Hypnotherapy - Richard Nicholls DHP HPD:  I first became interested in Hypnosis in the early 1990's whilst working as a volunteer in a hospital. It was purely by accident that I discovered how to assist patients in reducing their pain or their anxiety but it was discovering this that led me to train as a Clinical Hypnotherapist.

My initial training was with the Essex Institute of Clinical Hypnosis where I achieved my diploma - Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (HPD). I have since furthered my skills with qualifications in:

• Hypnosis For Birthing
• Self-Hypnosis Instruction
• and as a qualified Weight Loss Specialist.

Hypnotherapy is a process that can help people of all ages and in all walks of life in so many ways and from the simple to the complex. For example, treating:

• anyone that suffers from blushing
• an under confident teenager struggling to pass their driving test
• a company director who is lacking in motivation.

 Anyone, it would seem, can see benefit from Hypnosis.

It is amazing to see the results of hypnosis when people overcome fears and phobias, develop wonderfully healthier attitudes towards food and eating and it has even been proven to assist greatly in overcoming irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Hypnotherapy can help you to learn how to take control of your reactions, your behaviour and even your thought processes. It is important to recognise though that Hypnosis is not mind control. Hypnosis cannot make anyone do anything that they do not want to do. Stage Hypnosis is nothing more than improvised amateur dramatics and not really anything to do with Hypnosis used in a clinical way at all.

Despite many misconceptions Hypnosis has been proven to be a very powerful tool for use in counselling and psychotherapy. It can help you:

• lose weight
• quit smoking
• develop self-confidence
• improve your mental attitude in sport.

It seems that there is little we need to learn in life that using Hypnosis can't make easier for you.  If there is something that you want to learn how to do, from stopping nail biting to learning how to walk again following a stroke you now know that it doesn't have to be so hard.

Richard Nicholls is Ukcho Registered (Reg. No 81490) and has a practice at the Meridian Healthcare Centre in Hinckley, for further information or to make an appointment – telephone 01455 265 032.

For more information about the range of services at the Meridian Healthcare Centre please visit their feature on thebestof Hinckley.