Ask The Hypnotherapist #2 - June 19th 2008

I have paruresis (shy bladder) which is an anxiety disorder which leaves me unable to use public restrooms or go to the toilet if I know there is anyone else around. Could hypnotherapy help me overcome this?

Hypnotherapy is very relaxing and is good at reducing anxiety, so yes it can help with this. What I often do with this type of problem is give a post hypnotic suggestion so that when you say a particular keyword to yourself, you feel calm and relaxed. You can then use this if you are feeling anxious in a public restroom. In fact you can use this to your advantage in many other situations. The Super Relaxation audio session on this site gives this type of therapy.

Why do you think that some people aren’t willing to try hypnotherapy and/or don’t take hypnosis seriously?

I think the main reason is fear. The first time I tried hypnotherapy, I must admit I was a bit fearful. I was worried about being ‘under’ someone else’s control. Hypnosis is often depicted as sinister and controlling in movies and in the press. However having experienced hypnosis for many years as both a patient and a therapist, I know that the reality is very different.

Is there anything I can do to help make the process of hypnotherapy more effective while listening to one of your hypnosis downloads?

Listening to the sessions with headphones helps, although it is not necessary if you prefer not to. The most important thing is that you are comfortable. This can mean different things for different people. Some people prefer to lie down, whereas some prefer to site up in a chair. I think it is also important that you know that you will not be disturbed during the session. Even if you are not disturbed, the worry of it happening can be off putting.

Should I consult my doctor before undertaking hypnotherapy?

If you have any serious health problems, then I would say yes. Otherwise it is generally not necessary as hypnosis is a relatively safe form of therapy. I would like to add that it would be worth consulting your doctor if you were having headaches or other pains, in order to eliminate more serious problems.

Are there any differences between meditation and hypnosis, and if so what are they?

Meditation and hypnosis do cross over. The main difference between the two is that hypnosis aims to add something to the mind, like a suggestion, whereas meditation usually aims to clear the mind. However hypnotherapy often borrows meditation techniques in order to ‘quieten’ the mind, before then adding suggestions.

Recently I’ve noticed that I can’t get to sleep unless my bedroom is tidy and straight. For example if I’m lying in bed and see that I have a drawer slightly open I have to get up and close it. Is this something hypnotherapy could stop me doing?

This is basically a form of obsessive compulsive disorder, and can be helped with hypnosis. That gives me an idea for a future session – watch this space!