TREATING BIPOLAR DEPRESSION WITH HYPNOSIS

 HYPNOSIS SUCCESSFUL IN TREATING BIPOLAR DEPRESSION

I always believed hypnosis was contraindicated for bipolar. My colleagues were taught this.But in the last few years have met more and more hypnotherapist who successfully treated bi-polar clients.This amazed me when I first heard it. 

A client rang me over a year ago looking for treatment for the symptoms of Bipolar Depression.He had tried everything.He had spent over 2ooo Euros over the years on top counsellors and psychiatrists.He couldn’t work, had no leibdo and was desperate to try something new. Was on a cocktail of Meds.  Even though his quality of life was severely diminished, he didn’t suffer from any psychosis.Even when I talked about the risks of hypnosis triggering an psychotic episode, it didn’t  deter him.We had very good rapport on the phone and chatted for nearly half hour. 

But I still didn’t feel confident enough to treat him.So I referred him to my supervisor. 

She treated him successfully over a number of sessions.He was helped by hypnotherapy, He was back in work part time and was off half the meds.This I thought was a great result.My supervisor advised me that I would have been well capable to treat him myself.  

So early this year I got an email from a client would suffers  from bipolar.He was off work and had been hospitalized twice because of his condition. So he wanted hypnosis to help him get through this without going back to hospital.He had tried a 6 week course of CBT but found it didn't really help him.Was also taking  lithium, an antidepressant  and two types of sleeping tablets. 

He called his wife  "The Watcher"meaning she was on the lookout for any mania.He had a supportive family by all aacounts.Even though he was financially stable.His business was going through restructuring.And dealing with the banks was causing him great worry. 

I worked with his issues like any other client would had depression and worry management problems. 

He responded really well to hypnosis and was a great hypnotic subject.His depression was stubborn and hard to treat at times.But every week got a little better.After 4th week he really seemed to turn a corner.His wife, family and doctor were all very pleased with his improvement.He is back in work running his business part time, his worrying has greatly reduced and is off half the sleeping tabs. 

Off course Bipolar is on a spectrum.And he wasn't the worst case.But had been bad enough to be hospitalized in the past.I know see him every second week.Pretty soon his therapy will end.It was great to see someone coming so far in 5 weeks.At the last session he remember before starting hypnotherapy, standing in his back garden shaking from stress.Now he felt so much better and was getting his life back.And no hospital visit. 

Hypnotherapy worked where CBT didn't, even with bipolar depression.I wonder how many hypnotherapists treat bipolar these days.Thats the point of my article.Is it common, is it rare?   

This makes me feel more confident in treating this issue in the future.Of course great care has to be taken.If you feel the client is prone to Psychosis, still maybe contraindicated.Or treat in close conjunction with clients psychiatrist/Gp.I think with propper care and supervision Hypnosis can help some people suffering from Bipolar.Especially with clients how have tried everything else.Once the risks to client and therapist have been taken into consideration.

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Why hypnosis is so successful at treating Anxiety

I really do beleieve that hypnosis is such a powerful tool for treating anxiety.Having successfully treated many clients who suffer from anxiety/panic/stress.It still gives me great satisfaction watching a client leraning to control/reduce/elimante their anxiety.
Then how is hypnosis so good for this.As someone once said to me.It really gets at the anxiety.Of  course finding out the root cause of anxiety is so important.Identifying negative self talk.Healing and reprocessing old trauma memories.Most decient psychotherapy will help you achieve this.
But the first I do with a client is help them relax.Before we do any analysis.Talking deep breaths,progrssive relaxation techniques.Positive healing visualisations.Beecause clients FEEL axnious.Don't under estimate how uselful relaxation is.

It really is systematic desensitisation of your amygdala.
Hypnosis can really help you achieve deep states of relaxation.For some who has been suffereing from crippling anxiety,its so powerful.I use a technique called revivication.This is wher you emotionaly relieve a memory.First Talk the client down into trance.Then the get the client to relive a happy/relaxed memory,maybe a time when they felt so safe.But its the feelings that are most important.Releasing feelings of calmness.
Clients often say that their not sure if they can do this.Its always me me smile a little.Because once you go down into trance.Its often quit easy to release these endorphine memories.Because this ability is already within us.We often do this in our waking life.When we meet friends,or atch a favourite Tv programe from our childhood.It triggers a memory,a feeling.
Often I find people who are most anxious go the deepest.I think they are just waiting for someone to show them how to let go of their weight.
Of course everyone responds at a different rate..Hypnosis is not magic.Hypnotherapy helps you to help yourself.Its not mind controll.
I had a client last week who went so deep so quickly.It still impresses me.He had been suffering from anxiety for over 2 yrs.After 20 mins he said he hadn't relaxed like that in over 2yrs.It was the first break he had from his anxiety.Also said he was slightly sceptical about hypnosis at first.He just tried it as a last resort.
He had tried CBT .But it didn't do much for him.
Many of my clients have tried cognitive behavoural psychology.But they found it a bit dry.Don't get me wrong I use some of the CBT techniques myself.But on its own sometimes not enought for anxiety.
Hypnosis realyy hepls to get at the axiety.Helping the client to work directly on calming their nervous system.
As the client starts to feel less anxious and more relaxed.Then its easier to work on deepers subconscious programes.
I hope this blog helps someone to find relief from their anxiety.Or maybe oint them in the right direction.
Majority of my clients don't go past four/five sessions.Hypnosis can treat anxiety so quickly.
Of course as I say everyone is different.Hypnosis is very powerful.But its not magic.Its nothing like what you see on a stage show .Rather the hypnotherapist helps you to help yourself .Facilitates change.
All the best and good luck on you journey.
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Ger Griffin

ADV DIP HP MCHPA
www.hypnosis-dublin.com

Hypnosis Treatment For Depression Dublin

Hypnosis I believe is one of the best tools for defeating Depression.
Before starting any in depth analysis,I get the client to FEEL better.
Depression creates  negative hormones like cortisol.
Using visualisation,NLP,relaxation and suggestions.Hypnosis helps a client to create more positive hormones like serotonin &dopermine.It acts like as a antidepressant but without any side effects.
Even after two sessions a client's depression can be dramatically reduced.Of course everyone  is different and responds at different rates.Also  and exercise also plays a part in recovery.Hypnosis is not magic,its not like stage hypnosis.I help the client to help themselves.The client does the therapy.
I think counselling  on its own falls short.But combining the both is way more powerful.
Today often therapist are trained in many areas.
I am trained in hypnotherapy,but also use some CBT,Counselling,Minfulness.NLP and EFT.
Ive helped many clients to conquer their depression.I genuinely hope this helps to give some hope to those who suffer.
Disclaimer.Results may vary from person to person

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