Dr Kate Beaven-Marks, clinical hypnotist, hypnotherapy trainer, international presenter and author, talks to SHP about how about how hypnotherapy approaches can be used to increase workplace wellbeing.
Kate will be speaking about hypnotherapy and wellbeing in the workplace in more detail at Safety & Health Expo on 17 May 2022 at London’s ExCeL.
“Although I have given presentations at many health and safety related events and conferences, this is the first time my presentation ‘Hypnotherapy and workplace wellbeing’ actually has ‘hypnotherapy’ in the title.”
Kate will be speaking about how hypnotherapy approaches can be used to increase workplace wellbeing. Her presentation will start by clarifying the facts and fiction of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. She will then go on to explore some of the powerful mind and body benefits of hypnotherapy in the workplace, supported by key research.
“From a hypnotherapy perspective, much can be done to support mental and physical health in the workplace. Whilst it is true that in recent years, much has been done to develop a health and wellbeing agenda, a health and wellbeing at work survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and SimplyHealth, in 2021, the survey indicated that 27% of organisations are still more ‘reactive’ than ‘proactive’ and only 67% of managers consider wellbeing important.
“The report also indicated that mental health is the most common focus of health and wellbeing activity, with aspects such as stress management, work-life balance, lifestyle choices and physical health all receiving attention. However, whilst eye tests were commonly provided as a wellbeing initiative (67% of organisations surveyed), just 15% offered access to a complementary therapy. This was the least provided out of all health promotion initiatives, with physical health such as yoga classes and the offers of fitness trackers being much more likely to be offered.
“It would seem that the reactive response to mental health is still more common, with a gradual increase in access to talking therapy rising from 56% in 2016 to 74% in 2021. This is supported by the findings that stress continues to be one of the most significant causes of both short and long-term absence from work, with a staggering 91% of survey respondents reporting stress-related absence in the last year in organisations with over 250 employees (79% in smaller companies). In addition, 21% considered their organisation was ineffective at addressing stress.”
Can hypnotherapy help with wellbeing in the workplace?
“So, can hypnotherapy help? Absolutely! It offers both proactive and reactive measures that can be taught, easily and effectively to employees, so that they are empowered in their own mental and physical health self-care. My presentation will outline a range of approaches than can be adopted organisation-wide, and which can be used as a standalone wellbeing strategy or alongside existing approaches.
Who will find the session most beneficial?
“The session has been designed to help any attendee to gain an awareness of how the strategic use of hypnotherapy (and self-hypnosis), and hypnotic language can help anyone in the workplace. Everyone attending this session will be able to instantly apply some of the useful strategies presented, whether for themselves or sharing with others.”
What you hope will be the key takeaways if they attend your session?
“Firstly, those attending the session will gain an understanding of what hypnotherapy is (and isn’t) as well as the significant contribution hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis can offer to aid mental health in the workplace.
“For those involved in mental health and occupational health, they will discover how they can support and help their employees and colleagues.
“Where delegates are in a management position or work in the realms of health, safety, and risk management, they will learn some useful language tips that will enhance their communications with staff.”
What you personally are most looking forward to about speaking at, and attending in general, a face-to-face event again?
“I am really excited to be attending a face-to-face event and generally talking to people about their experiences, and attending some of the awesome sessions that are scheduled. In between those sessions, walking around the vast array of exhibitors is sure to keep me interested and occupied, as well as form a brilliant way of getting updates about what is new!
“Interestingly, many of the event speakers have messages that will resonate with hypnotherapy practitioners and those interested in hypnosis. One of the other speakers is Louis Theroux, the documentary-maker, producer and writer, who will be talking about his diverse TV experience, and his investigations which have included alcohol addiction, dementia care and a look into American psychiatric treatment centres.”
Thanks to all those in the audience who engaged so well! It was great afterwards to hear so many stories of how hypnotherapy had helped people.