Hypnotherapy for Misophonia - what makes my approach different?

I'm Sandra Wilson, a Clinical Hypnotherapist who works with Misophonia in a way that is a bit different! Read on to explore more about my unique approach.

If you have tried many different things to calm your Misophonia "trigger" response but these just aren't working, you might be interested in this short blog which offers an insight into how I help my clients. I tend to think a little more "outside the box" about your symptom (the trigger response to the sound) - even adopting a more creative approach than traditional CBT/talking therapy approaches. I have noticed that many clients say they tried CBT and found it didn't help very much. It's not my intention to knock CBT - it's a fantastic therapeutic model that really helps a lot of people, but in my view, it has its limitations when applied to a problem rooted in the subconscious mind. This is exactly where Misophonia begins - nobody CHOOSES to respond to sounds with rage, panic or disgust.

So, what do I mean when I say this? What makes MY approach to helping clients with Misophonia different?

A "nervous system first" approach

Misophonia reactions happen very quickly, often at the speed of light and before you are consciously aware of them. This is why many sufferers feel the trigger in their bodies first - that panicky or rage-filled feeling, the disgust, the racing heart or the urge to run. This horrible feeling in your body is the first sign that your body is going into the "fight or flight" state. The techniques I use are therefore focused on your body first, which is how your nervous system tells you that it feels unsafe. It doesn't say "hey, you are not safe! Run!" It doesn't say "now it's time to get really angry". You just FEEL it. This is why so much of my work is body-focused (or "somatic"). I aim to help your nervous system feel the safety it needs, not just when you are being triggered, but when you anticipate the trigger. I have taken the time to perfect my techniques which have developed from my years of practice as a Clinical Hypnotherapist.

No enforced exposure or tolerance

I don't believe that exposing yourself to 'trigger sounds' is very effective - and could make your condition worse. Your nervous system does not learn "safety" this way. It's far too blunt. I take the time to really explore what it is about the sound your nervous system doesn't like, and it often throws up a lot of surprises! It is NOT about the sound : it is about what the sound represents. For example, why does your nervous system find one sound made by a certain person a threat, but not another? How come your spouse snoring triggers rage but when your dog snores, it's cute? I gently encourage a deeper level of thinking and awareness about your experience that you might not have considered before. Everyone is different - your own personal circumstances are unique to you.

I work with your "subconscious mind" more than your "conscious" mind

This often intrigues a lot of my new clients - they say "what is this subconscious mind and how can I access it?!" This part of your brain contains the system that protects you and helps you to function effectively in the world. It contains a filing cabinet filled to the brim with all your beliefs, past experiences, behavioural patterns and old emotional conditioning. You are not aware of how this filing system affects your present-day thoughts, feelings, behaviours and responses but it does! It influences everything from your food choices, the time you get up, the people you choose as friends or partners, and even your self-esteem. Your Misophonia responses are LEARNED and stored within this filing cabinet. At some point your mind decided that the trigger sound was a threat to you and has continued to sound the alarm whenever you hear it. It may not make logical sense to you. I use hypnotic techniques to help you figure this out, and heal what really needs to be healed. The real problem is usually NOT misophonia just by itself.

A structured, focused and tailored programme

I plan my sessions and what we will cover in accordance with YOU: your needs, your personal history and everything about your life - no stone is left unturned. If I am going to help you, I will ask you many questions to help me design the best programme and the best techniques that will help you specifically. I don't tend to apply a "once size fits all" approach to my programme of sessions. I will always be honest with you - and ask you what your best hopes are. I never promise to cure Misophonia, I never promise particular results or outcomes. That is not within my power. Instead, I ask that you trust the process and trust in the power of your own subconscious mind. It will show you what needs to heal, what needs to change. Many of my clients notice change happens in ways they really did not expect! I also adopt a more "coaching style" approach for those who want to be held accountable. Misophonia rarely shows up on its own - it is often accompanied by other things such as social anxiety, people-pleasing, low self esteem, trauma, neurodiversity trauma and imposter syndrome amongst other things. This doesn't mean that you have any of these things - it's more that these conditions are common in people with Misophonia.

Misophonia can sometimes develop as a defence mechanism - it sounds very strange but when you really think about it, it makes a lot of sense. What if your Misophonia is trying to protect you from the thing you need the most in your life?

If my approach has intrigued you, I invite you to take a look at a few testimonials and read a little more about how I work, here How I can help you.

If you'd like to take an opportunity to book a consultation with me, I invite you to book here - Work with me/contact

I also produce helpful videos weekly over on my Youtube channel and my FB page. If you are interested, feel free to click on the links below.