Hypnotherapy for English speakers
Hypnotherapy is a dynamic form of therapy and approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. With the guidance of a certified hypnotherapist, sessions aim to bring positive changes to behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Through a variety of therapeutic exercises, we delve into the depths of your unconscious mind, fostering transformation at your own pace.
What is hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a form of treatment where hypnosis, also known as trance, is used to induce changes in thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Trance is a state we all experience, wherein we deeply concentrate on something, thereby becoming less or not aware of our surroundings, such as when engrossed in a book or a movie to the extent that we don't notice someone calling us. That's trance in action - a natural phenomenon we all encounter.Methods encompass visualization, regression, inner child work, and parts therapy. Regression entails revisiting earlier life moments to process unresolved pain effectively. Parts therapy facilitates contact with your inner critic, perfectionist, and various aspects of your inner child.
Therapeutic trance
A hypnotherapist can intentionally induce this trance to guide you in addressing your problems; this is known as therapeutic trance. By utilizing this state, you're able to connect with your subconscious and gain deeper understanding and insight into your feelings and issues. Hypnotherapy is a proven effective form of therapy that utilizes hypnosis to address various concerns. Our daily thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are strongly influenced by experiences stored in our subconscious. By actively accessing this part of our mind, we can work more effectively on our personal growth. Hypnotherapy is applied to various issues including anxiety, depression, addiction, physical pain, sleep problems, and stress.
The unconscious mind
Freud recognized that the unconscious mind is a powerful driving force behind our behavior and many psychological processes. He believed the unconscious to be a reservoir of hidden memories, suppressed sexual drives, desires, fears, and impulses. The American psychiatrist Milton Erickson, often considered the pioneer of modern hypnotherapy, held a holistic perspective on the unconscious. He viewed it as a vast source of resources and creative solutions that people can tap into to solve problems and effect change. The metaphor of an iceberg is wellknown for explaining the consiuous and the unconscious mind.
The metaphor of an iceberg is often used to explain the conscious and unconscious mind. In this metaphor, the tip of the iceberg, which is visible above the water, represents the conscious mind—the thoughts, feelings, and perceptions that we are aware of and can easily access. However, beneath the surface lies a much larger portion of the iceberg, unseen underwater. This hidden part symbolizes the unconscious mind, which consists of thoughts, memories, desires, and emotions that are not readily accessible to our conscious awareness but still influence our behavior, emotions, and experiences. Just as the submerged portion of the iceberg can impact the movement and stability of the visible tip, the contents of the unconscious mind can profoundly shape our conscious thoughts and actions.
Addiction
After years of running a general practice, I've dedicated the past few years to specializing in addressing two prevalent challenges: addictions and anxiety. My professional and personal journey has led me to a profound understanding of these issues, and I am passionate about helping individuals navigate their way to recovery.Addictions, whether substance-related like alcohol or cocaine, or behavioral such as eating, sex, porn, or gambling, can have a huge impact on someone's life. Having worked extensively with individuals facing addiction challenges, I understand the complexities involved. In addition to my private practice, I serve as a group counselor in addiction care at ITMYS in Hilversum, bringing both professional expertise and personal triumph—I've successfully overcome addiction myself.
Anxiety
Anxiety, often tightly woven with our perceptions of the future, manifests through mental images, thoughts, and projections. This intricate dance between our present and potential futures creates a persistent state of unease. The fear of the unknown, anticipated challenges, or potential outcomes can contribute to the 'gap' that Fritz Perls refers to—'Anxiety is the gap between the now and the later.' In this gap, our minds generate scenarios we fervently wish to avoid.
Importantly, this often happens without us being consciously aware of these mental images. These subconscious patterns, formed over time, influence our emotional responses and behaviors, shaping the lens through which we view the world. Understanding that mental images, thoughts, and projections play a pivotal role in anxiety, my approach involves exploring and reframing these patterns. Through personalized strategies and therapeutic techniques, I aim to empower individuals to navigate the uncertainties ahead with resilience and a newfound sense of control.
'Anxiety is the gap between the now and the later.'
Understanding Hypnotherapy
There's a common misconception that a visit to a hypnotherapist involves explaining a problem, closing your eyes, and having it magically disappear within an hour. If that's your expectation, you might be better suited to a hypnotist. Hypnotherapy serves as a powerful tool in addressing change through techniques like visualization, regression, and parts therapy, hypnotherapy enables individuals to explore and reframe subconscious patterns contributing to these challenges. It goes beyond conventional approaches, fostering profound connections with the unconscious mind. I work with parts therapy during therapeutic trance—connecting with trauma fragments, addressing the inner critic, or nurturing the inner child. Regression helps release unresolved pain from the past, allowing for healthy processing.
Whether you're seeking assistance for addiction recovery or managing anxiety, my practice in Amsterdam Bos en Lommer offers a supportive environment for transformation. Recognizing that these issues require a comprehensive and personalized approach, I am here to guide you on your journey to lasting change.
The therapist
My name is Erik Willems, a certified hypnotherapist with a private practice since 2009, located in Amsterdam West. I also work as an addiction group counselor at ITMYS addiction care in Hilversum and I'm am a member of the NBVH (Dutch professional association for hypnotherapists).
In addition to hypnosis, my practice integrates EMDR, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and solution-focused therapy.
In addition to my therapeutic practice, I have a background in the theater industry, having worked as a director, writer, and teacher. I continue to teach stage performance classes for jazz students at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and the Conservatory of Amsterdam. I find great satisfaction in blending my creative and therapeutic pursuits.
Costs and health insurance
Whether you prefer face-to-face interaction or the convenience of virtual sessions, I offer both live and online sessions. Your comfort and accessibility are a priority, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your needs. A hypnotherapy consultation is 70 minutes. After the consultation you can pay with Tikkie or cash and you will receive the invoice by email. If you have additional insurance (aanvullende verzekering), there is a good chance that the (Dutch) health insurer will (partly) reimburse hypnotherapy.
| Intake (phone/videocall) 10-20 min | Free |
| Hypnotherapy concultation 75 min (in person/online) | € 120,00 |
| Coaching 75 min (in person/online) | € 154,20 |
If you have any inquiries or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to reach out. I'm here to assist you on your journey, so don't hesitate to get in touch.