Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses hypnosis as a tool to help individuals achieve a state of focused attention, heightened suggestibility, and deep relaxation.
Hypnosis is a state of mind, enhanced by (although not exclusively) mental and physical relaxation, in which our subconscious is able to communicate with our conscious mind. It may be better to define ‘hypnosis’ by what it does rather than what it is and in this regard it is widely accepted as a most excellent method by which we may access our inner potential. The state of mind referred to may be brought about either by oneself, unaided (self-hypnosis) or with the help of another person. If this other person is a trained professional, who utilises the resultant state of mind to encourage beneficial change to occur, the process is referred to as ‘Hypnotherapy’.
Picture Holistic Health uses Hypnotherapy to address:
- Anxiety and Stress Reduction.
- Fear of movement.
- Pain Management.
- improve Sleep.
- Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
- Habit Control: It can be used to break unwanted habits and motivate to build new wanted habits.
- Performance Improvement: Hypnotherapy is used to enhance performance in sports, public speaking, and creative endeavours by reducing performance anxiety and improving focus.
- Exploration of Inner Issues: Some people use hypnotherapy for personal growth and self-discovery, exploring their subconscious to better understand themselves and their motivations.
During a hypnotherapy appointment, you can expect several key stages and activities:
Assessment and Discussion:
The session typically begins with an initial discussion between you and the hypnotherapist. This is an opportunity for you to express your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through hypnotherapy. The therapist may ask questions to gather information about your issue or condition.
Establishing Goals:
The hypnotherapist will work with you to establish specific and achievable goals for the session or a series of sessions. This helps ensure that the therapy is tailored to your needs and objectives.
Relaxation:
To induce a hypnotic trance, the hypnotherapist will guide you through a relaxation process. This may involve deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or other relaxation techniques to help you become more calm and focused.
Hypnotic Induction:
The hypnotherapist will use verbal cues, suggestions, and imagery to guide you into a state of hypnosis. You remain fully aware and in control throughout the process; hypnosis is a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility.
Addressing the Issue:
In the hypnotic state, the therapist will address the specific issue or concern discussed during the assessment. They may use therapeutic techniques and suggestions to help you explore and work through the issue on a subconscious level.
Suggestion and Therapy:
Depending on your goals and the issue being addressed, the hypnotherapist will provide suggestions for positive change, help you reframe thought patterns, or guide you in processing emotions and memories.
Exploration:
For some clients, hypnotherapy may involve exploring memories, emotions, or insights related to the issue. The therapist helps you gain deeper understanding and potentially resolve the problem.
Termination:
The session concludes with the hypnotherapist gradually bringing you out of the hypnotic state. You may feel more relaxed and refreshed, similar to awakening from a nap.
Discussion and Feedback:
After the session, you and the therapist will discuss your experience, any insights gained, and your overall feelings. You can provide feedback and discuss progress toward your goals.
Homework or Self-Help Strategies:
Depending on the issue and the therapist's approach, you may receive recommendations for self-help strategies, such as practicing relaxation techniques or mental exercises between sessions.
The number of sessions required can vary depending on the issue and individual needs. Some issues may be addressed in just a few sessions, while others may require more extended treatment.
It's essential to work with a qualified and licensed hypnotherapist who follows professional ethical guidelines and ensures your safety and well-being during the sessions.
Remember that you are an active participant in the process, and your willingness and openness to the therapy can play a significant role in its effectiveness. Additionally, hypnotherapy is often used as a complementary or integrative approach in conjunction with other therapeutic methods, and the therapist will discuss this with you if necessary.
Some Common Concerns
People are sometimes concerned that they will ‘lose control’ in hypnosis but regardless of how deeply people may go in hypnosis and however passive they may appear to be, they are actually in full control of the situation.
They are fully able to talk if they wish to (or not, as the case may be) and can stand up and leave the room at any time.
A hypnotised person can not be made to do anything against their usual ethical or moral judgement or religious belief. It is likely that the notion of a loss of control stems from most people’s misconception of stage hypnosis, wherein participants are apparently made to perform all manner of (usually foolish) acts. However, the reader should be aware that participation in a stage act is an entirely voluntary process (thus ‘permission’ is already given to the hypnotist) and that there can be no such volunteer who is unaware of exactly what they are letting themselves in for!
