Hypnosis
Let us demystify hypnosis. It is a state of altered consciousness during which you have relaxed focus best described as a trance-like state. We all have this experience a couple times during the day especially just before being fully awake in the morning and again while we drift off to sleep.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a modality of therapy whereby the therapist uses hypnotic techniques to evoke changes in the patient at the subconscious level that will positively replace an existing (usually unhealthy) behavior, experience or thought pattern with a healthier more wholesome one. It is extremely important to prepare the patient before hypnosis to recognize the need for change and to assess his or her readiness for the positive change. Hypnotherapy is also used to recall repressed memories in order for the psychotherapist to analyze and assist you fully recover/heal from the past experience. There are various techniques used for hypnotherapy but they all have the following in common
The client’s deep desire to change and turn the page on a debilitating or self-sabotaging behavior
Evoking a relaxed trance-like state
Visualization and guided imagery is used to awaken the sub-conscious thoughts and emotions
Conditions that may be helped using hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is often used in conjunction with other treatment modalities such as conventional medical treatment including surgery, physical therapy, psychotherapy and complementary medicine.
Some of the conditions that can be helped with hypnotherapy include:
Addictions
Smoking
Sex
Food
Pornography
Etc.
Weight loss
Sleep disorders
Chronic pain management
Anxiety
Performance
Post-trauma
Phobias
Anesthesia or relaxation before dental or other similar procedures such as childbirth
The technique….what to expect
The hypnotherapist will interview you about the changes you wish to replace with a healthier behavior. The interview could last for about 20 minutes. It is important to ascertain your readiness for embracing change.
The therapist will guide you into a focused state of relaxation and repeat affirmative phases to suggest the change you wish to effect. The therapist is trained to use a calming, soothing voice to help the client to relax.
At the end of the session and usually at the count of “one, two, three” you are asked to open your eyes. This is all it takes to take you out of the trance-like state.
Dispelling the myths
Hypnosis has been overdramatized in films and movies and so it is important to break some of those myths.
The hypnotherapist can only guide you to achieve what you wish to change. You cannot be willed to do ridiculous acts or change a behavior you are not ready or willing to change. Hypnosis is just a tool or means to make that change faster and sustained.
You will not lose control during a hypnotherapy session but rather be in a deep state of relaxation being cognizant of what’s happening around you.
A word of caution
Hypnotherapy requires cooperation between the therapist and the client. It is important to feel comfortable and have trust with the hypnotist and the procedure.
When shopping around for hypnotherapists ask your healthcare provider to recommend a few. After conversing with the therapist you will be able to decide which one you are most comfortable engaging. A hypnotherapist should be easy to converse with, friendly, warm and non-judgmental.
