What to expect from
HypnoMenopause®
Seeking out therapy is a significant step and it's important to find a therapist who is right for you and an approach which you're comfortable with. Below are some of the most common questions clients have about HypnoMenopause®. If you have any other queries, please don't hesitate to contact your chosen HypnoMenopause® Practitioner.
Your questions answered
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is a natural state of mind, similar to states most of us are completely familiar with, such as daydreaming, meditating and being creatively focused. In this state, we can experience things at a very realistic level and are more receptive to positive suggestions. Through guided visualisation and other techniques, we can create powerful changes at an unconscious level.
What happens during a session?
During your HypnoMenopause® Programme, your practitioner will, initially, have a consultation with you during which they will answer any questions you have and establish whether HypnoMenopause® is the right approach for you. Following that, you will usually have up to five sessions, during which you will work on different aspects of your experience. During a session, your HypnoMenopause® Practitioner will talk you into a relaxed, focused state. They will then use a combination of guided meditations and powerful therapeutic tools including NLP, mindfulness and CBT to help you create your desired changes.
How can hypnotherapy help my hot flushes/ insomnia/ brain fog?
We often think of the brain and body as being separate, when, in fact, they're completely connected. Everything we think impacts us at a physical level (take a moment to think of something which causes you fear, and notice how your body reacts). Hypnotherapy can help us connect with our body at a deep level and, in addition to changing the messages we offer ourselves, visualisation is linked to physical changes at the cellular level. Whatever physical menopausal symptoms you have, increasing your mind-body awareness has the capacity to help.
Is this guaranteed to help me?
As with any type of therapy, hypnotherapy isn't guaranteed to help. However, if you are genuinely motivated to create change and are open to exploring hypnotherapy, like many clients it is likely you will see an improvement in your symptoms.
What if I can't be hypnotised?
We know from research that some people are more hypnotisable than others. If you've ever been really engrossed in a good book, or spent some time getting lost in a daydream, you have the capacity to reach a state of mind which is just right for you. We also know that the clients who experience the greatest transformations are those who are motivated - regardless of whether or not they're highly hypnotisable.
I'm on HRT. Is that a problem?
If you're on HRT and wish to continue taking it, it's perfectly ok to use hypnotherapy alongside your medication as a complementary approach.
Can this be used as an alternative for HRT?
Everyone's experience is unique and whilst some women stay on HRT during their HypnoMenopause® Programme, others seek it out as an alternative therapy. In clinical trials, hypnotherapy has been shown to have an effectiveness rate of up to 74% in the treatment of hot flushes - a similar success rate to HRT. It also helps with mood, sleep and sexual function so, for some women, it provides an effective alternative to medication.
Does it matter which stage in menopause I'm at?
HypnoMenopause® is designed to work with women, no matter whether they're perimenopausal or post menopausal. Menopausal symptoms can persist for several years and this programme can help you, whatever your experience.
I don't have hot flushes - I'm just a bit down...
Some women seek out HypnoMenopause® because of physical symptoms, some women seek out hypnotherapy because of mood disorders and some women seek it out simply because they're feeling stressed, fatigued and overwhelmed. HypnoMenopause® is designed to help with everything from coping with mid-life career stress, to empty-nest syndrome to hot flushes.
There aren't any practitioners in my area - does Zoom really work?
Hypnotherapy via zoom is incredibly effective. Whilst there's always something nice about visiting a therapist face-to-face, if that's not possible, you can connect with your HypnoMenopause® Practitioner via zoom and have the added benefit of being in the comfort of your own home! HypnoMenopause® does not rely on touch and many people find it easier to relax in their own space, as they talk with and listen to their HypnoMenopause® Practitioner.
How many sessions do I need?
Generally, it is recommended that you have five sessions and complete the full HypnoMenopause® Programme. This allows your HypnoMenopause® practitioner to adopt a holistic and integrated approach with you. Unlike a doctor, your HypnoMenopause® isn't just there to treat your symptoms. They're there to help you pursue the fulfilled life which you deserve. However, please discuss this with your preferred HypnoMenopause® Practitioner as everyone's needs are unique and different therapists have different ways of working. You'll receive two recordings during your HypnoMenopause® Programme and will be taught self-hypnosis so that you can carry the work forwards for the rest of your life.
I've noticed my preferred HypnoMenopause® Practitioner is also a massage therapist/ Reiki Practitioner, or other type of therapist. Will they combine these ways of working with me?
Our HypnoMenopause® Practitioners come from a wide range of backgrounds. It is likely that your preferred practitioner will being in aspects of their other therapeutic work if they have a different therapeutic background and it is worthwhile asking them how they incorporate different therapeutic modalities.