Birmingham Central Hypnotherapy, 80 Hawkesley Mill Lane, Northfield, Birmingham B38 2RL

Telephone - 0121 476 6751 • Mobile - 0778 909 7741. Call anytime 9.00am - 9.00pm

Modern hypnotherapy is a gentle but effective art which pools skills from various psychotherapy schools - Behavioural, Freudian, Jungian, Gestalt, Solution Focused, Neurolinguistic Programming and Counselling to name only the most prominent. This, combined with skills developed over the thousands of years of informal use, has led to a series of techniques which are becoming increasingly popular. This popularity is based on a combination of speed and effectiveness: getting results quickly keeps costs under control and allows for the demands of modern life.

Commonly asked questions about hypnosis

What is hypnosis? Hypnosis is a state of trance, one in which the the body is deeply relaxed and yet the mind is very much awake. In this it is very different to sleep. A lot of people compare it to sunbathing or that state of sleep when you are just waking up but so relaxed that you do not move; in fact this is known as the hypnopompic state. Very mild hypnosis actually occurs to most people several times a day. Day dreaming and remembering past events can both lead to hypnotic states.

Can you make me do a thing which I do not want to do? Put simply 'No'. It is possible that you have seen 'stage' hypnotists getting people to do silly things under the influence of hypnosis, but the reality of the situation is that the people on stage want to be there. In hypnosis you accept the suggestions you want and reject the ones you don't.

Will this be done in one session? Some treatments only take a single session, others take longer, please check the list of workable conditions for guidance and please keep in mind that these are only for guidance purposes. We work up to the point you feel you have done enough.

Can I be hypnotised? Studies at Stanford University found that ninety percent of people can enter hypnosis with the help of a hypnotist. Many hypnotists feel that this study was somewhat limited; it employed only a small number of techniques and with the greater number of techniques available to the modern hypnotherapist trance is more accessible. The only people who do not go into hypnosis are those who, for any number of reasons do not want to. You cannot be hypnotised against your will.

Will I remember it? Amnesia is a common hypnotic phenomena and can happen spontaneously. Generally the client retains as much recollection as is required for improvement.

Will I go back into my past? Not necessarily Regression is a technique employed by most hypnotherapists but not automatically; not all treatments require regression.

Do I need to keep my eyes closed? Generally, once in hypnosis it's fine to open your eyes from time to time to check where you are. Usually people do not feel the need for this.

Specialisms

Phobias - If you've suffered from fear of something which leads to avoidance of it then you could benefit from a phobia treatment. The treatment is gentle and does not force you to face your fear until you are ready and we aim only for the goals you set. The average treatment takes between two and four sessions, although it can take longer, and has been known to work in a single session. We primarily use techniques based in the behavioural school of psychotherapy, we also employ techniques from Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) in addition to traditional hypnotherapeutic methods.

Stop smoking - A single session treatment which can break the habit now and forever. A number of different techniques can be employed to suit the individual: Traditional Habit Breaking, Aversion, Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and others. Whatever your motivation is, we have a technique that can help. As hypnosis works best with motivated people we suggest that you consider hard how ready you are to give up, what your reasons for giving up are and what you will do with all the extra time and money. If you have reservations about giving up you should discuss this further with us.

Weight Control - A long-term therapy, with two or three sessions in the first month to get you started and then ongoing support at intervals you see fit. We will teach you the skills to help you control your eating, to enjoy healthier foods and help find the time and motivation to exercise. As with all good weight control techniques we will not only want to give you the ability to attain your target weight, we also aim to give you the skills to maintain that weight. If you 'purge' after eating by vomiting, use of laxatives or excessive exercise then you may wish to consult Bulimia Nervosa.

Others

Bereavement/Loss (bereavement can be the loss of anyone or anything) - People react differently to loss and hypnosis can help you to deal with it. By listening to you we can establish what it is you require and provide a space to experience it. Grief needs space to work itself out, so generally we will not work with anyone until three months after the grief provoking event. If you feel you need help before this time is up we recommend you find an appropriate counsellor, possibly from the Rogarian school. Three or four sessions usually.

