the tools i use
When we work together, I will probably use such tools as Hypnosis, NLP and Life Coaching. Here is a brief explanation on some of the disciplines I employ.
counselling
During counselling, we’ll explore your feelings, values and expectations. We’ll examine the issues you bring, look for new possibilities and consider what options you might have. Whether or not we go on to do Life Coaching or use either Hypnosis or Neuro Linguistic Programming techniques, counselling will almost certainly be an integral part of the work we do together.
I always endeavour to provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment for my clients and to unconditionally display a positive regard towards each of them. Hopefully you’ll therefore not only experience real empathy while we’re exploring issues together, but we’ll also develop an excellent rapport, allowing you to feel comfortable, no matter how sensitive a subject we are discussing.
hypnosis
There are many ways to describe hypnosis.
In the mid-nineteenth century, hypnosis was considered to be a passive or permissive state of mind. And even today, stage hypnotists like to give the impression that they have some sort of magical power over their subjects, but that’s not really how it works. There is actually a far more equal relationship between Hypnotist and Client. Current thinking is that hypnosis is something people do for themselves, rather than something imposed on them. Certainly, if a Hypnotherapist offers unacceptable suggestions to a Client, he will almost certainly just reject or ignore them.
It was also traditionally understood that going into a ‘hypnotic trance’ was a bit like an altered state similar to sleep, concussion or intoxication. This idea has been progressively diluted (and some no longer use it at all). However, a ‘weaker’ interpretation is a very useful way to help understanding. Heap and Aravind define it as follows: "A waking state in which the person’s attention is focussed away from his surroundings and absorbed by inner experiences such as feelings, cognitions and imagery." You can therefore think of hypnotic trance as an everyday phenomenon similar to daydreaming, meditation or absorption in a book, a television programme or music.
Ernest Hilgard’s description of hypnosis goes further. It suggests that functions are divided between the Hypnotist and the Client. The Client retains a considerable portion from his normal state – the ability to answer questions about his past and future plans, as well as to accept or refuse invitations to participate in specific kinds of activities. At the same time the Client turns some other functions over to the Hypnotist, so that the Client will do and experience what is suggested provided that it is acceptable to him.
These are just a few of the many models of hypnosis that have been put forward. Nonetheless, for purposes of hypnotherapy, it is probably most helpful to view the phenomenon as a natural, safe way to effect real personal change by bypassing the conscious mind and directly addressing the subconscious.
neuro-linguistic programming
Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a cutting-edge method of interpersonal communication.
It was as recently as the 1970s that Richard Bandler and John Grinder coined the term NLP. They had developed the basic process upon which NLP is founded and soon realised that their new principles could have dramatic results on individuals and organisations of all sizes. Indeed they have been successfully taken up by big businesses, major sports teams, governments and the military.
"Neuro" refers to the brain and mental resources we draw upon to apply this powerful communication technique. It teaches us to build rapport with others and use things few of us knew we possessed.
"Linguistic" shows that we use language in very specific ways to achieve goals. The principles also teach how to control our state-of-mind and how to align our beliefs and values to bring about the results we want - that's the "Programming" part.
In summary, Adler and Heather list the applications for NLP as follow:
• Build personal relationships
• Increase your persuasive skills
• Have a positive mental attitude
• Increase your self-esteem
• Overcome the effects of past negative experiences
• Focus on goals and channel your energy into achieving them
• Perform at your best
• Control the way you feel
• Align your values and beliefs with what you want to achieve
• Change unwanted habits
• Feel confident in whatever you attempt to do
• Achieve goals you previously considered impossible
• Establish rapport with clients, customers and work colleagues
• Find creative ways to solve problems
• Enjoy activities you used to fear
• Use your time more effectively
• Increase your sense of purpose in life
• Acquire the skills you admire in others
• Get more pleasure out of life
life coaching
Everyone needs someone who believes in their abilities and who will help them set clear goals towards achieving the life they really want. Everyone needs a coach!
My Life Coaching clients tend to already be successful in some way, but usually wish to become happier or more fulfilled. If they aren’t people looking to change their career, they are frequently, executives, business people, entrepreneurs, sportsmen, artists or creative people striving for excellence in one way or another. Whatever their profile or their goals, they do need to be willing to make changes in their lives, and take the action needed to achieve whatever it is they seek. Most importantly, they need to be open to new ways of thinking and doing things.
Issues clients bring to me include:
• wanting to understand why, despite their success, they remain unfulfilled
• being "stuck" creatively or professionally
• not making the most of their potential
• wishing to reach new heights in sport, performance or some other activity
• wishing to re-balance their personal life with their career
• wishing to move some aspect of their life to the next level
With Life Coaching, it is important for me to take the whole person into account, to look carefully at your values and to view all your behaviour in the context of your life as a whole. I help my clients to understand themselves better, examine their aspirations and discover under-lying worries and the things that are holding them back. Together we can then identify ways forward. Coaching often involves helping to remove barriers to achievement, whether they are real or just perceived. The process is a very rewarding one producing not only personal success for yourself, but also clarity and an increased confidence to go along with it.
Life Coaching is an important investment in yourself and your own great potential that, over time, is likely to pay a most impressive dividend.
