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substance dependency
Sometimes what starts out as being recreational and under control can become problematic and begin to negatively affect other areas of our lives, interferring with it functioning normally or doing the things we like to do.
Often people develop mal-adaptive coping mechanisms, such as substance dependence, in response to the pressures and difficulties in their life. Although the substance gives some degree of escapism in the short term, the problem from which people are trying to escape does not go away, and can become worse.
People may try for many years to change a substance dependency and this can be very difficult, especially without support or additional therapy. Hypnotherapy can be an effective in conjunction with other, more traditional therapies, or as a standalone solution.
The basic goal behind all hypnotherapy practice is to change negative behaviour cycles and habits, and so is particularly appropriate for individuals finding it hard to break out of their substance use patterns. Once a behaviour becomes learned i.e becomes part of subconscious behaviour, it can be difficult to solve with our conscious mind and so tapping into the subconscious using hypnotherapy techniques becomes very effective.
Along with hypnotherapy, we also use more conventional counselling techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques and the cycle of change. CBT allows us to focus on problems arising in the present as opposed to becoming stuck in problems rooted in the past or happening in an imagined future.
We look at the relationsip between thinking and behaviour, and highlight irrationalities and encourage people to look at their situation more rationally. The cycle of change is very useful as it helps us to create appropriate interventions and find out whether people are ready to change their behaviour; this is an important point, without the willingness or readyness to change substance use patterns are unlikely to change.
Our hypnotherapist has worked with many people with substance misuse issues for the local authority for several years. His experience and knowledge of the problems and barriers people face when dealing with changing to a more positive pattern of behaviour allows an empathic and understanding approach, improving the likelihood of effective intervention.
