About
Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis is a genuine therapeutic process.
Hypnosis can be seen as a waking state of awareness, (or consciousness), in which a person’s attention is detached from his or her immediate environment and is absorbed by inner experiences such as feelings, cognition, and imagery’.1 The hypnotic state is reached through the focusing of attention and imagination to the point of what is being imagined feels real.
By the use and acceptance of suggestions, the clinician and patient construct a hypnotic reality.
Desired outcomes include: accessing calmness and relaxation to relieve anxiety, ease pain or other unwanted symptoms, eliminating behaviors that no longer suit, and more. The main usefulness of the hypnotic state is the increased effectiveness of suggestion and access to mind/body links or unconscious processing.
Hypnosis has been studied for many conditions, including:
- Pain control. Hypnosis may help with pain due to burns, cancer, childbirth, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint problems, dental procedures, and headaches. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2752362/
- Hot flashes. Hypnosis may relieve symptoms of hot flashes associated with menopause. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121024111526.ht
- Behavior change. Hypnosis has been used with some success in the treatment of insomnia, bed-wetting, smoking, and overeating. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-hypnosis-can-alter-the-way-our-brains-process-information-5120945
- Cancer treatment side effects. Hypnosis has been used to ease side effects related to chemotherapy or radiation treatment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3755455/
- Mental health conditions. Hypnosis may help treat symptoms of anxiety, phobias, and post-traumatic stress. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Arreed-Barabasz/publication/281210080_Hypnosis_for_PTSD_Evidence_based_placebo_controlled_studies/links/55dba04c08ae9d65949365d4/Hypnosis-for-PTSD-Evidence-based-placebo-controlled-studies.pdf
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Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy
What you can expect:
It’s important to know that although you’re more open to suggestion during hypnosis, you don’t lose control over your behavior.
The process involves a gentle soothing tone with descriptive images that create a sense of relaxation, security, and wellbeing.
When you’re in a receptive state, the therapist will suggest ways for you to achieve your goals, such as reducing pain or eliminating cravings to smoke. The therapist may also help you visualize vivid, meaningful mental images of yourself accomplishing your goals.
When the session is over, either you are able to bring yourself out of hypnosis or your therapist helps you end your state of relaxation.
It is recommended that you choose a therapist or health care professional who is certified to perform hypnosis.
Seek a recommendation from someone you trust.
Learn about any therapist you’re considering. Start by asking questions:
Do you have training in a field such as psychology, medicine, social work or dentistry?
Are you licensed in your specialty in this state?
Where did you go to school, and where did you do your postgraduate training?
How much training have you had in hypnotherapy and from what schools?
What professional organizations do you belong to?
How long have you been in practice?
What are your fees, and does insurance cover your services?