LSE Counselling Service Brain Hemispheres

Introduction to Self Workshop

Mike Bryant

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Workshop overview FAQs about hypnosis

 What is hypnosis  'Will I lose control?' A: No.

 Myths and FAQs about hypnosis  'What if I don't come out of

 How works hypnosis?' A: you always wake up.

 Self hypnosis demonstration  'Will I reveal private issues under hypnosis?' A: No  Creating your own hypnosis script.  ‘Will I fall asleep?’ A: No, but at times it may feel like sleep.

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What is hypnosis Myths about hypnosis

 An induced state of altered consciousness.

 A process where dissociation occurs between the conscious (thinking) and unconcsious (feeling / imaging) minds.

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1 Myths about hypnosis How hypnotherapy works

 Stage hypnosis v. clinical  (trance induction)

hypnotherapy  Deepening the trance

 You always have free will –  Hypnotic given (therapy part) hypnosis does not make you  Ego-strengthening against your will.  Awakening.  Hypnosis is not sleep nor is it meditation.

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How hypnotherapy works Self hypnosis demonstration

 Conscious vs. unconscious

 What is “Trance”?

 Brain activity: Beta / Theta / Alpha / Gamma Brain waves

 Everyday examples of trance: boredom, reading, daydreaming, remembering, watching TV, “spacing out”, fantasising etc.

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Brain activity: trance stages Creating your own hypnosis script

 Beta Wide awake: 12-40 Hz Key rules for scripts:

 Single, simple sentence  Theta Relaxed, creative visualising 6-12 Hz  Avoidance of describing problem  Alpha Awake and dreamy 4-7 Hz  Emphasis on what you want more of  Delta Deep sleep 0.5 – 4 Hz  Avoidance of deadlines / strategies

 “Looking forward” / “finding it easier”

 “Pleasantly surprised as…”

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2 LSE Counselling Service (4th Floor, Tower 2, Clements Inn, London, WC2A 2AZ)

 Free and confidential  Mainly short term counselling  Book appointments in advance  Urgent appointments (phone early in the day)  See Website for

 Stress management handouts

 Self help resources on a wide range of student issues (study – related and personal difficulties)

 Relaxation MP3’s

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Final Thoughts

 Any questions

 Key points from today

 Resources

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