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Dr. John J. Murphy Psychologist and Hypnotherapist | Beverly Hills, CA |
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I will often use a mix of traditional hypnosis methods and new techniques that do not require the traditional 'trance' elements of hypnosis. These techniques use a type of cue-based hypnosis response combined with elements from biofeedback and cognitive therapy. I've found that these techniques seem to bring quicker and more permanent results than traditional hypnotherapy. With a lesser emphasis on a deep trance (or deep level of relaxation), there is not as much concern over losing control or not being suggestible. The majority of these techniques will be done with your eyes open. Another benefit is that you won't have to believe it's going to work or even understand the process completely. A motto I often use is "smile and nod": so long as you follow along, smile and nod, you should see rather quick results irrespective of your belief system or suggestability level. I generally stick to the more traditional elements of hypnosis for smoking cessation and for the more complex phobias, or if someone is simply curious about the process of hypnosis.
I do not generally work in the area of "past life regression" (I don't believe in it), memory retrieval (often times unreliable), sublimnal tapes (they don't work), or natural child birth (I have seen some good results, and I can refer you to someone who specializes in this area).
For a more detailed essay on just what is hypnosis, click here
Many clients often find relief very quickly and easily. Most clients leave my office the first session feeling as though a weight has been lifted off their shoulder. If a client feels anxious, has low self-esteem, feels shame or guilt, these feelings will, for the most part, be reduced and the client will notice a marked improvement during the week. Clients who come in for these reasons, as well as those coming in for performance issues, will generally see a very significant level of improvement after 1-4 sessions that will stay with them for a long time.
Clients who come in for a 'simple' phobia (i.e. heights, elevators, animals) usually require between 2-4 sessions.
With generalized and social anxiety, I have an 8-session program that combines hypnotherapy and cognitive psychology. If you're unsure if the problem is a phobia or a generalized anxiety, we can discuss the differences between the two to point you in the right direction.
Those who come in for addictions can often expect a significant improvement *but* the client will often need an outside 'coach' to help in the process.
For example, with someone who is overweight, if the person eats for emotional reasons, such as boredom, to tranquilize anxiety, using food as a reward, I can help. Those issues usually take 2-3 sessions. Then there are food addictions, such as cravings for sugar or fatty foods. That's usually 2-3 sessions.
Once these session programs are complete, the person won't have the emotional blocks and learning to eat right (and for the right reasons) becomes a lot easier. The person would then want to look into seeing a nutritionist. The nutritionist would serve as the coach. I would be in the position of removing the blocks, anxieties, and cravings so that the person can actually follow the directions of the coach.
For smoking cessation, plenty of research suggests that hypnosis and other relaxation methods are very helpful in quitting smoking. But above all else, it is the combination of relaxation methods and the motivation of the client that brings about the highest probability of success. I'm able to help a person quit smoking in one 90-minute session. For more information about this, click here
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With 'harder' drugs, you can expect to have fewer cravings and less shame but you will need to avoid your 'cues' that bring about the cravings and, I encourage you to seek out a help-group. Again, it's not essential to find a self-help group, and I can help with the connections between the cues and the cravings (as well as the craving itself). Experience shows, however, that those who seek the outside help - who find a coach - are almost always more successful and happier in the long run.
Basically, with all addictions, it's helpful and sometimes essential to have a coach. Maybe this coach is a nutritionist or a self-help group or a small list of important reasons to not smoke or take drugs. My job is to make a significant dent in the cravings, feelings of shame, anxieties, and feelings of worthlessness that all correspond to addictions.
Along that line, I encourage clients to take a friend with them for sessions, especially for addictions. That person can then remind the client of any issues or triggers. Also, the friend is better able to judge progress, pointing out the accomplishments as well as any remaining issues.
In general, the first session is 90 minutes long, with each additional session taking about 60 minutes. I prefer to meet with a client at least once a week. Generally, I'll give 'homework' such as supplementary information, tips and guidelines for you to follow until our next session.
These rates are based upon the past four years. Efficacy rate is the percentage of clients who have found significant improvement in that area and are queried both at the termination of the last session and six months hence.
91% Efficacy: traumatic memories, guilt, grief, regret, PTSD, low self-esteem.
Single-incidence issues (based upon one memory) are usually resolved in one session; more extensive memories may take about 2-3 sessions.
80% Efficacy: phobias, physical issues, anxiety, relationship issues, aversion towards exercise, feelings of depression, smoking cessation.
My success rate on average hovers around 80%. Smoking cessation is typically 85%-90%; however, I only accept clients who want to quit smoking.
76% Efficacy: Addictions (besides smoking cessation and marijuana).
Generally, those who have a support group and/or take medication have a higher likelihood of success. Often, relieving the anxiety and other negative emotions are enough to seriously curb an addiction
43% Efficacy: Age regression, lost items.
I'll usually refer you to someone.