WHAT IS HYPNOTHERAPY?

Hypnotherapy is a method of communication that induces a trance or a trance-like state. One individual working with another can perform Hypnotherapy, or it may be carried out alone (self-hypnosis).

Trance is a naturally occurring state in which one's attention is narrowly focused and relatively free of distractions. The attention may be focused either internally (on thoughts internal self-talk or images or both) or externally (on a task, a book, or a movie, for example). The focus of attention is so narrow that other stimuli in the environment are ignored or blocked out of conscious awareness for a time.

Examples of trance states are daydreaming and some forms of meditation.

Hypnotherapy can help clients enter a relaxed, comfortable, trance state for obtaining specific therapeutic outcomes. With clinical Hypnotherapy, the therapist can make suggestions designed to help the client formulate specific internal processes (feelings, memories, images and internal self-talk) that will lead to mutually-agreed-upon outcomes.

Hypnotic suggestions can influence behavior when the listener is:

These criteria are facilitated through the use of techniques including: guided visualization, analogies, repetition, statements about association, meaning, and cause-effect.

MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HYPNOTHERAPY

Hypnotherapy is not mind control or brainwashing.

During trance, you are not immobilized. You know exactly where you are all the time. You can scratch, sneeze, cough and adjust your position if you need to. You may have your eyes open or closed eyes and bring yourself out of trance at any time.

You can still hear sounds around you, such as footsteps or the sound of a car. You can alert yourself and respond to any situation that needs your immediate attention. You remain oriented as to person, place, and time. You can, may even be asked to, hold a conversation in trance.

Trance is not sleep, although some people get so relaxed in trance that they may fall asleep. This is no problem because some part of the mind continues to listen to the voice of the hypnotherapist. In trance, sleeping subjects can still follow instructions such as moving a finger, taking a deep breath, or awakening themselves when they are told to do so.

There is no “right” way to experience trance. One person may experience it as a deep, heavy restful feeling, while another may experience it as a light, floating sensation. Some people hear every word spoken by the therapist, while others allow their minds to drift to other thoughts. Some experience vivid imagery, while others do not. Some people remember the suggestions they hear, and some do not. Every person’s experience of hypnotherapy is unique.

Hypnotherapy cannot cause anyone to do something against their will or that contradicts their values. First, a hypnotherapist is ethically required to make only those suggestions that support agreed-upon outcomes. Second, clients are not receptive to suggestions that go against their morals or values, because receptivity is one of the ingredients of success in hypnotherapy.

Remember, hypnotherapy cannot solve every problem. Even with hypnotherapy, it may still be necessary for you to do some conscientious planning and research about the types of changes you want to achieve. You must still take action to get results. hypnotherapy is not a cure-all. hypnotherapy can be effective in many cases, but there are no guarantees that hypnotherapy will work for you.

APPLICATIONS OF HYPNOTHERAPY USED IN MARK’S OFFICE...

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