Frequenly
Asked
Questions
Coaching
How does Integral Coaching differ from other forms of Life Coaching?
Integral Coaching, as taught by the Centre for Coaching at UCT Graduate School of Business, and New Ventures West in San Francisco, is based Integral Theory and Developmental psychology as conceptualised by Ken Wilber, Robert Kegan, Jane Loevinger, Jean Piaget, among others. It integrates multiple perspectives and methodologies from various fields, such as psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, and leadership development and draws on a range of tools and practices to support the client’s growth.
Integral Coaching takes a holistic view of individuals, considering multiple dimensions of their lives, including their beliefs, values, emotions, physical well-being, relationships, and more. It aims to support lasting change and transformation, rather than providing quick fixes or temporary solutions.
What is Life Coaching and how does it differ from therapy?
Life coaching is for anybody who is experiencing a life crisis, a transition or who needs direction and help.
It is a type of personal coaching that aims to support people in identifying and achieving their personal and professional goals and improving their overall well-being. Unlike therapy, which focuses on the past, life coaching is focused on the present and future, with the goal of creating positive change and helping you move forward towards your desired outcomes. Once the issues have been identified and explored, it is action based in implementing solutions.
During one-on-one sessions, Bernie works with you to identify your values, strengths, and passions, and to create a plan of action to achieve your goals. Through questioning, active listening, and visualisation exercises, she helps you gain clarity and develop the skills and confidence you need to succeed. Ultimately, the goal of life coaching is to help you gain greater self-awareness, take action towards your goals, and create a more fulfilling life for yourself.
What is Executive Coaching?
The ultimate goal of executive coaching is to help the client become a more effective and successful leader, which can have a positive impact on your organisation as a whole. It is often used by companies as a tool for developing their high-potential employees and preparing them for leadership roles.
Executive coaching is focused on improving the performance and development of executives and other leaders within your organisation.
Bernie works one-on-one with clients to help them develop their leadership skills, improve decision-making abilities, and enhance their overall effectiveness in their role. She helps the client identify their strengths and weaknesses, set goals, develop action plans, and measure progress towards those goals.
How long does individual Coaching take?
Although this is variable, for one-on-one coaching, we typically meet for 6 – 12 sessions for one hour every two weeks. Less complex issues take less time. Extremely complex issues may take longer. On average the coaching programme takes from 3-6 months.
How does group coaching work?
We normally do group Coaching with teams, who have a common goal or purpose. We will begin with a deep group conversation about elements that are not working well for the team, and agree on common goals and preferred outcomes. Our main goal of the conversations is to understand each other better and to learn from each other, through deep questioning and profound listening. This usually results in a complete reframing of the problem for the team, and with the new understanding and perception of the problem, new solutions can be crafted. Goals are set and the team agrees on an action plan which is implemented, with group members holding each other accountable. Further sessions evaluate the progress of the action-plan, tweaking where necessary.
The structure is as follows:
We normally meet for six to twelve 2.5-hour sessions every two weeks, depending on the complexity of the issues.
The optimal size of the group should not exceed sixteen delegates.
Hypnotherapy
What is Client Centred Hypnotherapy?
Client-centred hypnotherapy is a partnership built on a rapport between the client and the practitioner. As the name suggests, this form of hypnotherapy is guided by the goals of the client who remains in control and makes decisions about the direction of their treatment. It includes an alignment between your conscious and unconscious mind that instantly prevents you from doing anything that deviates from your own moral compass. It never goes against your integrity or your beliefs.
How can Client Centred Hypnotherapy benefit me?
We sow the seeds of positive change in all aspects of your life, reducing stress and anxiety, removing limiting beliefs, building confidence, preventing burnout, shifting harmful life choices and so much more.
How can Client Centred Hypnotherapy benefit Companies and teams?
Working one-to-one or in small groups of up to 15 people, the Cocosol solution ignites sales teams, develops leadership, builds confidence, prevents burnout,
sparks creative problem solving and so much more.
The result is an activated, motivated team – the return on investment will be clear.
How does Client Centred Hypnotherapy work?
We start with a deep conversation that determines exactly what it is that you are aiming for. Together we determine what you want to change for yourself and what you want to replace it with. Once we have this destination, we go into the unconscious mind to reach our goal of replacing the unwanted with the wanted
What is the science of hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy allows for focused concentration while in a state of peaceful and guided relaxation. It harnesses the power of suggestion to bring about positive and lasting change. It is never about coercion and, contrary to what is seen in stage-performances and the movies, it will never force you to do something against your will.
