Alongside my performance, recording and
teaching commitments, I work as a clinical hypnotherapist in Manchester
specialising in helping musicians with performance anxiety (among many other
issues). The benefits of hypnosis for musicians can not only improve your
musical performances, but also benefit your personal life and self-confidence.
Hypnosis is an interesting medium. There are many misconceptions about it thanks to the entertainment world and no one really knows exactly how it works. However, hypnosis is real and can be used to great effect within a therapeutic framework.
When I was training I had what I would like to see as a healthy scepticism. I wondered if it was the “emperor’s new clothes” and my peers on the course were all pretending to be hypnotised. However, when I eventually experienced the benefits personally (it took a while, I’m more of a “progressive” hypnotee) and worked with real people with real issues and witnessed rapid change, it became apparent that hypnosis was indeed very real.
I have been working with performance
anxiety hypnotherapy in Manchester since 2007 and during that time I have had
the privilege of working with a wide range of musicians.
Most hypnotherapists will tell you it’s like driving down the motorway, where you forget the previous ten miles and it’s just a form of relaxation. While this can be the case, it’s not strictly true in my experience.
I have worked with clients where I hypnotise
them in 5 seconds into a deep trance and others where it can take 20 minutes of
relaxation and deepeners before they get there. I have worked with other people
who I’m not convinced are ever actually hypnotised (although this is less
common). It all really depends on what could be referred to as your
“neurological architecture” – different brains are wired in different ways.
Either way, the relaxation element in itself can be hugely beneficial,
especially in the reduction of tension in practise and performance.
I have worked with musicians from all backgrounds, both professional and amateur. I have provided one to one help and support for professional classical players from all of the orchestras in the north of England.
Common issues include bow shakes, lip shake, tension and anxiety but I have also worked with a wide range of other personal issues, many of which can be inextricably linked to the presenting problem. I provide performance anxiety hypnotherapy for musicians and support for auditions, recitals, concertos, exams – any anxiety evoking situation you can think of.
The benefits of hypnosis can be huge and can include:
• Improved performance self-confidence
• Lessened performance anxiety
• Comfort and self-centredness when playing and practising
• Overcoming obstacles so you can better your sound
• Helping you be more receptive to new opportunities, creativity and broader repertoire
• Impact your personal life, e.g. how you carry yourself and communicate
• Quieting the inner critic
If you are looking for help with performance anxiety, or other personal issues,
please get in touch and I can explore if hypnotherapy can help you. I have been
in practise since 2007 following my studies with the London College Of Clinical
Hypnosis where I achieved a Certificate (2006) and Diploma (2007) in Clinical
Hypnosis. I am registered with The British Society of Clinical Hypnosis and
abide by their code of ethics. I am fully insured and provide music
hypnotherapy for musicians suffering from performance anxiety from my home in
Didsbury, South Manchester.