What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy in which the subconscious mind is accessed and reprogrammed to solve problems such as coping with stress and breaking bad habits. It combines cognitive therapeutic counselling techniques with subconscious healing techniques.
When the patient is under hypnosis, their mind and body are put into a heightened state of learning which makes them more susceptible to suggestions for self-improvement or behavior modification. The goal of hypnotherapy is to harmonize the subconscious and conscious minds to give the person a greater control over their emotions and behavior.
How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
Hypnotherapy quiets the conscious mind to allow the unconscious mind to focus deeply on the issue at hand. In order to do this, the person is placed in a hypnotic state where they are deeply relaxed and willing to face their self-limiting thoughts and feelings.
Most hypnotherapists use a series of calming messages to reassure the client that under a hypnotic state, they can face their issues objectively without having a panic attack.
Then, the hypnotherapist will make gentle suggestions to the client for behavior changes that can help overcome the issue. They may also teach certain cognitive-behavioural coping skills to confront these issues.
What are the Benefits of Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy gives you the power to control your mind to achieve a healthy life. It helps you transform deep-seated thinking patterns, behaviours and emotions that are stored in your subconscious mind and influence different areas of your life. Hypnosis techniques and motivation from a qualified hypnotherapist can help to address a wide range of physical and psychological issues, including:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bad habits
- Weight loss
- Addictions such as drinking, smoking, gambling, etc.
- Low self-esteem
- Preparation for childbirth
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Slow academic progress
- Bed wetting
- Test anxiety
- Fears and phobias
- Low self-confidence
- Poor memory
- Lack of motivation
- Nail biting
- Grief
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Performance anxiety
- Premenstrual tension
- Sexual problems
- Poor sporting performance
- Smoking cessation
- Stress management
What Can You Expect From Hypnotherapy?
During a hypnotherapy session, which usually lasts for an hour, the practitioner and client will first talk about the issues that the latter wants to resolve as well as their health goals. For hypnosis to work, the client has to express their intent to change and achieve a better version of their current self. Once they have done this, the client is put in a trance. Note that the client may opt to lie down or sit comfortably on a couch. There are no must and mustn'ts or do's and don'ts in respect of this matter.
While the client is in a trance, the therapist will help them visualise relaxing images to make their mind receptive to change. Then, the therapist taps into their subconscious mind and feeds it with positive suggestions.
Contrary to how they are falsely depicted in movies, a hypnotherapist cannot make a person say or do things involuntarily. The client will remain completely aware of everything happening around them throughout the therapy session. At the end of the session, the therapist guides the client out of their hypnotic state or the client snaps out of it automatically.
Hypnotherapy does not involve touch, so whether it's delivered face-to-face or online doesn't matter as the client will reap the same benefits. Some people may only require one session, while others would require at least a month or two to resolve their issues. Online hypnotherapy sessions can be done by phone or through a videoconferencing platform
Is Hypnotherapy Safe?
Hypnotherapy is safe and beneficial for people of all ages so long as it is performed by a trained hypnotherapist. Studies show that people who can easily enter a state of trance are more likely to benefit from hypnosis.
