David Attard Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy in Malta

Frequently Asked Questions (Selected)

How is clinical hypnotherapy different from traditional psychotherapy and counselling?

What is Logotherapy and what is it used for?
Sometimes we just need to talk things through, get the words out, and verbally process with another person. Logotherapy (the Existential Psychotherapy of Viktor Frankl) is also sometimes the best choice for treatment, and provides you a space for healing and clarity. Things commonly worked through in Logotherapy is relationship issues, strong feelings, and sharing resources and advice. Since it’s your therapy, you can customize what you’d like your process to look like. I may choose to do a mixture of Logotherapy and clinical hypnosis to best assist you in reaching your goal. Sometimes it is preferable to use a diversity of IHCH tools to get to your required life and health goals with least turbulence.
What is hypnosis?

What is hypnosis like?

What is IHCH and what can IHCH do?

Anxiety and stress
Hypnosis seems to be extremely successful with a Cognitive Behavioural Approach in treating all forms of anxiety and especially panic attacks. Hypnosis is also proven to be successful in overcoming almost any phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder or excessive fear such as stage fright.
Depression
Depression is called “anger without enthusiasm”, and once this anger is dealt with together with cognitive restructuring, the depression seems to ease a great deal.
So called "Trauma"
Hypnosis is proven to be extremely effective in dealing with trauma, especially post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Various other emotional disorders
Other emotional disorders in the working field of a psychologist are also addressed in this practice, especially self-esteem and problems with self-confidence, as well as grief.
Eating disorders and slimming
Hypnosis is very useful in helping people to slim down. It is sometimes necessary to address underlying issues to help you to get slim easily and effortlessly.
Smoking
Great success has been achieved with quitting smoking. If a person is not serious about quitting, the success rate is considerably lower. Please read my article on smoking on my website before you make an appointment.
Habits
Hypnosis can also assist with overcoming habits like nail biting, nose picking, etc.
Preparation for surgery and aftercare
Although the person is under anaesthesia during an operation, the subconscious mind is still awake and active and the individual may experience this procedure as traumatizing. Hypnosis can help in preparing the subconscious mind for the operation to eliminate the “fight or flight” response. It also helps in recovery, controlling bleeding, reduces pain after the operation, and even helps to reduce scars, since scars can be a subconscious reminder of the trauma. It has also been successful in assisting dentists during dental procedures. In this context, hypnosis can also be very helpful in childbirth training as well as preparation for labour.
Academic/athletic/sports performance
The client is taught self-hypnosis (hypno-training), which helps with concentration, anxiety, comprehension, motivation and retention. If there is any negative memory or perception preventing the client from optimal performance these areas will be addressed first.
Memory recovery
It is often necessary to uncover where the problem originated. People can remember things that happened before they were born and even remember what happened when they were unconscious.
Psycho Neuro Immunology (PNI)
PNI is an exciting new field in the world of hypnosis. In short, it means that any medical disorder may have an underlying psychological root. By treating the disorder with hypnosis, the general practitioner can be assisted in healing the problem or disorder. Success is recorded with especially dermatological, auto-immune disorders, cancer, pain and many other.
Sleep disorders
Since hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation, it is very helpful in assisting those with sleep disorders, provided that any trauma that is causing the sleep disorder is dealt with first.
Sexual dysfunction and relationship disorders
Hypnosis can be helpful with sexual problems like frigidity, sexual trauma, impotence and premature ejaculation. It can also assist those with relationship problems for instance, trust.
Spirituality, Religion and Guilt
Hypnosis can also help to put the client of whatever religious conviction more in touch with their "God" or the “Higher Power”, and the Inner Wisdom to help them on their life path. Sometimes many psychological problems have a spiritual root or orientation, and it is necessary to address spiritual issues here. Feelings of guilt and feelings of having done something wrong are seen by many hypnopsychotherapists as being at the core of many psychological or life problems.
Can I lose control in hypnosis?
It is next to impossible to be hypnotised against your will or without consent. An important part of the protocol is that the therapist acts a guide to your experience, and you are in control of how relaxed you are and the places you explore in therapy.
Can the therapist control me or my mind?
As per the psychotherapy ethics, it is completely unethical for me to control someone else. Because you are in control of your experience in hypnosis, no one can control your mind in hypnosis. You decide which suggestions you want to accept and which you don’t—especially if a suggestion goes against your value system, religion, etc. I am bound by the Code of Ethics stipulated by the Malta Association of Psychotherapy.
I have a very strong will and so probably I cannot be hypnotised - is this common?
All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. You are hypnotized in some way on a daily basis because humans experience hypnosis everyday. Think about times when you’ve been daydreaming or falling asleep. The key to hypnosis is focusing on the sound of the therapist’s voice and letting go. Somedays you might not feel as relaxed in hypnosis as other days, but you are most likely more relaxed than you think. Again, you have the power to choose how deeply hypnotized you become.
What should I expect in my first visit?
Before we begin the first session, you fill out required paperwork or we can do this together. Then, we conduct a thorough history that will take between one and a half to two hours. During the first session, I will also tell you about how I approach therapy and what to expect in future sessions.
What does a session look like?,
It depends on where you are in the hypnosis protocol. I will explain more about what a session looks like during your first session!
How long will therapy take?
IHCH takes on average between 7 and 20 sessions - however some situations may warrant more follow-ups according to the clinical picture and/ or life-situation of the client.
Consultations
Hypnotherapy and Stress Management consultation fees are 60 Euros per session. Each session lasts for about 60 minutes.
How to book your appointment