Blushing (Erythrophobia) - Hypnosis can help deal with the psychological causes of blushing as well as desensitising you to the situations in which it becomes a problem. Often this problem becomes a cycle where the fear of blushing can result in bringing the blushing on. Hypnosis can intervene and break this cycle. Usually takes two to four sessions for significant results.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) - A common enough problem, which can cause significant long-term problems to both teeth and jaw. The problem will most likely have been noted by your dentist, who will need to be consulted before any hypnosis takes place, to ensure he/she is confident there is no physical cause. Please have your dentist's details to hand before calling. This treatment usually takes around two to four sessions for significant improvement. As with all of our treatments we employ a range of techniques, from the behavioural schools, from Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and the regressive schools, in addition to traditional hypnotherapeutic methods. We choose the techniques which are most appropriate to the individual.

Bulimia Nervosa (also see Weight Control) - If you binge and then 'purge' after eating, by vomiting, use of laxatives or excessive exercise then its possible you are bulimic. Sometimes this eating and purging will be a simple habit, which can be broken through hypnosis, with some people it may be be prompted by deeper psychological motivations. By combining therapeutic techniques to tackle psychological causes and breaking or changing old behaviours, satisfying changes can be made. Typically this takes four to five sessions, and it is strongly recommended that you consult with your GP before coming for hypnosis.

Confidence, Self Esteem and Assertiveness - There are many ways in which hypnosis can help you to become more confident, assertive and gain a greater self-esteem. Through mental rehearsal of 'difficult' situations, ego boosting techniques and other methods, it is possible to change old behaviours and thought patterns to more positive one. Assertiveness is the art of getting what you want without causing offence or harm to others; it is the balance between passivity and aggression. Becoming more popular every year, assertiveness training has been used to help sales staff, trainers, customer service staff, nurses, the police and many others, as well as being valuable in everyday life.

Creative Dreaming/ Creativity Enhancement/ Creative Problem Solving - For artists, engineers, performers, business people and just about anyone who uses creative thinking in their lives and work. Can be one off treatment or a series of sessions to build on each other.

Dermatological Conditions (skin conditions: Acne Vulgaris, Acne Rosacea, Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Warts, Psoriasis) - It has been said that the skin is the mirror of the emotions, this is apparent from such simple reactions as blushing when embarrassed. There are good physical reasons for this connection and skin conditions react well to hypnosis. Hypnosis can help relieve itching, and help deal with possible underlying psychological causes which can prompt the condition. Expect two or three sessions. It is generally good to consult your GP about these conditions before undertaking any other form of treatment.

Excessive Drinking (Not alcoholism) - If your looking to reduce or stop consuming alcohol for health, religious or other reasons, then hypnosis has been shown to help. The treatment uses various techniques which include teaching stress management, habit breaking (similar to the well known stop smoking approach) and sometimes aversion therapy. Hypnosis can help you make many of these lifestyle changes. Usually takes several sessions.

Glaucoma (pressure on the eyeball) - Hypnosis can help to relieve many of the symptoms and side effects of the condition. Duration depends on severity and desired outcome, please see Pain Management for specifics. Please ensure that you have been to your GP for diagnosis before contacting us.

Headaches/Migraines - Once diagnosed as stress induced headaches, the underlying causes can be dealt with whilst teaching pain management techniques (see Pain Management for details). We will need to contact the diagnosing doctor. Two to four sessions is usual.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) - A common enough problem these days which causes discomfort to many. The symptom include stomach pains, irregular bowel discharge and can be very embarrassing for sufferers. Often this will be caused by psychological reasons and has been shown to respond very well to hypnosis. Please note that we will need to consult with your doctor so please have their details ready when calling. Two or three sessions for improvement is usual.

Immunity Booster - Various techniques can be used to help you fight off or recover from infection. Can be done as a single direct boost. You could also learn the techniques to help you boost your immune system in the future.

Insomnia (inability to sleep, waking up too early or fitful sleep) - Insomnia can have many causes, psychological and physical. Simple techniques like self hypnosis can make all the difference. We will also help deal with any deeper issues which are playing on your mind, be it conscious or unconscious. Insomnia can have physical causes and can be related to depression so please see your doctor before coming for hypnosis. The time this takes may vary significantly.

Motivation - For whatever purpose: success at your business, success in all and any endeavours no matter how small or grand, we can help clarify goals and achieve them. We will discuss what you wish to achieve, the options for achieving goals and help to set those goals within hypnosis. We can also help you tackle any specific psychological problems which are getting in the way of your achievement. Everyone has great potential and we can help you achieve yours.

