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Most AIT sessions involve some form of psychotherapy - helping to change for the better the way the mind thinks and reacts. I prefer to think of AIT as 'body-mind-spirit' psychotherapy, as the mind is only a part of what AIT seeks to help.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is just psychotherapy that is delivered during the natural, altered state of hypnosis. As with humans, this relaxed state can be very light or very deep, but the results are generally the same.
For humans hypnosis can mean a variety of things, but for animals who don't have our preconceptions, it is merely a relaxed, focused and comfortable feeling state that is pleasureable for being entirely absent of fear.
How is hypnotherapy useful?
In a relaxed state, it is possible to access and process even deeper or unconscious memories and bring about deep emotional healing. The animal always has control over what is dealt with and how and in what way a session progresses. As a therapist I see my role as a facilitator, helping and guiding the animal to process and release sometimes intensely painful emotions safely, gently and effectively.
With AIT it is possible to give positive and empowering suggestions, just like you can with a human - not because they understand the words, but because they understand the sensory information (images, thoughts and intent) that go with them.
Many of the resource-building tools used within hypnotherapy, such as guided imagery, visualisation, positive suggestion, installing and rehearsing positive future images & expectations, can be used very successfully with animals too.
Does an animal need to be relaxed to benefit from psychotherapy?
AIT is effective irrespective of whether the animal is in a relaxed state or not, though may people often notice the animal becoming calmer, more relaxed or perhaps even seeming to dose off during a session.
Animals do not normally suffer from a lot of mental chatter, so the mind doesn't need quietening, but the body often does. In a relaxed state, both mind and body are more receptive to positive suggestions, imagery and visualisations.
Although it's not always strictly necessary, sessions work best at a time when the animal is not being too distracted or exerted, to enable him or her to relax and focus. However on any day when a session is planned, the animal is free to continue his or her normal routine. If I connect and it's a bad time, it's no problem - I'll just leave it and try again later.
For trauma work, sessions are scheduled for when the animal is likely to be at home and/or relaxed.
Hypnotherapy for you
Because we are so emotionally and spiritually connected with the animals we love and care for, during the course of any animal's treatment, human issues can bubble up too.
If you feel this is the case, or you have something you'd like to deal with, please do get in touch with either me or Peter as we'd love to help.
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