stress hypnotherapy: typical treatment programme

please note: the following represents an example of a typical treatment programme offered by Christine Woolfenden. The number of sessions required and the exact approach adopted will be tailored to suit the specific needs of each individual client; very often, clients require fewer sessions than suggested here

SESSION 1: case history / problem analysis and introduction to hypnosis

relaxation hypnosis sessiongoal visualisation

HOMEWORK: ‘Before we next meet’

SESSION 2: acceptance of and commitment to change

uncovering any hidden resistance to change – parts therapydirect change acceptance and motivational hypnosis sessiongoal visualisation – further development

HOMEWORK: listen to relaxation CD; keep a diary of times when you feel stressed and how your mind and body respond to that stress; complete the Self Knowledge Audit

SESSION 3: re-framing and de-sensitising of past events that are interfering with the present

regression and de-sensitisation

HOMEWORK: listen to the relaxation CD; identify situations in which you have responded calmly and confidently; complete the Negative Thoughts Audit; practise positive self-talk

SESSION 4: learning what relaxation really means physically, emotionally, cognitively and behaviourally

deep relaxation to establish a vital relaxation anchorlearning to let go of unimportant things

HOMEWORK: practise the relaxation anchor, in-depth trigger analysis

SESSION 5: addressing and de-sensitising individual stress triggers

cloud visualisationPersonal Power Spot

HOMEWORK: keep practising the relaxation anchor; model the behaviour of the confident person whom you admire and stretch your stress comfort zone a little more each day; re-cap all of your achievements to date

SESSION 6: building confidence and self-esteem in the present

direct confidence buildingdirect self-worth boosting

HOMEWORK: continue to listen to the relaxation CD; practise only positive self-talk; stretch your stress comfort zone a little more each day; complete the Self Acceptance Audit

SESSION 7: focusing the mind on current and future success

I would if I couldfear of commitment to change

HOMEWORK: identify at least 5 goals and a realistic timetable for achieving these goals

SESSION 8: looking to the future – goal setting and goal attainment

learning the art of self-hypnosisCEMENTING FUTURE SUCCESS

HOMEWORK: practise thinking, feeling and behaving calmly and confidently at all times – what you practise, you become