Nail Biting (also includes biting around the fingers and adult thumb sucking) - A habit that starts as a normal childhood phase and carries into adulthood. Because this is a simple habit which rarely (if ever) has any deeper issues associated, it responds particularly well to traditional hypnosis. Simple habit breaking techniques combined with behaviour awareness enhancement can often produce effective results. This can take as little as one session, but usually takes two to three.

Nightmares - Nightmares can be sporadic or frequent. They may be prompted by current stress or by a deeper psychological issue. By teaching stress reducing techniques, tackling possible underlying causes and developing your ability to positively influence your dreaming we can help you to take control and sleep more soundly. Usually two or three sessions.

Nocturnal Enuresis (bedwetting) - Although normal in children up to the age of about three years, after this it can be indicative of infection (always see your doctor and have details to hand before contacting us) or have psychological causes. Treatment methods may vary but all can be of great benefit.. Children can react wonderfully to hypnosis so treatments can be very effective. We insist that anyone under the age of eighteen years of age is accompanied by a parent or official guardian. We also work with adult sufferers and it is possible that adult sufferers may be referred.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCDs) - Obsessive repetitive behaviour patterns can take over your life. Sometimes these behaviours will be simple habits which can be broken through hypnosis, with other people they may be prompted by deeper psychological motivations. By combining therapeutic techniques to tackle psychological causes and breaking or changing old habits, satisfying changes can be made. Typically this takes four or five sessions, and it is strongly recommended that you consult with your GP before coming for hypnosis.

Obstetrics (painless child-birth) - The use of hypnosis in child birth can reduce, or even eliminate the need for drug induced anaesthesia. This is a long term treatment which should begin at the beginning of the first trimester, working closely with both parents and the midwife. We will give direct pain reduction for problems as they emerge through the pregnancy and teach the birthing partner what they need to know to help with pain reduction when the time comes. In addition to this we will teach relaxation methods for everyday use throughout the pregnancy which can benefit both the mother and child.

Pain Management (for all sorts of pain, whatever the cause may be) - Pain is just an intense sense of touch and all the senses are highly responsive to hypnosis, so as a result hypnosis has been used for hundreds of years to control and cope with pain. Please note that total remission of pain is both unlikely and potentially dangerous so even in the most successful treatment, a small 'signal pain' will be left. Also note that we require the explicit permission of your doctor before proceeding, so have their details ready when calling.

Panic Disorders/Panic Attacks - A surprisingly common problem, it has both psychological causes and physiological symptoms, both of which can be tackled through hypnosis. Typically takes three or four sessions. Clients' GPs will have to be contacted before the therapy can be undertaken.

Performance Anxiety (exam stress, public speaking, driving test nerves etc.) - We all encounter situations which worry us: examinations, tests and public speaking, to name a few common examples. The stress we feel is a perfectly normal reaction to a situation, it is our body's way of preparing us for this situation. There is usually a release of adrenaline, which allows the body and brain to work more effectively. From time to time however these reactions are inappropriate to the situation or too strong, this is where hypnosis can help. Through the use of visualisations, suggestions and your own undiscovered inner resources, we can help you to use the stress energy to enhance your performance without it becoming a problem, keeping the good energy and losing the bad stress. Usually two or more sessions are needed. If you are finding that you are consistently and repeatedly avoiding situations and this is having a negative effect upon your life then you may wish to look at Phobias.

Performance Enhancement (sports, sales, management skills etc.) - Taking your knowledge, and the knowledge of your coach/mentor or manager we can help you work on the areas you are weakest in and boost your potential. Using techniques of motivation, visualisation and habit breaking we can help make those vital changes that push your performance to the new level. If you're unsure what you need to change, we can help you to be aware of the unconscious elements of your performance which may be limiting you from achieving your best performance all of the time. As little as one session may be required to see improvements.

Problem Solving (also see Creative Dreaming) - Hypnosis can help with solving all sorts of problems, be they engineering problems, personal problems, intellectual problems, whatever type of problem you may wish to solve. We can also teach the skills which may help with problem solving in the future.

Psychogenic Infertility (Male and Female) - Stress can effect the body on all levels. Once this has been diagnosed by your doctor or specialist it becomes appropriate to contact us. As with many conditions we will need to contact the diagnosing doctor so please have their details to hand. Such conditions may be the product of recent stress or deeper psychological causes. Either way, a programme which combines stress reduction techniques, desensitising to specific situations and deals with underlying causes can be put together. Treatment duration may vary.