Here is an article from Time Magazine on How Hypnosis works:
https://time.com/6171844/how-hypnosis-works/
Will I lose control under hypnosis?
Hypnosis can only happen with your consent. Your survival instinct – your most powerful instinct – is located in your unconscious mind. You will instantly resist any suggestion that is against your own best interests and snap out of trance at once. Therefore, you are always in control.
I’m worried I can’t be hypnotised?
If you have ever become lost in a movie or a book, or driven a car on “autopilot”, you have experienced hypnosis. Hypnosis is a most natural phenomenon that we all undergo regularly. However, because hypnosis can only happen with your consent, a good hypnotherapy session does depend on trust for you to allow it to happen. Knowing that you are in the hands of a well-trained, ethical and caring professional whose goal is your well-being is the first step.
At Cocosol you may rest assured that you are in the skilled and safe hands of a trained and internationally accredited hypnotherapist adhering to the most stringent ethical and professional international guidelines.
Will I Lose Consciousness?
Sleep is not a requirement of hypnotherapy, although some people may drift off. Most people are merely deeply relaxed. Only a light trance is necessary for significant change to occur. hypnosis has the same feel to it as daydreaming, and you will be aware of everything the therapist is saying.
Will I Reveal All My Secrets?
Hypnosis can only happen with your consent, and you are always in control. Your survival instinct – your most powerful instinct – is located in your unconscious mind, which means you will instantly resist any suggestion that is against your own best interests, including blurting out all your secrets. Therefore, at all times, you choose what and how much you wish to say. Client centred Hypnotherapy is deeply respectful of your privacy, including the privacy of your mind.
Can I get stuck in a trance?
You cannot get stuck in trance. If the therapist were to stop speaking, you will naturally come out of trance, as though waking from a good night’s sleep.
I have concerns about privacy and safety issues with Hypnosis. Are these warranted, or are these just myths?
Dan Ross, of the Silicone Valley Hypnosis Center has made a series of very short YouTube videos which address many of these issues. If you don’t find your question listed here, you can feel welcome to contact me to address any additional concerns you may have.
4:08
Hypnosis Myths and Misconceptions
Silicon Valley Hypnosis Center
2:21
Can I get Stuck in Hypnosis?
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Can Everyone Be Hypnotized?
Silicon Valley Hypnosis Center
1:47
Does Being Hypnotized Mean You’re Weak Minded?
Silicon Valley Hypnosis Center
1:45
Can You Lie When Hypnotized?
Silicon Valley Hypnosis Center
2:49
Will You Remember What Happens Under Hypnosis?
Silicon Valley Hypnosis Center
4:05
Can you be hypnotized against your will?
Silicon Valley Hypnosis Center
2:11
Will A Person in Hypnosis Reveal Secrets?
Silicon Valley Hypnosis Center
2:33
Can you recall all past memories in hypnosis?
Silicon Valley Hypnosis Center
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What is the success rate of hypnosis? http://www.siliconvalleyhypnosiscenter.com
Silicon Valley Hypnosis Center
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Can Hypnotherapy Help With Anxiety? Learn how. http://www.siliconvalleyhypnosiscenter.com
Silicon Valley Hypnosis Center
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What’s the difference between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy? View Link
Silicon Valley Hypnosis Center
What conditions can Hypnosis relieve?
Hypnosis accesses the subconscious mind to re-write unconscious scripts that influence our feelings and behaviour, allowing us to replace the unwanted with the wanted. Some of the conditions that hypnosis can alleviate are:
Anger, Anxiety, Accomplishing Goals, Addictions, Alcohol Abuse, Assertiveness, Bed Wetting, Blushing, Body Image, Claustrophobia, Concentration, Confidence, Control Issues, Creativity, Deep Relaxation, Dentist Fears, Depression, Driving Anxiety, Dyslexia, Easing Someone from your Mind, Eating Disorders, Ego Strengthening, Energy, Exercise Motivation, Fears (E.G. Commitment, Confrontation, Criticism, Failure, Friday 13th, Heights, Needles, Public Speaking, Rejection And Spiders), Fibromyalgia, Forgiveness, Frustration, Gambling, Golf Improvement, Grinding Teeth, Healing Visualizations, IBS, Impatience, Infertility, Insecurity, Insomnia, Jealousy, Loss and Grief, Memory Enhancement, Nail-Biting, Motivation, Nervousness, Nightmares, Obsessive Behaviour, Pain Relief, Panic Attacks, Peak Performance, Positivity, Procrastination, Psoriasis, Public Speaking, Relaxation, Self-esteem,, Self-sabotage, Sensitivity, Sexual Libido, Sexual Performance, Shyness, Snoring to the Listener, Sports Enhancement, Stress Reduction, Tinnitus, Weight Management, Worry.
