Hypnotherapy

What Is Hypnotherapy And How Does It Work?

Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes. Guided relaxation, focused attention, and concentration are all methods used to get to what is often referred to as a "trance" or hypnotic state. Once you find a therapist, they will spend some time getting to know you in the initial meeting. They would work to understand what is troubling you about your life as well as what you would like to change. If you both agree that hypnotherapy is an appropriate choice, you'd likely begin the process at a later session.

Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Hypnotherapy won't eliminate all negative emotions and change life circumstances immediately. It is not a magic cure. However, a well-trained, certified clinical hypnotherapist can use this technique along with others to help you overcome your most important challenges. Some people are able to participate in hypnosis more easily than others, and it helps them significantly. The only way to know if the tool will work for you is to have at least one talk session with a therapist. If you and your therapist agree, you may allow your therapist to try a session of hypnotherapy. If it doesn't work, your therapist can propose other treatments for you. If it does work in your specific circumstances, you can continue the path toward a more contented and healthier life together.

Hypnotherapy is a professional health care tool that has helped many people in the past. It is not a myth. It is important to note that, contrary to what has been portrayed with stage hypnotists in TV and movies, you are actually conscious, awake, and in control while you are in a trance state. It is not mind control. As mentioned earlier, hypnotherapy is a technique that a therapist uses as a part of a larger therapeutic intervention to explore deep-seated thoughts, relationship issues, fears, patterns or bad habits, and repressed emotions. A stage hypnotist, on the other hand, works to get a laugh or impress the audience. Even though the two types of hypnosis get confused often, it is important to remember that hypnotherapy is real, and when used in a professional manner, it provides positive results.

Hypnotherapy has been studied by researchers for many years. The results of the studies show that hypnotherapy does in fact help many people with certain problems. In fact, the American Psychological Association identifies hypnotherapy as a therapeutic facilitator for several types of psychology treatment. Each of the disorders, physical and mental challenges, and other difficulties on the following list have been effectively treated with therapies that include clinical hypnotherapy.

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Phobias
• Pain
• Chemotherapy side effects in cancer patients
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Post-surgery recovery
• Nausea
• Childbirth

Even though each of these conditions has been treated using hypnotherapy, the technique might not work for you. Your therapist is the best source of aid and answers to this question for you in your unique situation.

Below, we'll discuss methods used in hypnotherapy.

Relaxation

The hypnotherapist begins by helping you quiet your mind and bringing your body to a calm state. The goal is to bring yourself to a relaxed but focused state of mind in which you can be open to the therapist's suggestions.

Revisiting Other Times In Your Life

Your therapist may decide to guide you in remembering times in your life that are pertinent to the problems you're facing. This wouldn't be possible if the therapist didn't work with you before the hypnotherapy session to learn about your life and the struggles you are currently facing. They might ask you to recall details of the setting, the people present, and the sensations you experienced during significant past events.

Hypnotic Suggestions

When the therapist determines that you're ready, they will begin to suggest that you alter your thoughts, behaviors, sensations, or perceptions so that they are able to become in tune with your desire to change yourself. The therapist may describe the scene from your past event in a different way than you described it. What was once painful may quickly become something neutral and bearable. What once seemed enjoyable may seem unpleasant. With each experience, you re-experience the habit, bad feelings, or psychological trauma with an outcome that better aligns with your end goal.

Therapy For Your Childhood Experiences

Hypnotherapy isn't just for breaking unpleasant habits. A skilled therapist can use this technique to help you with childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect. Hypnotherapy and your therapist can help you come to terms with negative experiences you went through when you were young. As your therapist helps your inner child create a new version of reality, healing takes place through hypnotherapy.

Choosing A Hypnotherapist

It's important to choose your hypnotherapist carefully. Not all therapists are qualified to use the technique, so if this form of therapy is something is that interests you, make sure to ask if that’s a method they are comfortable using. It's important to examine the credentials of a therapist before beginning to work with them. Below are some attributes you will likely want to look for when trying to find a hypnotherapist who is right for you.

