Clinical Hypnotherapy

What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?

Clinical hypnosis teaches patients to use a deep relaxation state to address issues such as smoking cessation, weight loss, pain relief, or self-improvement. The decision to use hypnosis in clinical settings in addition to treatment can only be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider who has been trained in the use and limitations of clinical hypnosis.

There are multiple definitions of hypnosis from a variety of perspectives ranging from physiological to psychoanalytical. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines the practice as “a procedure during which a health professional or researcher suggests that a client, patient, or subject experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or behavior.”

The hypnotic context is generally established by an induction procedure. Although there are many different hypnotic inductions, most include suggestions for relaxation, calmness, and wellbeing. Instructions to imagine or think about pleasant experiences are also commonly included in hypnotic inductions.

Hypnotherapy can be seen as a special branch of psychotherapy, which uses hypnosis as a method to diagnose and cure certain ailments. This method is utilized to create an unconscious change in the patient by introducing new responses, thoughts, behavioral changes and changes in attitude into the subconscious mind. Contrary to popular belief, a patient is not “put under” and has control over his or her actions. Hypnotherapy enables the patient to attain a peaceful state of being, where he or she is not distracted by other mundane problems. This helps patients to focus on their problems and by asking pertinent questions, a clinical hypnotherapist can get to the root of these problems. However, a patient under hypnotherapy is more open to certain suggestions and ideas. By subtle implantation of these suggestions into the patient’s subconscious, a clinical hypnotherapist can help the patient take the first steps towards positive behavioral change.

How can I benefit?

Hypnosis has offered adherents relief from pain, depression, anxiety, stress, phobias, anger, habit disorders, and many other psychological and medical problems. It has been shown particularly effective during childbirth and in pediatric settings, and even provided anesthesia during surgery and painful medical procedures.

Are there any cautions?

Hypnosis generally poses few risks for mentally healthy people. Just be careful not to stand up too quickly after your session or you might get dizzy. Also if you are taking medications, such as insulin, sedatives, or cardiovascular medicine, you may need to adjust your dosages.

Hypnosis may not be recommended for persons with clinical depression or personality disorders, such as schizophrenic, borderline, or narcissistic disorders. It is essential for anyone interested in hypnosis to carefully choose a provider. This provider should be a licensed healthcare professional with specific hypnosis training and certification.

The role of the Hypnotherapist involves:

Helping the patient reach a trance like state of peace and tranquility

Utilizing proper methodologies in the trance state to help the patient reach resolution with his or her problem.

Hypnotherapy has proven to be a successful and alternative treatment in many areas, including:

Child birth
Phobias
Anxiety
Depression
Eating Disorders
Sleeping disorders
Sexual disorders
Substance and Behavioral Addictions
Habit Control
Pain Control

and much more!

Hypnotherapy is also an excellent opportunity for certified practitioners in the following fields to advance or utilize their existing practice in:

Stress Management
Anger Management
Life Coaching
Meditation Instructor
Spiritual Counseling
Grief Counseling
Trauma Counseling
Addiction Counseling
Crisis Intervention
Holistic Nursing

Hypnotherapists can operate from their own home or private practice but can also offer their services to businesses or other government agencies.