How long does hypnotherapy take?
Although this is variable, we typically meet for 3 sessions for 2.5 – 3 hours each once a week, or every second week. Client-centred hypnotherapy can take as little as 3-6 weeks to make a real difference to one’s quality of life.
How does group hypnosis work?
We normally do group Hypnosis with teams, or groups of people who have a common goal or purpose. We will begin with a deep group conversation about elements that are not working well for the group, and agree on common goals and preferred outcomes. We then set up a series of hypnotherapy sessions designed to address various aspects of the problem and substitute the problem with the agreed solutions. These are then unpacked afterwards at each session insofar as delegates wish to share their insights and growth.
The structure is as follows:
One 2.5-hour session for the deep conversation and an initial experience of a relaxing hypnosis session.
Four 2-hour sessions for hypnotherapy on different aspects of the problem, each incorporating a 30 minute debriefing conversation.
The optimal size of the group should not exceed fifteen members.
Hypnocoaching
What is HypnoCoaching?
HypnoCoaching turbocharges positive change by utilising the principles of client centred hypnotherapy, which involve accessing the subconscious mind, integrated with coaching methodologies aimed at goal setting and action planning. The coaching process is sped up with help from the client’s subconscious mind which has unfettered access to those underlying thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that may be contributing to the issue at hand. Obstructive mental scripts are then converted into constructive positive suggestions which are focussed on achieving the client’s goals.
How can HypnoCoaching assist businesses
Using HypnoCoaching, Bernie provides executives and employees with powerful tools and techniques to improve performance, boost motivation, manage stress, and achieve a healthy work-life balance. Areas of focus include:
- Leadership Excellence
- Sales and Marketing Optimisation
- Customer Service Excellence
- Talent Development and Employee Engagement
- Thriving in High-Stress Environments
- Boosting Creativity and Innovation
Please feel welcome to give Bernie a call to discuss your business issue and the solutions that Cocosol can offer you.
What are the benefits of integrating Hypnotherapy and Life Coaching?
Integrating Hypnotherapy and Life Coaching can provide a powerful combination of techniques and approaches to help individuals achieve their goals, overcome obstacles, and make positive changes in their lives. It offers a holistic approach to personal growth where clients can address mental, emotional, and behavioural issues while also gaining practical tools, strategies, and support to create positive and lasting change.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with HypnoCoaching?
HypnoCoaching, also known as Hypnosis Coaching or Hypnotherapy, combines elements of hypnosis and coaching to help individuals achieve personal or professional goals. While HypnoCoaching is generally considered safe and has been used effectively by many people, there are some potential side effects and risks to be aware of.
Here are some potential side effects and risks associated with HypnoCoaching:
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- Emotional discomfort: During hypnosis, individuals may experience intense emotions or recall past traumatic events. This can cause temporary emotional discomfort, but a skilled HypnoCoach should be able to provide appropriate support and guidance to help you through these experiences.
- Dependence: While HypnoCoaching is intended to empower individuals and facilitate self-improvement, there is a potential risk of developing dependence on the HypnoCoach. It’s important to establish clear goals and maintain a healthy client-coach relationship to avoid overreliance on the HypnoCoaching process.
- Ineffective outcomes: HypnoCoaching, like any therapeutic approach, may not produce the desired results for everyone. The effectiveness of HypnoCoaching can vary depending on individual factors, willingness to engage in the process, and the skill and expertise of the HypnoCoach.
- False memories: Hypnosis can potentially lead to the creation of false memories or distortions of actual memories. This is an extremely rare occurrence that qualified professional Hypnotherapists are trained to mitigate against. At Cocosol we subscribe to and follow the most stringent ethical guidelines to minimize this risk.
It’s important to consult with a trained and licensed professional before undergoing HypnoCoaching to discuss any specific concerns or medical conditions you may have. At Cocosol you may rest assured that you are in the skilled and safe hands of a trained and internationally accredited hypnotherapist adhering to the most stringent ethical and professional guidelines.
How long does HypnoCoaching take?
