Adam Rothwell is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Integrative Psychotherapist based in Manchester (@brightfuturestherapy). Here’s what he had to say about Hypnotherapy and it’s benefits for clients with anxiety…

ME: How would you define Hypnotherapy? Is it the same as Hypnosis?

ADAM: Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis are technically two different things and that’s one of the main misconceptions people have. Hypnosis is the state that we go into, it’s a trance-like or dream-like state, and people think it’s a bit ‘woo-woo’ because of seeing things on television and the misconception is that you lose control. The reality is that we all go into a trance every day when we’re watching television or driving to work when our subconscious mind takes over. Hypnosis is the umbrella term for things like stage hypnosis, where you run around like a headless chicken or eat food out of a bowl like a dog. Hypnotherapy has a very different aim in that what we’re trying to do is help someone’s well-being or mental health.

ME: How does Hypnotherapy work?

ADAM: So we look at creating a more relaxed state rather than a shock into doing something hilarious. We’re trying to create a very relaxed state through which we can give positive messages to the mind. The conscious part of our brain quietens down because we’re so relaxed, as we focus on being on a beach or going down some steps. Because we become so relaxed our conscious mind shuts off, and we can give positive messages into the mind much easier.

ME: Do you think people are sceptical about trying Hypnotherapy because of the media portrayals of ‘shock and awe’?

ADAM: I think that’s partly why, but I think the other thing is that there are some things with hypnotherapy that we can’t explain. The positive now is that we can explain a lot more, in scientific terms, about hypnotherapy and hypnosis but there’s still a little bit of ‘unknown’ about it that naturally makes people worried. With medication, there’s a level of certainty, whereas with hypnotherapy you’re kind of taking a bit of a gamble so you have to be open for it to work.

ME: How is hypnotherapy beneficial for mental health conditions such as Anxiety?

ADAM: Solution-focused hypnotherapy often works best for anxiety because what people with anxiety often want is methods and tools they can use to feel less anxious, and hypnotherapy provides that. I often give people an audio and ask them to listen to it every day, so they have a tool they can return to whenever they need, so they have at least half an hour in the day without anxiety. Through Solutions (Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy), the clients come up with ways to help themselves or challenge themselves to overcome their anxiety. In a sense, the whole process helps clients with anxiety because we are giving them tools by which they can challenge their anxiety, the hypnotherapy is relaxing and we also send positive suggestions through the hypnotherapy by telling them ‘You can cope with these challenges’, ‘You’re more calm and relaxed‘ etc.

Interviewee: Adam Rothwell (Bright Futures Therapy) Interviewer: Amala Parry

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