Karen Hodgson MA(ED); UKCP; MBACP; CNHC; PGHP; EMDR; DIP COUNS; RELATE TRAINED;

Profile

Welcome! I am a trained Hypno/Psychotherapist, (2004), Registered with the Complementory & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC); EMDR Trained (2010 & 2011); Person Centred Counsellor, (1999), Relate Trained Couple's & Relationship Counsellor, (2003). 

WHAT IS HYPNO-PSYCHOTHERAPY?

There is a difference between a Hypnotherapist and a Hypno-Psychotherapist.
A Hypno-Psychotherapist, as recognised by the UK Council For Psychotherapy (UKCP) Hypno-Psychothearpy College, is a person who has undertaken a minimum of 4 years of Masters Degree Level training, (1800 hours), in hypnosis, as well as its applications within psychotherapy. Hypno-Psychotherapy, in its purist terms, is still brief therapy, but a Hypno-Psychotherapist can employ both hypnotic and psychotherapeutic based interventions in order to assist clients to reach their goals.
Hypno-Psychotherapy is therefore, a form of psychotherapy which uses hypnosis as an aid. It can be used to help psychological problems and conditions where bodily responses are closely linked to emotional states and to modify behaviour, attitudes or emotions. For example, hypnosis can be used to manage pain and work-based stress; to reduce high blood pressure; to deal with anxieties, such as performance anxiety including presentations, exam fears, passing your driving test, and other performance/sports related activities.

Hypnosis can help you to overcome dysfunctional habits, such as nail-biting, or distorted thought processes, including angry outbursts, road rage, or anger that is out of control and may be causing you to experience problems in your relationships with other people. 

A Hypno/Psychotherapist facilitates the development of your inner resources to help you to alter unwanted habits, or unbalanced attitudes and beliefs about yourself and the world you live in. These habits or attitudes have usually become deeply embedded in your mind at an unconscious level. 

The sub-conscious mind is seen as the main resource for improving your mental health and well-being. This is achieved by accessing a part a your mind, using hypnosis.

Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not a state of deep sleep. Instead, it induces an altered or natural state of relaxation, one by which you are still in control at all times. 

It is considered that hypnosis works by switching off the analytical left hand side of the brain, so that the non-analytical right hand side of the brain can become more alert.  Whilst your mind is in an enhanced state of awareness, you will be concentrating entirely on the therapist's voice. In this state, the conscious mind is suppressed and the subconscious mind in revealed. When the mind is relaxed, this allows ideas, concepts, lifestyle adaptions and active thoughts or post hypnotic suggestions to be placed in your mind, i.e. the seeds towards positive change. These suggestions are specific to your needs and serve to help you to achieve the unique goals you formulated during the early stages of the therapy, and therefore create your desired change.  

IN SUMMARY, A HYPNO/PSYCHOTHERAPIST OFFERS TWO MAIN THINGS:-

(1) Hypnosis: This treatment used in hypnotherapy for a range of emotional and nervous disorders. Hypnosis creates a deeply relaxed state in which mental stress and bodily tensions are reduced. In this relaxed state, the mind is usually more open to the process of change. The client and therapist can work safely together, using an agreed approach, to enhance mental, physical and emotional well being
(2) Psychotherapy: This is the application of psychological knowledge to treat individuals who are suffering from disorders of a psychological origin.

WHAT ELSE DO I OFFER?

I offer a range of psycho-therapeutic interventions besides hypnosis and have a very well established background in psychotherapeutic counselling, including Couple & Relationship Counselling, (I am RELATE trained); and Psycho-Sexual Counselling.

I am also a trained EMDR therapist, (currently working towards accreditation with the EMDR Association of UK & Ireland). I deal with a range of issues including:- trauma; stress; anxiety; anger management; pain managment & preparation for labour; low mood & depression; low self-esteem/confidence; loss of direction, including career direction/life transitions; bereavement & grief and loss. 

My work around trauma includes:- rape, road traffic accidents & accidents in the workplace; victims of crime and child sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, death of a child, phobias, social anxiety, addictions/compulsions, pornography mis-use, nail-biting, weight loss, fear of wasps/spiders,snakes and others phobias, smoking cessation and IBS.

WHAT IS EMDR?  

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing. It is a psycho/therapeutic procedure that originated during the '80's in the United States. It was originally designed to treat traumatic or dysfunctional memories and experiences, and their psychological consequences, but now is also used for a variety of symptoms including bullying, harassment, accidents, victimisations, grief, anxiety, panic disorders, pain, sexual dysfunction and a wide range of experientially based disorders.  It is a recommended treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD), by The National Institute of Clinical Excellence, (NICE). 

EMDR may be used as a stand alone treatment by itself, and/or or as an adjunctive therapy alongside "talking therapy" and/or hypnosis. 

One unusual element in EMDR is bilateral stimulation, usually in the form of eye movements, or bilateral auditory or tactile stimulation. There is a great deal of evidence that bilateral stimulation speeds up the reprocessing of disturbing emotional or traumatic material, and at the same time helps you to feel safer in making contact with traumatic material.  A number of replicated research trials have demonstrated that eye movements reduce the vividness of emotional and traumatic imagery. It is believed that the eye movements induced in EMDR, mirror the natural eye movement process that occurs in the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase of sleep, during which information is processed naturally.

