A repetitive
behaviour resulting in suffering is actually like a
trance and in fact some would argue
is a trance! 
Hypnotherapy 
Robert Quinlan is both a clinical hypnotherapist and accredited mental health professional and counseller. Appointments to see Robert can be made at various locations around Byron Bay and the Tweed Coast convenient for clients living in Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby, Cabarita, Pottsville, Kingscliff and Tweed Heads.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a form
of therapy which involves the induction or enhancement of an hypnotic or trance
state to assist people to reach desired goals. Such goals
may include the development of new behaviours – exercise,
diet, or moods – happiness, positive outlook and /or the
reduction of other behaviours or moods ( depression, anxiety,
addictive behaviours such as smoking, compulsive eating etc.).
ypnosis as a state of focused awareness
The hypnotic state may be defined as one of
focused attention so the object of focus (which may be an inner
state) becomes prominent to a degree that attention to other stimuli is
either markedly (
mild/medium trance) or totally reduced (deep trance). In
fact most people find such states surprisingly familiar – a
state they may have entered when becoming absorbed in a book or
movie or in a daydream or reverie. One could posit that
anything that distracts us from our current here and now
external awareness has some elements of trance.
Hypnotherapies
In most cases desired outcomes can be achieved in a mild to medium trance state.
There are a range of hypnotherapies, all of which may be helpful in certain circumstances to particular individuals.
Ericksonian hypnotherapy is based on the pioneering work of Dr.Milton Erickson ( a photo of Milton Erickson in his prime looking suitably hypnotic is to the right). It is respectful, non-authoritarian and utilizes aspects of the client's natural approach to change.
Here is a YouTube video in which Bill O'Hanlon discusses differences between Ericksonian and non-Ericksonian approaches to change ( persevere through the introduction!)
Common Concerns about Hypnotherapy and Trance
Many people's only conscious experience of trance or hypnosis is through attending or viewing a presentation by a stage hypnotist or from what they have seen on television or at the movies. Commonly people are seen to be doing all sorts of strange and sometimes demeaning things and the impression is given the hypnotist has power over the participants.It is easy to forget that this use of hypnotism is for entertainment and the stage hypnotist generally sorts his subjects prior to or at the first stage of his act , keeping those who are most likely to be good trance subjects. They also forgot the subjects generally know what they will be "in for" and subconsciously welcome the opportunity to act in wild or extrovert ways!
Clinical use of hyponosis is very different than stage hypnotism.
Be assured that clinical hypnosis is a collaborative and respectful process which aims to allow the client with their consent to open to new ways of learning and solving problems.
Michael Yapko in his "Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis" (Brunner Mazel 1990) has listed a number of common misconsceptions about hypnosis. These include beliefs that :anyone who can be hypnotized is weak willed, that once one has been hypnotized one can no longer resist it, that one can be hypnotized to do or say something against one's will, that one inevitably becomes dependent on the hypnotherapist, that one can become stuck in trance, that one is asleep or unconscious when in a trance state, that hypnosis always involves a monotonous ritual or induction, that one must be relaxed in order to go into trance, that hypnosis is a therapy (in itself), and that hypnosis can be used to accurately recall everything that has happened to you.
I will not deal with each of these misconceptions here except to indicate they do not accord with facts of hypnotherapy or clinical hypnosis. I am happy to discuss any of these common concerns with clients as we decide whether hypnosis will form an appropriate part of their therapeutic experience.
Relaxation
Each individual has their own unique ways of cultivating relaxation. Sometimes we get out of step with our natural capacity to relax.
Robert's approach to hypnosis draws on his client's own hidden resources around relaxation.
He also utilizes guided imagery in sessions and teaches relaxation methods and meditation.
Solution Oriented Hypnosis
Solution Oriented Hypnosis is a unique form of hypnotherapy and counselling which draws on the values and approaches of both Milton Erickson and Solution Oriented counselling. This style was originally developed by Bill O'Hanlon and is a feature of the approach of Dr. Rob McNeilly.
