Testimonials: Sarah Joy’s patients confirm that Hypnotherapy works

The following are excerpts from an article in which the journalist becomes
aware of the distinction between hypnosis used for entertainment and
hypnosis used in therapy.

‘In a bid to cut out excess booze and boost his confidence, Guardian and Herald reporter – and hardened sceptic – Keir Dawson, turned to hypnotherapy.

There was no swinging pendulum, no spiralling eyes, no clucking like a chicken, or pretending to be Elvis……. Admittedly when I turned up for my session with Clinical Hypnotherapist Sarah Joy – a member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis…

I didn’t know what to expect. And as a hypno-sceptic, I wasn’t prepared to believe I could be sent into a trance of any kind. How wrong I was. Hypnotism gets a poor press. For many people, me included, it conjures up images of shiny- suited men convincing drunken revellers to humiliate themselves……. But the reality is hugely different and Sarah was quick to reinforce the distinction in our 30 minute pre-session chat. Sarah tailors each of her sessions to the client’s personality and circumstances, based on what they have told her. So half an hour later I was in a big comfortable armchair covered in a blanket and staring at the wall. The lights were low and Sarah was speaking slowly and calmly. No swinging pendulum just gentle suggestions.

I felt my eyelids become heavy, and eventually drop. It was like being perched on the edge of sleep. I could still hear Sarah’s voice and the traffic outside the room…. But after a few minutes, I was definitely in a deep, deep trance. I saw shapes, and colours, and it triggered memories I had long forgotten. All my thoughts told me I could open my eyes at any time, but I couldn’t. I was aware of what was being said, it wrapped around me like a dream and made complete sense, and occasionally I felt as though was drifting away from my body. And then the hour- long session was at an end and I was counted back to reality.

So did it work? It’s impossible to say for sure, but friends tell me I appear more confident, I am drinking no more than two drinks a day, (this was the suggestion requested by Keir) and feeling good about it’.

The Spenborough Guardian, Friday, February 9, 2007.
On contacting Keir for feedback 3 weeks after his session, he reported that he had
cut down his drinking even further.

 

The following selection of verbal responses from patients, following treatment, provides an idea of the positive changes that can be experienced. To maintain confidentiality, the names of patients in the UK have not been included. Where Australian patients are willing to have their personal details included, these have been added.

The conditions treated are listed in alphabetical order:

Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions: 		Agoraphobia

Female
Retired
3

Feedback 3 months after first session
“I went for a walk on Friday for an hour and five minutes! During the sales I went to Ikea and it was very busy!”
Presenting symptom(s):

Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Anxiety regarding exam situations/
lack of confidence.
Female
Health worker
4
Feedback after final session
“During the practical exam I felt more confident, felt excitement, spoke fluently throughout the exam. Feedback from the examiner was, “one of the best performances I have ever seen!”. A work colleague who has recently returned to work remarked that I was much more confident”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:

Occupation:
Number of sessions:

 Blushing/lack of confidence
Female
Unemployed graduate
2
Feedback after first session
“I’m a lot happier and bubblier for some reason. And I’m being pale (suggestion made during hypnosis) more often. My friend …. has noticed a difference.”
Feedback 4 weeks after second session
“I’ve got a new job and I passed my theory test for driving. I’m much more confident and my mum is really pleased.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions: 		Cancer

Female
Newsagent
1 – to learn self-hypnosis
Feedback after session
Patient out, husband reported that she was “showing more interest in external things.”

6 weeks later
“I’m feeling more positive and using self-hypnosis when things get ‘on top’ of me.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:

Number of sessions:

Comfort eating/low self confidence
Female
Purchase Clerk
1
Feedback after session
Patient out, husband reported that she was “showing more interest in external things.”
6 weeks later
“I’m fine, absolutely amazing. I can’t believe it. The results have been really positive. I’ve had no coke, no chocolate, no cakes and no biscuits! … I’ve lost about a stone.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Medication:
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions:		 Depression and anxiety
Prozac
Female
Physiotherapist
2
Feedback after first session
“I’m calmer. My critical voice has almost disappeared”.
3 weeks later
“I feel extraordinarily fantastic. I’m off the Prozac. I would recommend hypnotherapy to anyone now. I’ve changed completely and I’m glowing”.
(Please note: withdrawal from the Prozac was the decision of the patient and her GP)
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions:		 Depression and fear (lasting 22 years)

Male
Plumber when able to work
2
Feedback 3 weeks after second session
“I’m coping much better and practising self-hypnosis religiously. I’m feeling a little bit stronger each day, although I still have fear of the fear. I crossed a road today that I was unable to cross before the treatment and I’ve gone to places that I’ve not been to recently. Certain things are not causing great anxiety anymore.”
Presenting symptom(s):

Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Drinking
excessively/
emotional problems
Female
Sales Rep
2
Feedback
one month after first session
“I still haven’t had a drink and I’ve
had no withdrawal symptoms. I tasted some wine
and didn’t like it! So, I had diet coke again.
The self-hypnosis works when I’m angry.”
NEW ONE Presenting
symptom(s):

Goal(s):

Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Drinking;
nightmares
To reduce alcohol intake and exercise more often

Kitty, Kalamunda 6076

Tour guide
1

Feedback one month after first session
Email received after session:

"Hey Sarah, I thought that I’d just let
you know how things were going. As far as the
not drinking thing went, well I did drink on
Thursday night. I honestly wasn’t forcing it
either way but I was curious to see if I actually
felt all the repugnance that the aversion therapy
was supposed to conjure up. Well, no, I didn’t
feel disgust and nausea at the smell and taste
of wine. But it didn’t taste good, either. And
I haven’t drunk anything since. I just have
no desire to. It’s so easy and I don’t miss
it at all.



Interestingly enough, when I am doing the self
hypnosis thing and I think of the full glasses
of those horrible substances, I get very nauseated,
but not in real life. Alcohol just has no attraction
for me any more.



The nightmares have stopped. I sleep better
and I feel less stressed.



I haven’t been exercising every day (three times
a week so far) but it’s no hardship to do so.
The days that I don’t, it’s purely because I
can’t wake up. I’ve worked over 60 hours since
last Thursday and I’m really tired.



So, in conclusion, I think hypnotherapy is definitely
working for me and the session was worth every
penny. I think in a month I will have recouped
the cost, simply from not drinking!



Thank you very much.

Kitty"


And a later email:


"Hi Sarah, yes, they [the suggestions
made during hypnotherapy] are still working
really well.



The exercise thing is going so well. I am training
for the City to Surf run and I hope to do a
marathon by the year’s end.



I don’t know whether it’s all round general
life improvement but I’m pretty content right
now.



Help yourself to whatever you want to say!

Kitty"
Presenting symptom(s):

Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Eating unhealthily and difficulty sleeping
Female
Interior designer
1
Feedback 3 weeks after session

“I feel absolutely fabulous, I’m chuffed to bits. I’ve had no coffee, bread, butter, chocolate, or sweet things. I’m just dropping off to sleep at 11.15 p.m.”
Presenting symptom(s):

Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Emotional difficulties: mood swings, intolerance, impatience, lack of motivation
Male
HGV Driver

3
Feedback 3 weeks after session
“I’m sleeping well and deeply. I feel more positive and… has noticed that I am more lighthearted. I’m a little more relaxed about things.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions: 		Difficulties with weight loss and sleep

Male
Self-employed
1
Feedback 3 weeks after session
“Not bad at all! I’m eating and drinking far less and losing weight – about 10lbs so far. My sleep isn’t bad really, I’m definitely better”.
Presenting symptom(s):

Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Emotional difficulties/fear of commitment
Since first husband’s death
Female
Nurse
2
Feedback after second session
“Life is now easier. I’m letting go. I still feel nervous about taking this step, but the rational part of me says ‘don’t be silly’. I totally trust (boyfriend), the pain has gone.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:

Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Fear of dentist/gag reflex/depression
Male
Retired
2
Feedback following
visit to dentist
“I saw a different dentist but I coped o.k. He worked across my tongue but I was alright, I only gagged once. I’ve arranged another dental appointment for fillings.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:

Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Fear of dentist
Female
self-employed
1
Feedback 3 weeks after session
“It was quite amazing, I was much better. Not a nervous wreck, not sweaty, although slightly apprehensive still. I’m going back again tomorrow. I’m practising self-hypnosis and considering training with the London College of Clinical Hypnosis!”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:

Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Fear of Flying
Female
Support worker
1
Feedback after flights
“I did alright. I surprised myself because I was fine both ways. I had an initial panic when I got on the plane, but I managed to deal with the worst part. There was a bomb scare at Manchester airport when we were circling, so we got re-directed to Gatwick and waited one and a half hours to return to Manchester, but the fear is not there anymore.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:

Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Fear of Flying
Female
Senior Lecturer
1
Feedback after flights
“It was piece of cake! Wonderful. The Valium stayed in the pack. The world’s our oyster now.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:

Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Gambling excessively
Male
Sailor
2
Feedback after first session
“All my family have noticed a difference in me.”
Feedback after second session
“I haven’t gambled at all and I haven’t wanted to. I got my pay through this week and in the past I’ve always gambled it away, but I haven’t even wanted to. I’m back on base next week and I know I’ll be fine.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions: 		Nail biting/comfort eating

Female
Teacher
2
Feedback 3 weeks after second session
“I am absolutely fantastic; miles better. I don’t bite my nails and I’m not over indulging. I’ve been singing your praises!”
Presenting symptom(s):

Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder/depression
Female
Secretary
3
Feedback after first session

“I was really relaxed after the first session, alright and quite happy. I’m feeling more in control and have stopped myself twice (from cleaning). I’ve had no cold sweats or nightmares this week.”
Feedback after second session
“I’m not so worried about things. When I can’t find time to clean, I’m not worried. I say to myself, ‘I’ll do it when I do it’. I’m talking to people a bit more and telling friends how I feel instead of hiding it. I haven’t taken any days off work (to clean).”

