I feel fantastic to be able to assist clients to reach their full potential. 
I love my work.

I am a professional counsellor and clinical hypnotherapist living and practicing in Castle Hill.  I have designed a hypnotherapy program to assist clients decrease weight in this non-surgical manner.  This is done by utilizing hypnotherapy to guide clients to feel they have undergone surgical lap banding. I am overweight myself and have recently completed self hypnosis using the program I have designed. I have reduced my weight by 5 kilos in 2 weeks and feel inspired to continue. I believe clients may relate well to a therapist who has endured some of the same challenges they may have faced, and to see how the therapist is now succeeding to continue to lose weight in a positive and healthy way.  

Many people have tried copious methods to reduce their excess weight and often found they went back to their old habits, and sometimes put on more weight than they lost.  Hypnotherapy is non-invasive and safe.  The client is comfortable and relaxed, their subconscious mind becomes very aware.  Hypnotherapy is cost effective and does not require the client to take extensive time away from their family, time off work or away from social activities.

At the time of the initial consultation I request a letter from the clients GP stating that the individual is suitable for Non-surgical Hypnotherapy Lap Banding and also they are fit to exercise and at what level. I also require clients to consult a nutritionist to gain an understanding of healthy eating plans.

Clients will be offered 2 individual 2.5 hour sessions in the one week.

Initial session:

During this session we explore the issues that may be contributing to the negative eating habits such as emotional eating, time poor food grabbing, insufficient knowledge of nutrition etc.  It is also important to establish if the client is truly committed to begin their new lifestyle. 

The client enjoys a relaxation induction and during the hypnotherapy process, is guided through the steps that are routinely taken prior to surgical lap banding.

Imagery of being in hospital and undergoing the lap banding is incorporated in a safe and painless hypnotic manner.

Second session:

Hypnotherapy is once again utilized and the client is guided into a relaxed state.  In the clients mind recuperation is well underway and the benefits of the lap banding are becoming evident.   Now the client may enjoy healthy eating and exercise.  The client may feel more active and able to move more comfortably, feeling positive about their new life choices.

During hypnosis the lap band may have the saline level increased at this time.  Techniques are introduced as to how to continue the plan and to develop a new sense of self worth well into the future.

Some of the benefits to individuals who undergo successful weight loss utilizing Non-surgical Hypnotherapy Lap Banding may include:

• Safe weight loss
• No hospital admission
• Cost effective
• No lengthy time loss
• Improved self esteem

Please contact me for more obligation free information.
Phone:       9634 6262
Email:        pamhoy@bigpond.com

Web address:  www.HypnotherapyAndCounselling.com

2.  Thou shalt NOT try to be all things to all people.

3.  Thou shalt leave some things undone that ought to be done.

4.  Thou shalt NOT spread thyself too thin.

5.  Thou shalt learn to say “NO”.

6.  Thou shalt schedule time for thyself, and thy supportive network.

7.  Thou shalt switch off, and do nothing regularly.

8.  Thou shalt be boring, untidy, inelegant and unattractive at times.

9.  Thou shalt NOT even feel guilty.

10.  Especially, thou shalt NOT be thine own worst enemy, but be thy best friend.

The history of hypnotherapy dates back as far as recorded history. It has been practiced all over the world.
Healers,sharmen,witchdoctors,wise women,tribal doctors,Hindu fakirs, Indian yogi and Persian magi have all practiced forms of hypnotherapy, although it was known under many different names. It has been recognised through time that there is a strong mind-body connection, and that health and heeling, removal of negative feelings and phobias, general well being and performance enhancement can be attributed to hypnotherapy throughout the ages.

The Egyptians were utilizing the healing method of `incubation`, or `temple sleep` as early as 3,000 B.C. The priests considered the `sleep` to have special healing powers and that the person in the sleep was in an enlightened state.  The Temples of Imhotep were popular for `sleep therapy` and `shrine sleep` which is still found in some areas of Africa and the Middle East.

Similarly, the Hebrews utilized breathing exercises, chanting and meditation to produce an `ecstasy like state` which they called Kavanah. Their practices were similar to what we now know as `self hypnosis`.