Psychological Dystonia (includes Twitches, Tics, Writer's cramps, Torticollis (head twitches) and Blesharospasm (eyelid twitches)) - Hypnosis can help relax muscles, help deal with any possible underlying causes and tackle the condition in other ways. We will need to contact your doctor about this prior to any hypnosis. Expect a minimum of three sessions and quite possibly more, depending on severity and level of improvement you are aiming for.

Psycho Sexual Disorders (premature Ejaculation, Pschogenic Impotence, Fridity, Anorgasmia, Vaginismus) - Many sexual problems have psychological causes. Hypnosis can help deal with the underlying causes or tackle the problems directly, whatever is appropriate to the individual. We will have to contact your doctor before progressing. Treatment lengths vary from condition to condition.

Recall Enhancement - Your ability to recall things can be affected by various factors, stress being a major example. Hypnotherapy can help reduce stress as well as giving an understanding of how to improve your general recall of information. We can also help with the recall of specific events or situations by inducing states of hypernesia (enhanced recall) and regression (revisiting memories). Please remember that if you need to recall for legal reasons, evidence achieved whilst hypnotised needs to be independently verified before it can be used in court. Also if the event you wish to recall was related to an accident or alcohol there could be damage which is preventing you from remembering, so please consult your doctor first.

Snoring - This tends to be more of a problem for partners than for those who actually snore, so both are expected to come in for therapy. Always see your doctor before calling us about this and have their details to hand when calling. We will help deal with the disturbing noise as well as helping you to achieve deeper states of sleep in which snoring is less pronounced. The treatment takes multiple sessions. Please consult your GP before coming in as there are many potential physical causes of snoring and many simple lifestyle changes which they can suggest which can make a significant difference.

Stress Management - A growing problem in modern age. Learning a few simple techniques could allow you to take charge of this state, keeping the good stress and losing the bad. Basic stress management skills take just one session and can be built on from there. If it is a specific event which is prompting your stress then we can also work with that. The techniques involved include teaching self-hypnosis, teaching progressive relaxation and desensitising to specific stress inducing situations.

Teaching Self-Hypnosis - Although this is taught as part of most treatments, some people like to come in just to learn this valuable life skill. It can help you relax, become more self-aware and generally improve your quality of life. So if you have an interest in hypnosis and no particular problem you want to deal with why learn self-hypnosis? One session to teach, with the possibility of doing further specific training to advance your skills if desired.

Tinnitus - Tinnitus has two major causes, physical and psychological. Hypnosis can help with psychological tinnitus. You will need to consult your GP to ensure there is no physical cause. We can help to reduce the perception of the noise, reduce general stress and deal with any underlying causes which have bought it about.

We subscribe to the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis Code for Ethical practice.

Qualifications

I trained with the London College of Clinical Hypnosis ( LCCH ) doing Certificate, Diploma and Practitioner Diplomas and now act as a Supervisor to their trainees. These qualifications are endorsed by the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis.


How to find us

We are conveniently situated at the bottom of Hawkesley Mill Lane, just off the Bristol Road south. It is the right turning just after Kalamazoo if coming from the South. If coming from the North you go passed the garage/fire station on your left, passed Steel Rd. Then it is the next right, a few yards beyond the pedestrian lights. The 62 and 63 buses both stop at the top of Hawkesley Mills Lane, and Northfield railway station is 5-10 minutes walk away along Mill Lane.

Birmingham Central Hypnotherapy, 80 Hawkesley Mill Lane, Northfield, Birmingham B38 2RL

Booking Sessions

Telephone Matthew Krouwel - Cert. Dip. Prac. Hypnosis
- 0121 476 6751 (anytime 9.00am - 9.00pm)
- 0778 909 7741 ( mobile )

To book you must call on one of the above numbers. The person wishing to come in must make the call themselves. It is acceptable for someone else to make the call and then pass the call over but we must speak to the person wishing to come in. We do not accept bookings from secretaries, receptionists, partners, friends or physicians on behalf of the person wishing to come in. Session times are flexible and include early evenings and early Saturday mornings, . If you so desire you can bring a friend along. This would have to be someone who you could talk openly about the most personal things in front of and also someone who is willing to remain quiet and just observe for as much as two hours. A session can last from forty-five minutes to two hours: first sessions usually last about an hour and a half. Please call if you have any questions.

Information needed on your arrival - You should inform us about any eye problems, if you are wearing contact lenses, about any bodily pains/arthritus which you regularly experience, if you have hayfever and finally we need to know about any medication you are currently taking.