We catch up with Hypnotherapist Stephanie Liliane to find out what Hypnotherapy really is and how it can help change your life…
While many are aware of hypnotherapy, not many know what it actually is, or what it entails. Because of this, we decided to catch up with Stephanie Liliane from Balance My Mind – a Hove based Hypnotherapy service – and find out a bit more about it.
Stephanie Liliane works closely with her clients using a combination of techniques to help them break free from habits, thoughts and beliefs that are holding them back from feeling great. She works with challenges such as addictions, anxiety, fears and phobias, confidence issues, motivation and more. The aim from her sessions is to fully drop or lower the clients issue, and for them to regain back their control to feel fully free, happier and healthier.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a talking therapy involving hypnosis, which focuses a client’s imagination and subconscious to help bring about positive changes to their thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It aims to re-programme patterns of behaviour within the mind and enabling irrational fears, phobias, negative thoughts and suppressed emotions to be overcome. Hypnosis is a state from which you can make powerful changes in your life because it is the state in which we are the most receptive, creative, and intuitive. Put simply, hypnotherapy is meditation with a goal.
Who can have Hypnotherapy/benefit from it the most?
Everyone can have hypnotherapy and benefit from it as long as they are willing and ready to make a change. Anyone suffering from anxiety, a fear or phobia or an addiction will greatly benefit from it. Hypnotherapy can treat so many issues, from old habits and limiting beliefs to guilt, confidence and motivation issues, grief and so on. For example, I have used it to lower anxiety before surgery and public speaking, to motivate with exercise and healthy eating and increase social confidence.
When was your eureka moment that you wanted to start doing Hypnotherapy?
After 20 years as a makeup artist, I knew it was time to stretch and expand myself both personally and professionally. I looked into life coaching courses, and even though it appealed, I felt I wanted more skills to help others, something that could allow me to work with many issues and help clients overcome them. After a few weeks doing research I came across a hypnotherapist website and it was a complete ‘eureka’ moment. Within two weeks I had found an amazing course and enrolled. It was the start of an amazing and life changing adventure.
What is the best thing about being a Hypnotherapist?
Being able to make a real difference in someone’s life in a relatively short space of time is very gratifying. Seeing clients reaching their goals is amazing! For example, someone who is rid of their phobia and able to do things they had never been able to experience before is amazing to watch. I always celebrate each client successes.
What is the strangest problem you’ve been asked to help with?
No problem is that strange, it’s usually always a form of fear or anxiety and can be treated. I guess someone once asked me to treat a problem from one of their past life and I prefer to refer these types of requests to a past life regression therapist.
Have you used self-hypnosis? If so, could you elaborate?
I use self hypnosis regularly. It’s actually a very natural state for all of us, as we naturally enter a trance state several times a day, when our focus of attention is narrowed, such as when we drive or read a book or in a deep conversation. Self hypnosis can be done anywhere, all you need is being able to tune in and have a calm moment to yourself. You can close your eyes and imagine relaxing every part of your body one by one while being aware of your breathing, and you can also use visualisation to imagine a relaxing place or a scenario where you feel relaxed, happy, confident, whatever you want to feel more of. I find using a meditation app and following someone’s voice or a calming music can help to induce self hypnosis more easily.
Which single case history has made it all worthwhile for you?
There are quite a few but one lady who had a bird phobia since childhood and could not sit outdoors, nor enjoy a drink or some food outside, which limited her very much. Her fear was so strong, she could not bear the sight of birds and was always on edge when going out. We did 3 sessions and there were some great shifts happening throughout. Straight after the sessions she travelled to South America for a holiday, and when back I received an amazing email detailing how she not only never thought of birds anymore but how she could now enjoy eating out surrounded by birds and spending time outdoors. This was a moment where I knew it was all worthwhile and I was doing exactly what I was meant to be doing.
Do you come across much resistance to hypnotherapy?
Many people still think hypnotherapy is what they have seen stage hypnotists perform on TV and in films, where people seem to fall asleep and taken control of. So I usually have to educate people when they ask me what I do. Once they are reassured hypnotherapy is very safe and gentle and that they are in control all the time, they are always very interested to know more. I find that clients coming for their first session sometimes feel a little anxious but once they have experienced it they are able to relax and go into trance easily.
Do you ever feel yourself drifting into a hypnotic trance when treating clients?
Yes, pretty much every time. It is a relaxing experience and to be in the flow of the session I have to tap in my creative and intuitive side so I can deliver the best session for that person.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies?
I do a Fit class once a week and a yoga class which I love. I also love nature and walking and enjoy meeting friends. When relaxing at home, I like to listen to music or watch movies or my favourite series.
What is your favourite thing to do when in London?
I love to go and see a play or musical, and my favourite thing is walking along the Thames and soak in the views and the atmosphere.
To find out more about the work Stephanie Liliane does you can email her on: hello@balancemymind.com visit: https://www.balancemymind.com/