An EMDR therapist will always firstly carry out a careful psychological assessment of whether EMDR would be suitable for your presenting problem(s), and will elicit a memory representing the problem. You will be asked for a picture that represents the memory, a negative belief that you have about yourself in relation to the memory, and to notice associated physical sensations. Thereafter, a number of sets of eye movements or other bilateral stimulation are commenced, and after each set of eye movements the therapist will ask you what you have noticed. Typically, the images, emotions, and sensations experienced change through this process. At some point these changes become more positive and adaptive as you reprocess old dysfunctional information and connect with presently held adaptive and functional information. The aim is always to enable you to recollect the original traumatic material without disturbance, and to have new and more adaptive beliefs about themselves in relation to the experience.

With "simple" or "one off" traumas or experiences in adult life, EMDR can be remarkably rapid in its effects, and average treatment times for these kinds of problems are from 3 to 5 sessions. With more "complex" or multiple traumas,  treatment can take much longer.

Many insurance providers that cover standard counselling & psychotherapy, also cover EMDR services. Please contact your insurance carrier for further information.

THE INITIAL CONSULTATION

When you attend the very first time, this is known as the 'Initial Consultation.' The Initial Consultation is not the first therapy session. Hypnosis or EMDR reprocessing is not offered. Instead you will be asked questions relating to the history behind your presenting problem(s), and together, we will formulate realistic goals within a given time-frame.

An Initial Consultation can increase the chances of a successful outcome by identifying specific, measurable, achievable realistic goals within a given time-frame. During the session we will explore the history behind your presenting issues. For hypnosis, this also serves to formulate your unique script.

SUBSEQUENT SESSIONS

It is necessary you understand that change is a process, and often this is unlikely to happen in one or two sessions alone. Smoking cessation is an exemption to this and is offered as a one off stand-alone session after you have attended for an initial consultation. You are also expected to actively participate in exercises given to you in-between sessions to help achieve your overall goals.

Each therapy session provides you with an opportunity to talk about your issues and discuss your progress. The aim is to provide you with a comfortable, safe, contained and confidential environment where you feel relaxed and able to discuss any issues that concern you. 

I deal with a range of issues including smoking cessation, weight loss, anxiety, exam fears, nail-biting, career confidence building, raising low self esteem, stress reduction, overcoming depression, managing pain, relationship and sexual issues, fears/ phobias, panic attacks, abuse: physical, emotional and mental. 

CODE OF ETHICS

Hypno/Psychotherapists must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Practice.

I am a member of the:-

• Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• National Register of Hypnotherapists and Psychotherapists (NRHP) 
• Fellow of the National Council for Hypno/Psychotherapists, (NCHP, 2004); (FNCHP, 2011)
• National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (NCHP)
• MBACP member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) 
• Registered member of the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP) (Hyp)

WHAT SUPERVISION DO I HAVE?

As part of working ethically within the Code of Ethics I adhere to, I have regular ongoing supervision with three separate supervisors:- (a trained Hypno/Psychotherapist, a NHS Clinical Psychotherapist/Sex Therapist and an EMDR Consultant/Clinical Psychologist).

WHERE DOES THE COUNSELLING TAKE PLACE?

I work in private practice from a dedicated consulting room inside my home.

DISABLE ACCESS

There are no stairs to negotiate.
There is usually sufficient DISABLED access to the counselling room.
The bathroom facilities are not suitable for disabled access.

WHO I AM?

I am an Integrative Practitioner and can use a combination of Hypnosis & EMDR as part of the therapeutic approach. This means that I can introduce a combination of approaches that best suit your needs.
As well as being able to use EMDR and Hypnosis as part of my psycho-therapeutic reportoire, I can also integrate a Person Centred; Psycho-dynamic; Systemic, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), approach to my work.

I began my training and practice in 1997 and qualified as a person-centred counsellor in 1999. I have worked in a variety of settings including:-

• Well Women's Centre
• Male Prison
• Bereavement Centre (CRUSE),
• Relate
• Student Services
• Employment Assistance Programmes & Insurance Agencies
• and for various organisations (Freelance)

 MY PATHWAY INTO HYPNO/PSYCHOTHERAPY

During the late 1980's to mid 1990's I was employed as a p/t Lecturer in several Further & Higher Education teaching establishments where I taught Business & Management Studies, Leisure & Tourism & Sports Management. From this I developed an interest in working with some of the emotional needs of students. I think this is where the seed for entering into the psychotherapy and counselling arena first originated. I also believe that therapeutic counselling can be a psycho-educative process. 

After qualifying as a person-centred counsellor(1999), I developed further interest in how client's presenting issue(s) impact on other family members, particularly in couple relationships and began my training in Couple and Relationship Counselling (opposite and same sex) with Relate in 1999-2004.

My background in psychodynamic theory has informed me of the importance the subconscious plays in our behaviour and habits. This encouraged me to train as a HYPNO/ PSYCHOTHERAPIST in 2003.