Qualifications

Personal Attributes

Trust

Other Therapy Options To Consider

Hypnotherapy with an online therapist (known as tele-hypnosis) has been proven effective. A study comprising of 12 adolescent participants who received tele-hypnosis for anxiety showed that this type of treatment reduced their anxiety symptoms. As a result, 11 of the participants had improved school attendance. Additionally, the participants were able to use techniques learned in online hypnotherapy on their own (self hypnosis).

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Conclusion

Conclusion

Hypnotherapy should not be confused with stage hypnotism performed for entertainment. It's an example of one of the types of therapy that can work in positive ways for many clients around the world. If you think hypnotherapy would be a good fit for you, reach out to find a therapist so you can begin your journey today.

Below are some commonly asked questions on this topic:

What does a hypnotherapy do?

Hypnotherapy involves the use of hypnosis in order to facilitate changes in psychological or physical functioning. The American Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis notes that the goal of hypnotherapy is to reduce distressing psychological symptoms, alter how one experiences their body, and/or interrupt unhealthy behavior patterns.

During clinical hypnotherapy, trained professionals (such as medical doctors or therapists) assist an individual in entering a state of altered consciousness, heightened awareness and concentration. While in this relaxed, trance like state, individuals can focus their minds in a way that can have a powerful impact. During hypnosis treatment, professionals employ a variety of hypnotic techniques to help an individual explore their subconscious mind and bring about positive changes. Despite popular misconception, an individual remains aware and in control of everything that is happening while they are in a hypnotic state.

For more information references, resources, and information about hypnosis, visit the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis or the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.

Does hypnotherapy actually work?

Research has revealed that hypnotherapy can be effective for individuals facing a variety of mental and physical challenges. Studies support the use of clinical hypnosis for mood and anxiety disorders, chronic pain management, managing stress levels, improving self esteem, smoking cessation, and weight loss. It may also be used in mind body medicine for treating various medical conditions. One randomized controlled trial published in 2018 found that hypnotherapy was effective in relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) states that to increase the chances of making hypnosis work, it is important for an individual to be motivated towards positive change and to have a strong therapeutic relationship with the treatment provider. ASCH emphasizes the importance of receiving hypnotherapy from a licensed professional, trained to incorporate hypnosis into their clinical practice. It is essential to assure that individuals claiming to be professional hypnotherapists also have the appropriate education, training and credentials to be offering this type of treatment. However, it is crucial to note that like other treatments, hypnotherapy does not work for everyone.

Who Discovered Hypnosis?

Hypnosis has been around since some of the earliest civilizations were established, and therefore, it is an ancient technique that was once believed to be magical. We now know this isn’t the case and there are scientific explanations for hypnosis. Yet, this still shows that people understood the complexity and healing potential that hypnosis could provide even many millennia ago, despite not being officially known as hypnosis back then.

While it’s impossible to know the very first individual who used hypnosis, we can trace when a trance was discussed in a scientific context.

The first person to do so in this manner was a German physicist from the 18th century known as Franz Mesmer who believed that there were free natural forces between all living and inanimate things. He referred to this as “animal magnetism” and would treat people based on the idea that these forces will flow between the patient and the professional.

Others would also call this “mesmerism.” Thus, Mesmer’s name is the origin of the word “mesmerize” that is widely used today.

Eventually, the term “animal magnetism” would fall out of use after it was discredited, but it laid the foundation for other scientists to continue to research and understand it better.

In the 19th century, James Braid, who was interested in Mesmer’s findings, would discover that the trance used in animal magnetism could also be achieved by doing things such as depressing the sensory functions, eliminating distractions, and having the patient focus on a singular idea.

As a result of his discovery, Braid would coin the term “hypnosis” based on the Greek god of sleep, Hypnos, and many regard him as the father of modern hypnotherapy.

