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Hypnotherapy: What is it?
 Hypnotherapy has no one
single definition. However to many, hypnotherapy describes a form of
psychotherapy which works on the subconscious mind to change behavioral and
thought patterns. The word “hypnosis” refers to the trance-like state between
when you are awake and when you fall asleep which you enter when you are
hypnotized, and hypnotherapy is the process of bringing healing or facilitating
change under these circumstances. Originally, hypnotists believed that hypnosis
was actually a form of sleep and relied upon inducing a deep trance in their
patients, and used very authoritarian commands to tell them what to do.
Modern hypnotherapists develop rapport with their patients
and use the relationship as a means to “suggest” changes. The common belief in
the field of hypnotherapy is that the depth of the
trance has no bearing on the treatment. Modern hypnotherapists use relatively
simple techniques to induce light trances which may have amazing results. While
in a light trance, you are much more suggestible and complaint than you would
normally be, and are frequently more willing to accept new information or
suggestions (but only information or suggestions that you are wanting to
accept).
Consequently, therapists can
make suggestions which will be stored in your mind effectively reprogramming
your mind to accept or reject new beliefs or patterns of behavior. For example,
hypnotherapy has been found to be effective in the treatment of phobias. If you
have a fear of spiders for example, a therapist may suggest that you are no
longer afraid of spiders. If you are then willing to overcome your phobia and
accept the suggestions and replace the old fear with a new lack of fear, your
phobia may be relieved. You can also have the same experience with pain for
example. Pain may be a physical sensation but it’s also one that registers an
effect on the brain. If under hypnotherapy your mind accepts that you do not
feel pain anymore, your pain may go away or be reduced.
The mind is incredibly
powerful and is intimately tied to its effects on the body. This has been
demonstrated during a hypnotic trance when breathing, heart rate and metabolism
can be slowed, allergic reactions stopped and pain reduced. Every thought or
sensation experienced in the mind shows itself as a physical change in the body,
and every physical change will have mental and emotional associations. So, an
emotional problem such as prolonged and unexplored grief can cause physical
illness if not resolve adequately. Hypnotherapists believe that the mind has
the ability to both create and cure physical disease. They believe that the
mind can cure physical illness by activating the healing and repair mechanisms
which are controlled by the subconscious mind.
Fortunately, hypnotherapy can also be used along with
other therapies such as osteopathy and acupuncture to reinforce their benefits.
The level of success of hypnotherapy has a lot to do with the level of
cooperation developed between the patient and therapist. Also, hypnotherapy is
also enhanced by the fact that most individuals who go to treatment are ready
and willing to change.
Some information from
Alternative Therapies
Additional information and
webpage by Paul Susic M.A. Licensed Psychologist Ph.D Candidate
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