This week I want to delve into a topic that many people ask about: how does hypnotherapy compare to counselling? Understanding these differences can help you choose the right approach for your unique situation.

What is Counselling?

Counselling is a form of talk therapy that involves discussing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained professional. The primary goal of counselling is to provide support, enhance self-understanding, and help you develop strategies to cope with life's challenges. It’s a conscious, client-led process where you explore your issues at your own pace in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

Key Aspects of Counselling:

1. Client-Centered: The client directs the flow of conversation, with the counsellor providing guidance and support.

2. Conscious Mind Focus: Counselling primarily deals with the conscious mind and current life issues.

3. Problem-Solving: Emphasis is on identifying problems and developing coping strategies.

4. Long-Term Process: It often involves regular sessions over an extended period.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, combines psychotherapy and hypnosis.

Psychotherapy, much like counselling, is a conscious, client-led form of talk therapy that helps individuals manage and overcome mental health issues, emotional challenges, and problematic behaviours.

In hypnotherapy this comprises the fist 30 minutes of the 1 hour session, and is followed by hypnosis.

Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed state, sometimes referred to as trance, where the subconscious mind becomes more open to positive suggestions. It’s almost like day-dreaming, or that space between being awake and falling asleep. During trance we can help to uncover, reprogramme and resolve deep-seated issues that may not be accessible through conscious thought alone.

Key Aspects of Hypnotherapy:

1. Behavioural Change: The psychotherapy section tends to focus on identifying what a client would like from life, and on working out what unwanted behaviours and thought patterns need rewiring to get there.

2. Guided Process: The hypnotherapist guides the client into a hypnotic state and uses therapeutic techniques, such as reframing for example, to address specific goals.

3. Subconscious Focus: Hypnosis targets the subconscious mind, where many of our habits and deeply rooted issues reside.

4. Short-Term Intervention: In many cases, significant results can be achieved in just a few sessions.

Comparing the Approaches

Both hypnotherapy and counselling have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Counselling is ideal if:

• You want to talk at length through complex issues and past experiences.

• You prefer a slower, more exploratory approach.

• You want to develop deep conscious coping strategies and self-understanding.

• You are dealing with ongoing life challenges or mental health issues that require regular support.

Hypnotherapy is ideal if:

• You have specific behaviours or habits you want to change quickly.

• You are open to exploring your subconscious mind.

• You are seeking a goal-oriented, solution-focused approach.

• You want to address deep-seated issues that may not be easily accessible through talk therapy.

• You are dealing with ongoing life challenges or mental health issues that require regular support.

Making the Right Choice

Ultimately, the choice between hypnotherapy and counselling depends on your personal preferences, the nature of the issues you're facing, and your goals for therapy. As a hypnotherapist, I am passionate about helping clients achieve rapid and lasting change through utilising the power of the subconscious mind. However, I also recognise and respect the profound benefits of counselling.

If you're uncertain about which path to take, I offer an initial consultation to discuss your needs and help you determine the best approach for you. Usually this is £30, but I’m currently offering it completely free of charge.

Thank you for reading, and remember, whether through hypnotherapy, counselling, or another method altogether, there is a way to achieve healing and growth.