Change can sometimes seem difficult, whether it is stopping smoking, trying to lose weight, or motivating ourselves to go in a new direction.

These are all matters to do with the mind, making up our mind to do something and then carrying it out. While neuroscientists would admit that our knowledge of the brain and its functioning is far from perfect, we do know that our mind operates at two levels: the conscious mind (which is the part which is knowingly reading these words) and the unconscious or subconscious mind. The latter is very much larger, containing our long-term memory, and it is responsible for a surprisingly large part of our behaviour during the day. If we want to change our behaviour it is the subconscious mind which we must influence and use.

This is why hypnotherapy can be so effective. Using hypnosis the therapist can access the client's subconscious mind and, in cooperation with the client, guide the client in a new direction. A hypnotic trance is a pleasant, relaxed state in which the client is aware of what is happening: for a fuller explanation see "What is hypnosis?" in FAQ

Neuro-linguistic Programming ( NLP) is an allied technique which uses an understanding of the way that we look at the world, and are affected by our experience, to change our viewpoint and hence our motivation.

Patrick Browning MA LLM FCA DCH DHP is a Clinical Hypnotherapist practising in Kensington in London. He has a general practice and is able to help clients with a wide range of issues. He sees people with cancer at the Cancer Resource Centre in Battersea, both on a one-to-one basis and in group relaxation classes. He also holds group relaxation classes in Kensington & Chelsea (call or e-mail for details of the next class series). In addition, he can work with employers, colleges and schools helping groups of people with stress management, goal setting, relaxation etc, as explained under Corporate Services.

Patrick Browning trained with the Institute of Clinical Hypnosis and is on the General Hypnotherapy Register. He is also a Licensed Practitioner in NLP. He has previous experience as an international investment banker and a finance director.