Hypnotherapy

The history of hypnosis

The modern history of hypnosis is considered to begin with Dr Franz Anton Mesmer (1735 – 1815). Mesmer found that amazing cures could be produced within a deep state of relaxation.

In the mid-1800’s, James Braid (1795 – 1860) discovered that this state of relaxation could be induced by using simple suggestions and named the technique ‘hypnosis’.

In 1955 the British Medical Association accepted hypnosis as a valuable tool in medical treatment and training.

Research and development of new techniques support the ongoing growth of hypnosis as a technique that is effective in the treatment of so many clinical and psychological conditions today.

What is hypnosis?

In simple terms, hypnosis is a word used to describe a “heightened state of awareness” in which a person’s mind remains calm, concentrated and aware while their body becomes completely relaxed. Most people experience a greatly improved sense of well being and peace of mind.

Even in a light form of hypnosis, it is possible for an individual to make immediate changes in themselves. In the heightened state of awareness, the mind is more receptive to positive suggestions and it is possible to access areas of the mind that are beyond the normal level of conscious awareness, described as the ‘subconscious’.

Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic work carried out by a hypnotherapist whilst the client is in hypnosis.

What is ‘Advanced Structured Hypnotherapy’?

Advanced Structured Hypnotherapy is a simple, safe and highly successful technique that helps the individual to discover the underlying reason for a presenting symptom and make that symptom redundant.

This technique uses various tools and methods, including regression therapy (otherwise known as analytical hypnotherapy) which helps the client to access their ‘subconscious mind’.

This technique requires advanced training. Each situation is unique. The client can expect to clear an identified problem in as little as six sessions following the introduction.

What hypnosis is not

Many people have their first and maybe only exposure to hypnosis through stage hypnotists. From this, they form the impression that hypnosis involves some form of mind control in which you give up control of yourself.

The reality is that all hypnosis is ‘self hypnosis’ where the client is assisted to achieve more control over their lives than before. The skill of an advanced hypnotherapist is to help you help yourself whilst in hypnosis.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Anyone who wants to experience hypnosis, and is willing and able to follow some simple instructions, can achieve a heightened state of awareness and go into hypnosis.

If someone does not want to be hypnotised, they will not be.

How can hypnosis help?

Advanced Structured Hypnotherapy can provide relief from a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. The following list gives an indication of the most common applications.

Performance & well-being

  • Self confidence & self esteem
  • Improving memory, enhanced learning
  • Enhanced examination performance
  • Realising your potential in the workplace, sports and other areas of personal development

Habits & emotional behaviours

  • Addictive and obsessive behaviours
  • OCD
  • Stop smoking
  • Weight management
  • Nail biting
  • Stuttering

Stress, anxiety & phobias

  • Trauma, PTSD
  • Stress, worry and anxiety
  • Phobias such as fears of flying, spiders, thunder & lightning, dogs, darkness
  • Insomnia and sleeping difficulties
  • IBS and nervous indigestion
  • Eczema & skin rashes

Pain management

Hypnosis is also a powerful technique for pain management. It complements conventional medicine and can assist a range of situations from cancer to childbirth.

Personal Coaching

“It is never too later to be what you might have been” George Ernst

  • Do you suffer from anxiety and stress?
  • Is there an aspect of your life that isn’t working?
  • Do you feel stuck and unable to change?
  • Is there something that you are not achieving?

Coaching for Life helps you to answer these questions by unlocking your inner potential, taking you beyond your limitations to take control of your life.

Executive Coaching

Coaching is a powerful tool to influence change in the workplace. Coaching for Excellence programmes can directly influence:-

  • Performance & productivity
  • Stress management
  • Business development
  • Personal mastery

Lisa Jane Gibbens

Lisa Jane Gibbens is an experienced therapist and coaching professional.

  • Professional experience spanning 20 years in business development, operations and project management.
  • Vocational training and development as a therapist since 1996. It continues with the enrichment and experience of her practice.

Lisa is a Master Practitioner of Advanced Structured Hypnotherapy. Professional member of UKRAH (United Kingdom Register of Advanced Hypnotherapists).
Treatment Programme

1. Screening

All clients are pre-screened prior to undertaking this tailor-made programme.

The presenting problem is identified during this introductory session that takes up to 2 hours. This involves the completion of a case history followed by a detailed explanation of the therapy and an introduction to hypnosis.


2. Advanced Structured Hypnotherapy

Client screening is followed by typically 6 sessions of treatment. Session length is flexible to meet client needs.

The programme of Advanced Structured Hypnotherapy is structured to meet the unique needs of each client.

Supporting materials and information complement weekly instruction and homework
that clients complete between sessions.

3. Monitoring

Monitoring takes place for 12 months following treatment. This focuses upon maintenance and self-development.

Clients are supervised as they develop and apply the tools and techniques gained during the treatment programme.

Coaching techniques are introduced to assist clients with personal performance and self-development.


Please call, in confidence, to discuss how this programme can help you.

Tel: 01235 528160
Mob: 07730 512304

Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy

Discover the underlying reason with analytical hypnotherapy.

L. J. Gibbens
BA(Hons), D.Hyp, MD. Hyp
Coaching for Life & Excellence
Free Initial ConsultationTime Out
16 St Edmunds Lane, Abingdon, Oxon,
OX14 5DY

The Natural Health Centre 2009