What is hypnotherapy? Hypnotherapy is a technique that uses the hypnotic state, which enables changes in perception and memory, a major increase in response to suggestion, and the potential for controlling many physiologic functions that are usually involuntary. Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation, imagery, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness that is sometimes called a trance. While in the trance-state a person is completely aware of what is going on around them, but usually ignores it because their focus is on a specific thought that has been suggested by the therapist.
Hypnotherapy is a technique that uses the hypnotic state, which enables changes in perception and memory, a major increase in response to suggestion, and the potential for controlling many physiologic functions that are usually involuntary. Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation, imagery, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness that is sometimes called a trance. While in the trance-state a person is completely aware of what is going on around them, but usually ignores it because their focus is on a specific thought that has been suggested by the therapist. How does hypnotherapy work? Hypnotherapy is usually considered an aid to psychotherapy (counseling), rather than a treatment in itself. It helps with psychotherapy because the hypnotic state allows people to explore painful thoughts, feelings, and memories they might have hidden from their conscious minds. Hypnosis enables people to perceive some things differently, such as blocking an awareness of pain. Hypnotherapy can be used in two ways: Suggestion Therapy The hypnotic state makes the person better able to respond to suggestions. Hypnotherapy can help some people change certain behaviors, such as to stop smoking or stop nail-biting. It can also help people change perceptions and sensations, and is particularly useful in treating pain. Analysis This approach uses the relaxed state to find the root cause of a disorder or symptom, such as a traumatic past event that a person has hidden in his or her unconscious memory. Once the trauma is revealed, it can be addressed in psychotherapy. What are the benefits of hypnotherapy? Hypnosis has many applications in therapeutic settings. Among them are:
Building Confidence
Relaxation During Childbirth
Treating Phobias, Fears and Anxiety
Sleep Disorders and Disturbances
Interpersonal Problems
Depression
Sexual Difficulties
Psychosomatic Complaints
Post Trauma Relief
Pain Management
Stress Management
Habit Control
Academic Performance
Athletic Performance
Help with Life Transitions
Preparation for Medical/Dental Procedures
Blocks to Motivation and Creativity
Treatment of Grief and Loss
Laurie’s area of expertise is relaxation and pain management during childbirth.
Contraindications While hypnotherapy is useful in alleviating mild cases of depression, it is contraindicated for manic depression, bipolar conditions, clinical depression, and schizophrenia. It can also be contraindicated for people who suffer from certain breathing problems, and some cases of epilepsy. Hypnosis may be contraindicated for individuals who are actively abusing drugs or alcohol, or who are delusional or hallucinating. Hypnosis should not be used for physical problems such as pain, unless the client has first consulted a physician to determine its underlying physical cause and is treating the cause in a medically appropriate way. Hypnosis is not a substitute for medical care.
Some therapists use hypnotherapy to recover repressed memories they believe are linked to the person’s mental disorder. However, hypnosis also poses a risk of creating false memories — usually as a result of unintended suggestions by the therapist. For this reason, the use of hypnosis for mental health conditions such as dissociative disorders remains controversial.
