stressfree.com.au
STRATEGIES FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT

Performance Coaching - Counselling - Hypnotherapy

Daryl Wilkinson - Melbourne, Australia
_____________________________________________________________________

Questions and Answers

If you have any other questions not covered on this page please feel free to e-mail me (address is on the Home Page) or phone me.
I am also available to "Talk About Hypnosis" to your group, class or club in the greater Melbourne area at no cost.

• Who needs Counselling?

Almost everyone at some point in their life can benefit from a conversation with a supportive and understanding counsellor who can guide and assist in the realisation of personal solutions in troublesome matters.

• What is Counselling?

Counselling is a process designed to help an individual overcome problems, adjust to change and deal with situations or states like stress, grief, anger, anxiety or interpersonal conflict.

• Will a Counsellor tell me what I should do?

In most cases a counsellor will assist the client to discover for themselves the most appropriate course of action by asking insightful questions and by guiding the client to review their issues from a different perspective.

Solution Oriented Counselling is my preferred modality. Sometimes referred to as "Brief Therapy", SOC is a successful counselling approach that is respectful, non intrusive, conversational and a forward looking process focusing on the client's strengths and inner resources to facilitate solutions.

*Solution Oriented Counselling may be used as a process in itself
or it can be used very successfully in conjunction with Hypnosis.

• What is Hypnosis?

A natural, drug free state of intense, deep relaxation and concentration, similar to the relaxed state that we experience between waking and sleeping. The person is not asleep or unconscious, but fully aware of sensations and surroundings. They are however much more receptive to therapeutic suggestions than they would be normally.

• What conditions or problems can Hypnosis help overcome?
  
  See: Hypnosis Helps....
  
   
• Do I lose control?

You are in control at all times and are able to break a hypnotic trance at anytime (just as you can stop day dreaming instantly). You cannot be made to do or say anything that you do not wish to do or say. Hypnosis is achieved and maintained by mutual cooperation.

• Can I be Hypnotised?

Virtually anyone can be hypnotised, some more easily than others. Cooperation, a desire to enter hypnosis and an ability to concentrate is all that is required. All hypnosis is "self hypnosis" and requires the subject to allow themselves to drift into a trance or "altered state". Everyone has experienced some form of hypnotic trance whether as a daydream or watching TV. You cannot be hypnotised against your will or if your ability to concentrate is impaired.

• Is Hypnosis safe?

Being drug free, non contact and because you are in control, it is perhaps one of the safest forms of therapy. There is no documented evidence of anyone ever being harmed by hypnosis.

• Is Hypnotherapy effective?

Dr. Alfred A. Barrios reported in the psychotherapy journal of American Psychiatric Association (Vol. 7-1),the following success rates:

Hypnotherapy   93% recovery after 6 sessions (about 1.5 months)

Behavior Therapy   72% recovery after 22 sessions (about 6 months)

Psychotherapy   38% recovery after 600 sessions (about 11.5 months)

• How does it work?

In the deeply relaxed hypnotic trance state the subconscious part of the mind is best able to respond to positive suggestion and imagery. You can focus on the things you want to change and on the ways you can best do so, free from anxious or sabotaging thoughts. In certain cases, age regressive techniques may be used to access memories and uncover root causes of conditions or the deep underlying beliefs that may be preventing the desired change. If required other techniques can assist in "letting go" and clearing emotional blockages that allow the person to move on.

• What happens in a session?

Each session is different of course, depending on the presenting issue, but after a personal history is taken the process begins with a conversation about the clients presenting issue. The conversation is aimed at opening up the issue, viewing it from a different perspective and discovering the clients strengths. It is usual for half the session to be devoted to counselling. Then some strategies are outlined and the client will be guided into a state of deep relaxation where suggestions and strategies are reinforced hypnotically. Depending on the nature of the problem, various techniques may be used to explore the root cause of the problem and to resolve the issue in a positive way (Age Regression, Ego State or Parts Therapy etc.). At the end of the session the client will return to full awareness, and feels completely rested and relaxed. Sessions are usually between 60 and 75 minutes in duration.

• How much does it cost?
   

• Standard sessions are usually between 1hr and 1hr 15 minutes duration. The fee is $90 for consultations between 9 am and 5 pm. After Hours appointments $100.
   

Hypnosis for Childbirth $125 per private session (4 x 2 hour sessions) = $500.
or for Saturday Classes ($200 x 2 Days of 4 hours each) = $400
Price includes handout notes and 6 CDs for private practice.
 

Quit Smoking Program $150 due at the "Final Step" 90 minute session. Price includes CDs.
 

• Most conditions require very few consultations. On average I would see clients for 3 or 4 (usually) weekly sessions. In some cases one session is all that is necessary. It would be unusual for me to see anyone for any more than 6 sessions for any issue.
   
• Payment is due at the conclusion of each consultation. Cash or cheque is prefered but credit card or eftpos transactions can be made if necessary.