Although this is variable, HypnoCoaching is extremely thorough and usually takes 9 – 13 weeks.
We structure the meetings with:
2 (1 hour) sessions of Integral Coaching, meeting once a week
3 (1.5 hours) sessions of hypnotherapy, meeting once a week
2 – 4 (1 hour) sessions of Integral Coaching, meeting every second week.
How does group HypnoCoaching work?
We normally do group HypnoCoaching with teams, who have a common goal or purpose. We will begin with a deep group conversation about elements that are not working well for the team, and agree on common goals and preferred outcomes. We then set up a series of hypnotherapy sessions designed to address various aspects of the problem and substitute the problem with the agreed solutions. These are then unpacked afterwards, and action plans drawn up and implemented, with group members holding each other accountable.
The structure is as follows:
One 2-hour session for the deep coaching conversation.
Four 2-hour sessions for hypnotherapy on different aspects of the problem.
Two 2-hour Coaching sessions. The first is for drawing up the action plans, and the second session is for checking on the progress of the plan and tweaking any glitches in the programme.
The optimal size of the group should not exceed fifteen delegates.
Enneagram
What is the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is a very valuable tool that assists coaching. It is a personality typing system that categorises people into nine different types based on their characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaviour. Each type is associated with a number and has unique strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
The Enneagram is a popular and profound tool used for individuals, couples and teams to foster personal, interpersonal and professional development, helping individuals increase their self-awareness and improve their relationships with others, and provides tools to enhance the synergy of the team or relationship.
By learning about their own Enneagram type, individuals can identify their blind spots, overcome their limitations, and develop their strengths. They can also gain valuable insights into how they interact with others and how to communicate more effectively.
Apart from personal growth, the Enneagram is used in coaching, leadership development, team building, and conflict resolution. It can assist individuals and organisations in enhancing communication, building stronger relationships, and achieving higher levels of performance.
Corporate Workshops
Why is communication important?
What we intend to say, what we actually say, and what people hear are not the same thing. Opportunities for misunderstandings abound. Good communication enhances functional relationships and efficiency.
What is it about?
Communication is about so much more than the spoken word – it incorporates body language, tone of voice, listening and receiving communication and emotional content. By improving our communication skills, we can become more effective in both our personal and professional interactions.
The aim of communications training is to help individuals develop and refine their ability to express themselves clearly and effectively, listen actively and empathetically, and build stronger relationships with others.
Who can benefit from communications training?
This type of coaching is particularly useful for professionals in fields such as business, politics, and public speaking who want to enhance their communication skills and increase their effectiveness.
What experience does Bernie Jacobs Gordon have in Communications and Leadership?
Bernie began her working career teaching English, before returning to university for three years to study drama as a performance art. She has worked as a freelance actress for PACT, Pieter Toerien, the SABC/TV as well as working as a broadcaster on Radio South Africa. She also presented Psychology of the Air for SATV2. In addition, during this time, she researched and wrote for Professional Management Review, the official journal of the Institute of Marketing Managers.
She eventually left the acting and journalism professions to open her own business, Vocal Impact CC. Here she researched, designed, marketed, and presented Corporate Communications courses, eventually growing the business to include a client base which offered Communications training to senior executives at companies such as ABSA, Standard Bank, the IFP and Radio 702.
Bernie returned to university as a mature student to study Psychology to Honours level, achieving Firsts in all three of her undergraduate years, and has worked at UCT, lecturing BCom, BBusSci undergraduates and post-graduate diploma students in Corporate Communications, under the auspices of UCT’s Professional Communications Unit. Her focused interest in both communications and psychology, and her qualification as an Integral Coach at the Centre for Coaching at the Graduate School of Business at UCT inform her work this important aspect of both private and corporate life.
Is there a menu of corporate training workshops offered by Cocosol?
Courses can be tailor-made to cover the following:
Assertiveness
Goal setting and Planning
Living My Brand
Professional Correspondence and email
Boundaries
Handling Change – for self and for teams
Negotiation Skills
Professionalism and Communication in the Workplace
Conflict Management
Leadership and Management
Presentation Skills
Time Management
Can corporate workshops be tailored to the specific needs of companies?
Give Bernie a call to discuss the unique challenges of your organisation so that the best programmed can be designed for you.
How many delegates may attend a workshop.
Because workshops are interactive, up to 20 delegates may attend.
How long are the workshops?
By arrangement, workshops can vary from half-day workshops up to four day workshops.