Is It Dangerous?

On its own, hypnotherapy is generally safe and not something that is considered harmful, especially when in the hands of a licensed and experienced professional.

However, it can be dangerous if you use self hypnosis tools such as listening audio track for guided hypnosis to induce a hypnotic state and decide to hear it while operating a vehicle or machinery.

If you try hypnosis in a controlled environment with a professional hypnotherapist, you will most likely be safe and won’t have anything to worry about.

What Are The Side Effects of Hypnosis?

While professional hypnotherapy is considered safe for most people, on a rare occasion, some individuals who undergo hypnosis treatment might experience some negative, but mild side effects.

The most common one is drowsiness, but others might have headaches or feel dizzy. It is also possible for people to feel more anxious upon exiting a trance like state, but it’s rare.

Another issue that may occur is false memories because, during hypnosis, your brain is very receptive. The suggestions and imagery that are used to induce hypnosis can lead to certain individuals to believe something happened when in actuality, it didn’t.

Therefore, while hypnotherapy can help people with mental health conditions, it isn’t recommended to those with the most severe cases of mental illnesses.

How Quickly Does Hypnosis Work?

It doesn’t usually take too long for people to reach the trance state in hypnotherapy, and on average, it takes around 10 minutes to do so.

The more relaxed you’ll be, the easier it will be to be hypnotized; however, you don’t want to be too relaxed to the point where you fall asleep during your session.

How Many Hypnosis Sessions Are Needed?

Although people often report some benefits from one session of hypnotherapy, such as feeling calmer afterward, lasting change will require multiple sessions. It is common for people to attend weekly sessions across the span of a few months, especially if they find a therapist that they trust.

Keep in mind, change is a gradual process, and it takes time. If you are curious about trying hypnotherapy, you shouldn’t expect a sudden moment of enlightenment. Over time, you should experience positive changes, but be aware that because many problems stem from issues at the subconscious level, these modifications will often be subconscious as well.

Is It Evidence Based?

Hypnotherapy has a lot of research to support its efficacy, and it has been used by many professionals to treat a wide range of problems that people run into.

Although it has been used by psychotherapists in clinical settings, hypnotherapy is not a form of psychotherapy and isn’t a replacement for other types of therapy that are evidence-based such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Nonetheless, other types of therapy can be used in conjunction with hypnotherapy. It has been proven that hypnosis affects the mind and can provide people with numerous benefits.

Does It Work For Chronic Pain?

Clinical hypnosis is known for its ability to assist with pain control. Many people have utilized it before undergoing surgery for this reason as well as to reduce anxiety. It may also help improve recovery time as well.

Hypnotherapy won’t replace anesthesia or pain medication, but it can certainly be something to consider if you have an upcoming procedure.

While it won’t be the cure for them, studies show that hypnosis, when included in their treatment plan, can also help people who experience chronic pain from various medical problems, including cancer.

Can You Lose Weight With Hypnosis?

When it comes to losing weight, managing calories through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes is paramount. Plus, hypnosis can help you in achieving your goals of reaching the desired weight by helping you stay motivated and committed to a healthy routine.

Additionally, hypnotherapy can assist with eating problems that lead to weight gain, such as comfort eating while depressed and anxious. Once these are under control, you may notice weight loss due to fewer calories being consumed.

Can Hypnosis Wear Off?

The positive changes that you gain through clinical hypnosis can last a lifetime, provided that you don’t do anything that goes against the suggestions that were given during your hypnotherapy sessions.

Nonetheless, it is possible for them to wear off if the hypnotherapist is inexperienced, which is why you should always check their credentials when trying to find a therapist. Some credentials to look for to see if the therapist has the approved training in hypnotherapy that they need are from the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) or the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH).

There is also a chance that the script or suggestion therapy used in your session might not have been ideal or effective for you either, so your therapist might try a different one.