Feedback after third session
“I’m feeling loads better. I’ve never had any more cold sweats or bad dreams. My relationship is super and I’m being more mature.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:

Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Phobia of frogs/avoiding gardening
Female
Retired
2

Feedback after first session
“I’ve spent two and a half days gardening in a densely planted area of the garden.”
Feedback after second session
“Frog-wise I’m absolutely brilliant. I saw a frog in the porch and wasn’t hysterical.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions: 		Panic Attacks/lack of confidence
Female
Hotel worker
1 (to continue if necessary when commitments allowed)
Feedback 3 weeks after session

“I’m fine, really good, a lot better since. I still get a tightness in my shoulder when I’m tired but there’s been an improvement. On the confidence scale I’m a 7/8.” (self-assessed level of confidence on scale from 1 – 10, “3 to 4” in treatment session)
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions: 		Phobia of travelling on transport
Female

Housewife
2
Feedback 5 weeks after second session (following a holiday)
“I’ve been on 2 bus trips, a train up a mountainside, a cable car and in a taxi. I’m so chilled out! We are talking about flights now!! We had a lovely holiday.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions: 		Phobia of vegetables

Female
Bank Manager
2
Feedback after first session
Text message received: “I’ve eaten a strawberry!”. This was later followed by a phone call, reporting excitedly that she had,” eaten spaghetti Bolognaise without sieving the sauce!”

Feedback 2 weeks’ after second session
This patient’s mum reported that her daughter was away at a wedding and at the reception had tried all the courses.
3 week’s after second session
“I’m feeling very proud. I keep trying new foods, today it’s peanuts.”
Presenting symptom(s):

Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Self-confidence issues re. sporting performance
Female
Student
1
Feedback 4 weeks after session

“I came first in the swimming Gala and I’m feeling much, much better. I’m far less nervous and planning to train for the Olympics.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:

Number of sessions:

Sex drive: “totally lost”
Female
Police Officer
3
Feedback 4 weeks after session
“I’m tons better and people have noticed. I’m totally chilled at work. My sex drive HAS improved, even though I’ve still a way to go.”
Presenting symptom(s):

Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Sleeplessness
Female
Business Manager

1
Feedback 3 weeks after session
“I’m going to sleep much better. I’ve had no pills since the session and I’ve been having something to help me sleep for the past two years. I’d say I’m 75 – 80% better”.
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions: 		Sleeplessness

Male
Lifeguard
1
Feedback 3 weeks after session
“I took your advice and it’s worked really well. I’m asleep within a few minutes every night. I wish I’d found you years ago.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions: 		Smoker

Male
Police Officer
1
Feedback 3 weeks after first session
“I was a little sceptical when I came out, but I haven’t smoked since. I’m absolutely fine”.
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions: 		Smoker

Male
Company Director
1
Feedback 3 weeks after first session
Patient away on business. Wife reported, “I think he’s doing fantastically well”.

6 weeks after session: “It’s amazing really, as I had a big upset the day after the session, the company folded. It was a very stressful moment but I’ve not smoked at all, I’ve not wanted one”.

Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:

Occupation:
Number of sessions:

Sweating (hands and feet)
Male
Graphic Designer
3
Feedback 1 month after final session
“I’m persevering with the self-hypnosis and can feel the difference. I’m able to reduce the sweating or stop it during self-hypnosis. I’ve felt more relaxed during certain events.”
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions: 		Thumb sucker
Male

Schoolboy, age 11
1
Feedback 3 days after session
“I’m not wanting to suck my thumb it makes me feel tired.”

Feedback 12 days after session
“I gave up on Wednesday last week” (5 days after treatment). “I’m not going to do it anymore.”
Feedback approximately one year later
Still not sucking thumb.
Presenting symptom(s):
Patient:
Occupation:
Number of sessions: 		Unhappiness and eating unhealthily
Female

Health Visitor
1
Feedback 3 days after session
“I’m doing very well and I’m much happier with myself. I’ve lost 9lbs and feel that I’ve turned a massive corner. I’m not eating anything that’s bad for me, drinking lots of water, and only having 3 cups of coffee.”