The term `hypnosis` is derived from the Greek word `hypnos`, meaning `sleep`.
The Greeks and Romans had a strong history in hypnotherapy.  They used The Aesculapian Sleep Temples, where patients would be put in a trance-like sleep for healing.  The priests would prepare their `patients` and  interpret their dreams. This practice was called Asclepian dream healing. The Greeks and Romans believed in the bond of physical and emotional health was necessary for well being.

Chinese medicine recognises over 5000 years of hypnotic relationship between healers and patients.

The history of hypnotherapy indicates that spiritual leaders, priests, healers and philosophers were the practitoners of early hypnosis.  Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, Ghengis Khan, Richard the Lionheart and Napoleon all practiced forms of hypnosis.

In more modern times, Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) was regarded as the father of hypnotherapy.  However many dispute the fact that he even practiced hypnotherapy with his subjects, but introduced his theory of animal magnetism, including the passing of hands over parts of the subjects body, which would effect a cure. His subjects believed he was transferring a magnetic force or invisible fluid into them that would travel around their bodies and dispell illness.  He wrote papers concerning magnetic influences on the movements of the sun, moon and planets and on human health. The word `mesmerized` is derived from Mesmer`s name. Mesmer acheived documented cases of curing blindness,paralysis and headaches. Some people believe his subjects practiced their own style of self hypnosis while Mesmer practiced magnetism. However the medical community at the time were not convinced. He was accused of fraud and his techniques were called unscientific.  Whether he practiced hypnotherapy directly or his subjects underwent a form of self hypnosis, he is included in the history of hypnosis by many scolars.

Around this general time, Scottish surgeon James Braid (1795-1860) was practicing in England. He became aware of many of his patients experiencing a trance like state when they kept their eyes focused on the one spot for a period of time. He introduced the words `hypnosis` and `hypnotism` to the medical fraternity. He stated that hypnotism was a scientific and psycho-physiological discipline.  James Braid and another Scottish surgeon named James Esdaile (1808-1859) validated the use of hypnosis prior to surgery. They recognised the benefits for patients and were among the first doctors to have hypnosis accepted by their medical peers.

During the mid 1900s Milton H. Erickson (1901-1980) was a well known psychiatrist who used hypnotherapy in his practice.  In 1958, both the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association recognized hypnotherapy as a valid medical procedure.  Since 1995, the National Institute of Health has recommended hypnotherapy as a treatment for chronic pain. 

There are many more hypnotherapy practitioners who have pioneered the acceptance of hypnosis in both the medical field and also the general community.  If you are interested in more information concerning the history of hypnotherapy, the internet is a wonderful source for more details.

I hope you have enjoyed this brief outline of hypnotherapy. 

For futher information or to make an appointment

Phone:    (02)  9634 6262

Email:  pam@HypnotherapyAndCounselling.com

In many countries overseas, hypnotherapy is being included more frequently in a variety of settings from emergency rooms, to dental offices and outpatient clinics. In Australia we are now beginning to see the benefits of utilizing this important component to assist patients in various medical and dental situations.  Clinical studies suggest that hypnosis may improve immune function, increase relaxation, decrease stress, and ease feelings of anxiety.

Hypnotherapy is effective in reducing the fear and anxiety that accompany anticipated pain, including uncomfortable medical or dental procedures. Clinical trials indicate when hypnosis is used prior to a procedure patients stated they felt better prepared, more in control and more relaxed. When it is incorporated during the procedure, the patient tends to be medically more stable. After the procedure, recuperation tends to be faster with less pain experienced, therefore less pain medication being required. Research with burn patients suggest that hypnosis decreases pain sufficiently to dramatically reduce pain medication and speeds the healing process with fewer complications. Many dentists in Australia also use hypnotherapy as a method to control gaging, bleeding, fear and pain for their patients.

A hypnotherapist can teach you self-regulation skills. For instance, a client suffering with chronic pain may be educated how to turn their pain level down, like turning the volume of a radio down. Hypnotherapy can be an effective tool for managing chronic illnesses as well, with the same  positive results. Self-hypnotherapy can enhance a sense of control, which is often eroded by chronic illnesses and/or chronic pain.