More recently I have incorporated a psychotherapeutic technique known as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) into my practice and I am currently working towards receiving EMDR accreditation.

MY PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY IS:-

Respect, compassion, patience, empathy and appropriate challenge to aid personal awareness are running themes throughout my work. I encourage you to determine the direction of therapy, putting you at the centre of therapeutic encounter. 

WHAT DOES HYPNO/THERAPY OFFER YOU?

People generally seek out hypnosis and psychotherapy with a need to alleviate some current, on-going stressor, change behaviour and/or to address the root of a problem. The therapy will essentially assess where you are now in relation to what you want to achieve, formulate specific and realistic goals, and facilitate the process of you achieving these goals, finding a more satisfying pathway. The aim is to to put you (the client) in touch with yourself so that you can make the necessary changes towards realising your own power and potential. Therefore the therapist is responsible to and not for you.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

• Trained: Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, (EMDR, 2010, 2011)
• Registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP, 2009) (Hypno/Psychotherapy Section)
• Audited and audit approved by the UKCP (April 2010)
• Advanced Diploma in Hypno/Psychotherapy, (ADHP) by NCHP (2009)
• onlinecounsellors.co.uk (online counselling training), (2006)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Hypno/ Psychotherapy, Centra Training (2004)
• Certificate in Basic Sexual and Relationship Therapy, UCLAN (2004)
• Relate Certificate in Marital and Couple Counselling Theory and Practice, RELATE  (2003)
• Cruse Bereavement Care Accredited Counsellor (Chorley & S. Ribble) (2003)
• Cruse Bereavement Care Supervisor (Chorley & S. Ribble) (2002)
• Diploma in Casework Supervision, PCCS awarded by ABC (2002)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Psychological Studies, UCLAN (2001)
  Advanced Diploma in Person Centred Counselling, Wigan & Leigh College, Centra (1999)

FURTHER QUALIFICATIONS  
 

• Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies in Education, Open University, (2004). (Prerequisite for the Phd in Education)
• Masters Degree in Education, Open University, (1996)
• Certificate in Education, (F.E) Awarded by the Victoria & Salford University (1988)
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies, Lancashire Polytechnic, (1990)
• HNC Business & Management Studies (Bolton Institute of Higher Education)

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2009-2011

• Effective Anger Management, (2009)
• Understanding Identity, Exploring Differences and Challenging Prejudice, (2009) 
• Nurturing Young People's Mental Health through the Counselling Relationship, (2009) 
• Exploring Creative Ways of Building on Young People's Resilience, (2009)
• Exploring Trauma Faced by Young People, (2009)
• Good Practice in Counselling Assessment, (2009) 
• Trained EMDR Practitioner, (2010, 2011) 
• Working with Dissociation (2011) 
• Understanding and Working with Self-Harm (2011)
• EMDR Workshop & Conference (Durham, 2011)
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) (Levels one & two (2011)
• Body Image Disturbance in Eating Disorders & the Application of EMDR in Treatment (2011)
• Dissociation, Trauma and Time-Travelling or Living and Working with Dissociative Identitity Disorder (2011)

Areas of hypnotherapy I deal with

• Alcohol Abuse
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Blushing
• Childbirth
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Exam Nerves
• Fear of Flying
• Insomnia
• Internet Addiction
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Low Self Confidence
• Low Self-Esteem
• Obsessions & Compulsions
• Pain Management
• Panic Attacks
• Phobias
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Public Speaking
• Quitting Smoking
• Relationship Issues
• Sexual Issues
• Sleep Disorders
• Sports Performance
• Stress
• Stuttering
• Weight Loss

Other areas of hypnotherapy I deal with

• Dental Anxiety
• Fear of driving
• Fear of driving on motorways
• Fear of bridges
• General Counselling
• EMDR as an adjunct with hypnosis, or as a stand alone therapy.
• EFT

Fees

• The cost of the Initial Consultation is £45.00 for a 60 minute session. This is a history taking session which provides an opportunity to generate some understanding and explore further your presenting issue(s).
• The working contract for single issues e.g. Nail-biting, IBS etc. is likely to be up to six sessions, with regular progress reviews in-between, and longer for more complex issues, multiple issues.
• All Initial consultations cost £45.00 (60 mins. session)
• Subsequent sessions of Hypno/Psychotherapy or EMDR is £50.00 (60 mins. session)
• Personalised CD's £30.00
• Smoking Cessation includes one session alone after the initial consultation and costs £90.00 (60 mins. session), with a personalised CD.
   

CANCELLATION & CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

Although I do understand that cancellations are inevitable at times, I do ask that you attend your booked session(s). If you do need to cancel and rebook a session, I charge the full cost of a session for all cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice.
I adhere to a strict code of ethics. The information you provide during the session(s) will remain confidential, unless in certain rare circumstances where there is concern for your safety or that of others.

More details will be provided during the Initial Consultation.

PAYMENTS CAN BE MADE VIA:--

Cheque
Cash
Paypal go to www.karenhodgson.com
Google Checkout to go www.karenhodgson.com
An invoice will be provided at the end of your therapy.

Further Information

• Also registered with Counselling Directory

Member Organisation(s)