Are workshops available on line?
Bernie is currently designing courses that can be accessed on line, and these will be available in the near future.
General
How many sessions are typically required for transformative change?
The number of coaching sessions required for transformative change can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s goals, the complexity of the issues being addressed, the level of commitment and effort from the client, and the coaching approach used. The fastest process we offer is Hypnotherapy; Coaching is slower. For those who enjoy the coaching process but want faster results, we offer HypnoCoaching. While it is difficult to determine an exact number, I can provide you with a general guideline.
Some individuals may experience significant breakthroughs and transformative change within a relatively short period of time, such as a few sessions. Others may require more sessions to work through deep-rooted issues or complex goals.
At Cocosol we recommend the following structure which generally works well. However, Coaching is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and the process can be tailored to the individual’s needs and fewer or more sessions can be used:
Integral Coaching: 6 – 12 sessions – one hour every two weeks (3-6 months)
Hypnotherapy: 3 sessions – 2.5 hours once a week for three weeks (3 weeks)
HypnoCoaching: 2 one hour sessions of Integral Coaching over two weeks, followed by 3 one and a half hour sessions of Hypnotherapy once a week, followed by 2 – 4 one hour coaching sessions over 4-8 weeks (9-13 weeks)
However, it’s important to note that the number of sessions is not the only factor that determines transformative change. The quality of the coaching relationship, the client’s active participation and commitment to the process, and the implementation of the strategies and insights gained in coaching sessions also play a significant role.
Ultimately, the duration and number of Life Coaching sessions needed for transformative change can vary. It’s best to discuss your specific goals and circumstances with us so we can provide a more personalized estimation based on our expertise and understanding of your situation.
Are the results of Hypnotherapy and coaching long-lasting?
The long-lasting effects of Hypnotherapy and Coaching can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s receptiveness to the process, the nature of the issue being addressed, the skill and expertise of the practitioner, and the individual’s commitment to integrating the changes into their daily life.
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes hypnosis to access the subconscious mind and create positive changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. While Hypnotherapy can be effective for addressing various issues such as anxiety, phobias, smoking cessation, and weight management, the long-term outcomes can differ. Almost all individuals experience significant and enduring changes after just a few sessions.
Coaching, on the other hand, focuses on helping individuals set and achieve specific goals, improve performance, and enhance personal or professional development. The effects of Coaching can also vary in terms of longevity. The duration and success of the coaching process depend on factors such as the clarity and feasibility of the goals, the client’s commitment and effort, the quality of the coaching relationship, and the skills and effectiveness of the coach.
Are Hypnotherapy and Coaching suitable for individuals with different backgrounds and goals?
Yes, both of these modalities can be suitable for individuals with different backgrounds and goals.
At Cocosol, our client centred approach means that we customize our Coaching, HypnoCoaching and Hypnotherapy completely to individual needs, making it suitable for individuals with different backgrounds and goals. Whether someone wants to improve their confidence, achieve career success, overcome fears and phobias, manage stress, enhance relationships, or make other positive changes, our solutions can be tailored to address their specific needs and support them in achieving their goals.
However, it’s important to note that Coaching, HypnoCoaching and Hypnotherapy are not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. If an individual has a specific mental health condition or medical concern, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who can provide appropriate guidance and support.
How do I get started with Cocosol's HypnoCoaching services?
Please contact Bernie at bernie@cocosol.co.za in order to set up an initial conversation so that your unique needs can be explored and understood so that together, you can decide the best route forward.
Where is coaching held?
Bernie Jacobs coaches from a session room in Hout Bay, and later in 2023, in Kenilworth. She is also available to travel to the client’s own premises, but travelling time and costs can be billed for. For corporate clients offering a minimum of three back to back sessions, this will be waved.
Bernie also offers Zoom sessions, where no travelling is required.
Is it possible to work through Zoom instead of in person?
Provided you are able to find a quiet and private space where you will not be interrupted, it is possible to work through Zoom. For Coaching, we can use Zoom from the get-go. For Hypnotherapy and HypnoCoaching, Bernie prefers to work in person for the first session of hypnosis so that her clients can feel secure while they try out the new modality. Thereafter most clients feel comfortable using Zoom if they are unable to meet face to face.
Are the One-on-one sessions confidential?
At Cocosol we adhere to international best practice and ethics. Absolute privacy and confidentiality are guaranteed. – no personal and private information will be shared with any other person.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact me to chat about how we can tailor the best solution for you.