Children from the age of around 5-6 years and older tend to benefit very well from hypnosis. Probably because they often possess  wonderful imaginations and are able to relax easily at that age. Clinical studies on children in emergency treatment centres show that hypnotherapy reduces fear, anxiety, and discomfort and improves self-control and co-operation with medical personnel.

Other conditions that respond well to hypnotherapy include, but are not restricted to:

*  Addictions
*  Anorexia and bulimia
*  Bed wetting
*  Cancer related pain management
*  Irriatable bowel syndrome
*  Labour and child birth
*  Migraine headaches
*  Phobias
*  Skin disorders
*  Sleep conditions such as insomnia
*  Stress
For futher information or to make an appointment,

Phone:  (02)  9634 6262

Email:  pam@HypnotherapyAndCounselling.com

When something new happens to us whether the experience is positive or negative, we remember it and learn a particular behaviour in response to that circumstance. Memories stored in our brains hold the original physical and emotional reactions that occurred when the given memory was first formed. Each time similar events occur again, the physical and emotional reactions attached to the memory are repeated. These reactions may be inappropriate or unhealthy. In some forms of hypnotherapy, the trained therapist guides you to remember the event that led to the first reaction, seperate the memory from the learned behaviour, and reconstruct the event with new, healthier associations.

During hypnosis, a person`s body relaxes while their thoughts become more focused and attentive. Like other relaxation techniques, hypnosis decreases blood pressure and heart rate, and alters certain types of brain wave activity. In this relaxed state, a person will feel at ease physically yet fully awake mentally. In this state of deep concentration people are highly responsive to suggestion. If you are trying to quit smoking, for example, a therapist`s suggestion may successfully convince you that in the future you will have a strong dislike for the taste of cigarettes.

There are several stages of hypnosis. The process begins with:

*  Reframing the problem;
*  Becoming relaxed;
*  Being absorbed (deeply engaged in the words or images presented by the hypnotherapist);
*  Disassociation (letting go of critical thoughts);
*  Responding (to a hypnotherapist`s suggestions);
*  Returning to usual awareness;
*  Reflecting on the experience.

If you would like more information or to make an appointment, 

Phone:   (02)  9634 6262

Email:  pam@HypnotherapyAndCounselling.com

In the 18th century an Austrian phsician named Franz Anton Mesmer discovered animal magnetism (more information concerning Mesmer in the “History of Hypnotherapy” section of my site). James Braid studied Mesmers theory and developed hypnotherapy from Mesmers concepts.  Sigmund Freud became interested in the benefits of hypnotherapy and utilized this technique during his early years as a therapist in Vienna.

Freud`s reseach into the human mind began in 1881. Trained as a neurologist, he set up his own practice in 1886.  By 1896 he had developed a method of working with hysterical patients which he called `psychoanalysis`. This method of assisting patients was based more on conscious communication than hypnosis. During this time span Freud incorporated less hypnotherapy and more psychoanalysis techniques for which he became internationally recognised.  Other well known therapists from that period had training from Freud before becoming well respected psychoanalystis in their own right, Alfred Adler, Snador Ferencze, Karl Abraham and Otto Rank were among those well published therapists.

Freud continued to practice until the 1930`s. Many of the therapists he had trained began to develop their own theories and approaches which were some times in conflict with Freud`s.  Carl Jung who had been groomed by Sigmund Freud to be his intellectual successor, also split from Freud and incorporated concepts from both Freud and Alder, as well as developing and including some of his own principles.

The 1940`s and 1950`s were important decades for the expansion of counselling.  The American psychologist Carl Rogers (influenced by Alfred Adler and Otto Rank) established the ‘person centred’ approach which is the bases of most current practices today. Rogers work was classified as ‘Humanistic Therapy’ and fits within the three main forms of psychological therapies.  These 3 therapies are:

*  Behavioural Therapies
*  Psychoanalytical and Psychodynamic Therapies
*  Humanistic Therapies

There have been many other therapists who have contributed to counselling as we know it today. The above information is just the tip of the ice berg.  Counselling has grown and improved over the years to a point where clients can feel comfortable knowing that a well trained, empathetic counsellor has the skills to assist with the day to day issues they may be struggling with.

If you would like more information or to make an appointment,

Phone:  (02)  9634 6262

Email:  pam@HypnotherapyAndCounselling.com