Importantly, to make hypnosis work, there must be a willingness to change. If that isn’t there, the effects won’t last.

What Is Hypnotherapy Used For?

According to the Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, hypnotherapy can be used to improve your mental health in many ways, such as the following:

• Reducing anxiety
• Relieving depression
• Dealing with phobias
• Healing from traumatic events
• Enhancing communication
• Improving learning disorders
• Improving relationships
• Increasing self-esteem
• Managing stress

Hypnotherapy can also be used to improve physical conditions:

• Pain
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Smoking cessation
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Childbirth
• Insomnia
• Allergies
• Sexual dysfunction

Does It Really Work?

Yes, hypnotherapy has worked for many people, as shown in a number of research studies. When used along with other forms of psychotherapy, hypnotherapy might be an important part of improving your mental health. Some mental health professionals practice cognitive hypnotherapy, incorporating aspects of CBT with hypnosis.

What Is Hypnotherapy, And How Does It Work?

Hypnotherapy is using hypnosis as a therapeutic technique. Here’s how it works. Your hypnotherapist will start by explaining the sources of your behavior. Then, they work with you to come up with a strategy for changing that behavior. They continue by guiding you to relaxation and encouraging you to concentrate intensely and focus your attention. Once you reach a state of heightened awareness, also called a trance, your therapist offers “suggestions,” which are reminders of the strategy you have devised together to change your behavior.

What Is The Average Cost?

Hypnotherapy can cost as little as $50 per session or as much as $275 per session. Sometimes, a hypnotherapist offers several sessions grouped together under one cost, which can be up to $1375 or more for five sessions. This package pricing is often used for weight loss and smoking cessation. In some cases, health insurance can cover hypnotherapy, especially for conditions like chronic pain. And, some psychotherapists include hypnotherapy within their normal fees so that you pay no more for hypnotherapy than you would with other forms of psychotherapy.

Can It Be Dangerous?

Hypnotherapy comes with very little danger. The worst is that you might form false memories. Physical side effects are mild and include headaches, dizziness, and anxiety. However, these physical effects go away quickly. You are in no physical danger at all during or after hypnotherapy as a result of this treatment. It is important to wait until the mild side effects have passed before you drive. For example, if you are still drowsy when you get behind the wheel, you might not be able to react quickly enough to drive safely.

What Can It Cure?

Hypnotherapy can’t exactly cure anything, but it can provide an effective treatment to improve many physical and mental health conditions. And, it can help your body heal itself.

What Are The Side Effects?

Adverse reactions to hypnotherapy are rare, and when they happen, they’re usually mild. Side effects include the following:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• False memories

What Are The Disadvantages?

Although hypnotherapy is safe, effective, and affordable, it does have a few disadvantages:

• It won’t work if you don’t participate fully.
• If you’re dealing with a mental health issue, you will likely need your therapist to use other techniques to help you. In other words, hypnotherapy is not a stand-alone treatment for most mental and emotional problems.
• It isn’t a quick fix like some other treatments. For example, a pain medication might take care of chronic pain in minutes (at least for a while), but hypnotherapy for pain takes at least a few sessions.
• When you are in the highly suggestible state during hypnotherapy, you may harness the power of your unconscious to make dramatic changes in your life. So, your therapist will also work with you during your therapy sessions to prepare you for those changes.

What Is The Success Rate?

Hypnotherapy has been recognized as a highly successful technique, sometimes reported as being as high as 93% effective. However, the condition being treated makes a difference. For example, hypnotherapy for sleep problems may be about 90%, while hypnotherapy for quitting smoking may be about 50%. Hypnotherapy for mental health problems, on the other hand, tends to be very successful for most people.

Can Hypnotherapy Really Work For Anxiety?

Hypnotherapy is typically only one tool in your therapist’s mental health toolbox for treating anxiety. It can help you feel relaxed, not only during the hypnotherapy session but also when you’re in stressful situations.