Psychotherapy, Psychological Support & Clinical Hypnotherapy

Understanding the Relationship Between Mind and Body

Physical symptoms are real and should always be assessed appropriately. However, health is influenced not only by identifiable disease or injury, but also by the way the brain and body respond to stress, emotion, previous experiences, sleep disturbance and other forms of regulatory load.

During a Diagnostic Consultation, Gerry explores these influences sensitively and without assuming that symptoms are “all in the mind.” Clinical examination may be supported by capnometry and heart rate variability assessment, helping to identify how breathing, neural regulation and physiological responses may change during conversation, cognitive challenge or emotional stress.

For some patients, recognising these connections provides an important new perspective. Where psychological support could form a useful part of an integrated management plan, referral to an appropriately qualified psychotherapist, psychologist or clinical hypnotherapist may be discussed through shared decision-making.

When Psychological or Neuropsychiatric Support May Be Helpful

Psychological support may be valuable when emotional distress, persistent stress, trauma, anxiety, low mood or difficult life experiences are affecting a person’s health, relationships, sleep or ability to recover.

It may also help patients living with chronic pain, fatigue, functional symptoms or a long-term medical condition. Referral does not imply that physical symptoms are imagined or purely psychological. Instead, it recognises that physical, emotional, cognitive and physiological influences can interact and may all require appropriate attention.

Where the diagnosis remains uncertain, or where symptoms suggest a more complex interaction between neurological, cognitive and psychiatric factors, Gerry may recommend referral to a neuropsychiatrist for a specialist diagnostic opinion or confirmation of a suspected diagnosis.

The most appropriate referral will depend upon the individual’s history, symptoms, preferences and clinical needs. This may include neuropsychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy, counselling or clinical hypnotherapy as part of a broader integrated management plan.

Psychotherapy and Psychology

Psychotherapy and psychological therapy provide a confidential and supportive setting in which patients can explore thoughts, emotions, behaviours, relationships and previous experiences that may be affecting their health and wellbeing.

Different approaches may be appropriate for different people. These can include psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, trauma-informed therapy and other evidence-based psychological interventions.

Where referral is appropriate, Gerry will consider the patient’s clinical presentation, personal preferences and therapeutic needs before recommending a suitably qualified practitioner. Psychological therapy may be used independently or alongside medical care, osteopathic treatment, breathing retraining and other elements of an integrated management plan.

Clinical Hypnotherapy

Clinical hypnotherapy uses focused attention, guided relaxation and therapeutic suggestion to help patients explore and modify particular patterns of thought, emotion, behaviour or physiological response.

Hypnosis is not the same as sleep, unconsciousness or loss of control. The patient remains aware and actively involved throughout the process and cannot be made to do anything against their wishes.

When provided by an appropriately trained practitioner, clinical hypnotherapy may be considered as a complementary approach for selected problems, including anxiety, stress-related symptoms, certain phobias, habit change, pain management and some functional gastrointestinal symptoms.

Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for appropriate medical or psychological assessment. Where it is considered suitable, referral will form part of an individualised and shared management plan.

Guided Visualisation Within the Diagnostic Consultation

Having worked closely with Dr Brian Roet for many years, Gerry developed a practical understanding of guided visualisation and its potential clinical value. He may occasionally use carefully selected visualisation exercises during a Diagnostic Consultation or as part of a patient’s management programme.

Many autonomic nervous system responses are influenced by non-conscious processes. Thoughts, memories and imagined situations can produce measurable changes in breathing, heart rate, muscle tension and other physiological responses, even when a person is not consciously aware of feeling distressed.

When combined with clinical observation, capnometry and heart rate variability monitoring, guided visualisation may help identify how a patient’s physiology responds to particular thoughts, situations or emotional themes. It may also be used therapeutically to support relaxation, breathing regulation, symptom management and the development of greater physiological flexibility.

This does not constitute formal hypnotherapy or psychiatric diagnosis. It is used selectively and with the patient’s agreement as one component of a wider integrated clinical assessment.

Specialist Referral and Shared Decision-Making

Where additional psychological, psychiatric or neuropsychiatric expertise may be helpful, Gerry will discuss the reasons for referral openly with the patient.

Depending upon the clinical presentation, referral may be recommended for:

• A neuropsychiatric diagnostic opinion or confirmation of a suspected diagnosis.
• Assessment or treatment by a clinical psychologist.
• Specialist psychiatric assessment.
• Psychotherapy with an appropriately qualified and experienced practitioner.
• Trauma-informed psychological therapy.
• Clinical hypnotherapy.
• Psychological support for chronic pain, functional symptoms, anxiety, low mood or adjustment to long-term illness.

The choice of practitioner will be based upon the patient’s individual needs, location and preferences, as well as the clinician’s professional qualifications, experience and area of expertise. Referral forms part of a collaborative and integrated approach and does not imply that physical symptoms are being dismissed or considered imaginary.

Acknowledging Dr Brian Roet

For many years, The Health Equation has worked closely with Dr Brian Roet, an experienced medical doctor, psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist whom Gerry has known throughout his professional life.

Brian’s knowledge and extensive clinical experience have contributed significantly to Gerry’s understanding of the relationships between conscious thought, non-conscious processes, emotional experience and physiological responses. Their longstanding professional collaboration has also helped inform Gerry’s careful use of guided visualisation within an integrated clinical setting.

As Brian is now approaching retirement and has substantially reduced his clinical commitments, The Health Equation refers patients to him only very occasionally and by prior agreement. His important contribution to the development of this aspect of The Health Equation’s clinical approach is warmly acknowledged and greatly appreciated.

Arranging an Assessment or Referral

Psychological, psychiatric or neuropsychiatric referral is considered within the context of the patient’s complete clinical presentation rather than as an isolated service.

Patients who are experiencing complex, persistent or unexplained symptoms should initially book a Diagnostic Consultation with Gerry. This provides sufficient time to review the clinical history, previous investigations, physical health, emotional and psychological influences, breathing behaviour and physiological regulation.

Where specialist input would be valuable, the available options will be discussed with the patient and an appropriate referral can be incorporated into the wider management plan.

Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy London

Hypnotherapy

The term “hypnosis” originates from the Greek word “Hypnos,” the God of Sleep, leading to the misconception that hypnosis resembles sleep. However, the trance state induced in hypnotherapy differs significantly from sleep, yet many individuals avoid it due to this misunderstanding, missing out on potential benefits.

Understanding hypnotherapy requires recognizing the intricate connection between the mind and body:

• The mind governs bodily functions like heartbeat, blood pressure, and breathing, meaning enhancing mental function can positively impact physical health, addressing both psychological and physical ailments.
• The body communicates imbalance through symptoms, signaling issues within the mind-body system.

Hypnotherapy aims to restore harmony and balance within this system by utilizing the trance state, a natural mental state akin to daydreaming, known for its profound benefits to the mind-body complex.

Dr. Brian Roet, whom The Health Equation refers to, provides remote or in-person consultations for Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy at his residence in New Malden, London. Additionally, Gerry facilitates referrals to centrally located Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists in London, practicing an integrated medical approach as necessary.