As I look back on the year since completing my hypnotherapy diploma and becoming a self-employed practitioner, I’m inspired to reflect in a true Solution Focused manner. One of my favourite ways to start a session is by asking, “What’s been better?” So, let me apply this to my own journey.
My passion for the Solution Focused approach has only grown stronger. While I always believed it suited my personality, working with diverse clients and situations has deepened my understanding and commitment to this method. I’ve refined my session structure, typically allocating 75 minutes for thought-provoking questions, gentle explanations of brain basics, and concluding with hypnosis.
Running my own business has taught me patience and acceptance. I love what I do, even when faced with administrative challenges and financial decisions. In a session, I might ask myself, “How were you able to do that? What helped you to become more patient and accepting?”
Volunteering for Let’s Keep Talking has been invaluable in expanding my knowledge. Using solely Solution Focused questions without hypnosis has honed my skills, and I’m grateful for the support from my clients, manager, and supervisor.
My meditation practice has significantly influenced my life and my approach. Buddhism’s concept that nothing is permanent aligns with the Solution Focused practice, inspiring practitioners to explore what happens when the problem is absent (what we call “exceptions”). This idea evolved in the UK, leading to a focus on hope and co-constructing new narratives from the outset. Simply put, we use imagination to envision a life where our hopes are already realised.
It’s important to note that meditation is just one path to finding patience and clarity. As a hypnotherapist and Solution Focused practitioner, I’m always cautious about not imposing my solutions on clients. Instead, I lean on their vision of life and use their perspectives to guide our work together.
Despite the challenges of marketing and administration, I remain enthusiastic about continuing this work in its current format. My belief in the power of Solution Focused conversations and hypnosis is unwavering. Working from a place of hope and faith in change has helped me develop vicarious resilience, a concept I recently encountered in research. While still in its early stages, I hope further studies will explore the impact of Solution Focused practice on practitioners themselves.
As I continue this journey, I’m excited to deepen my practice, learn from my clients, and further explore the intersections between Solution Focused Brief Therapy, hypnosis, and personal growth. The road of a self-employed hypnotherapist may have its ups and downs, but the rewards – both for my clients and myself – make it a genuinely fulfilling path.
To those considering hypnotherapy or struggling with life’s challenges: remember that even in the darkest times, simply asking yourself, “What’s been better?” or “What were you pleased to notice?” can significantly impact your mental state and overall well-being. These questions activate the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s centre for higher-order thinking and problem-solving, while potentially easing activity in the amygdala, which processes fear and stress.
By focusing on positive changes, no matter how small, we may encourage neuroplasticity – the brain’s potential to form new neural connections and adapt. However, it’s essential to understand that this is not always a straightforward or linear journey. With consistent effort, approached from a place of self-worth and patience, we can transform our thinking, behaviour, and feeling.
It’s crucial to recognize that everyone’s path is unique. While acknowledging improvements can stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with positive feelings, the change process is often complex and multifaceted. There may be setbacks along the way, and that’s perfectly normal and part of the growth process.
Remember, change is constant but often occurs in small, sometimes imperceptible steps. Even minor progress can eventually lead to significant transformations, but it requires patience, self-compassion, and persistence. The brain’s capacity for adaptation means that every positive thought and action has the potential to contribute to building a stronger, more resilient you.
As we move forward, let’s continue asking ourselves: “What’s been better? What were you pleased to notice?” The answers might surprise you and, over time, could pave the way for meaningful, lasting change. Remember to be kind to yourself, celebrating small victories and embracing the non-linear nature of personal growth.