What is Psychotherapy? - Advice for GPs and Prospective Clients
The task of psychotherapy is to help a person understand and correct patterns of unwanted behaviour and unhelpful thoughts, so that the person has a stronger sense of their own identity, is happier, and is more in control of their own life and relationships.
Psychotherapy can help anyone with personal, emotional or behavioural problems. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, hypochondria, stress, migraine, phobias and psychosomatic illnesses may all be symptoms of psychological problems which could be helped by psychotherapy. In addition, many physical ailments such as angina, stomach ulcers, psoriasis and colitis may be related to emotional stresses and conflicts that psychotherapy may help with.
Short-term psychotherapy for particular problems is accepted by many doctors as a valid and often successful treatment. It is also generally accepted that there is a psychological or emotional factor in many illnesses, and that psychotherapy helps in the resolution of internal conflicts which are responsible for producing various 'symptoms'.
My approach uses a psycho-dynamic model, using free association whilst the client is in a very relaxed state. It is anticipated that each client would need around 6 to 8 sessions, sometimes less. Clients need to be prepared to put time and effort into their own therapy and should not look to the therapist to provide all the answers.
I do combine hypnosis with therapy, as it speeds up and bypasses the critical mind in getting to the bottom of problems and helping resolve them.
I am interested in identifying and removing the cause of the problem rather in treating or controlling the symptom. I do not do group work - all sessions are highly personal and 'one-to-one'. I offer a free consultation, and am willing to liaise with GPs at the client's request (my NHS Independent Supplier Code is 8GD48).
I look forward to you introducing Retrac Hypnotherapy Centre to people who you feel would benefit from this approach.
My telephone number is 0121 707 3588, and I am based in Acocks Green.