Hypnosis or ‘ hypnotherapy’ are names for a technique that induces a trancelike state to achieve increased focus and concentration. Hypnosis is usually done with the help of a therapist who uses verbal repetition and a steady tone of voice to create mental images and bring the mind into a state of relaxation. A person under hypnosis becomes more open to suggestions, which the therapist can use for a number of beneficial ends.
Hypnosis can be used to help you gain control over your undesired behaviors or help you cope better with any anxiety or pain that you might be experiencing. It’s important to know that although you’re more open to suggestions during hypnosis, you don’t lose control over your own behavior when you’re in that state.
How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
When under hypnosis, the therapist places your mind and body into a heightened state of learning, making you more susceptible to suggestions for self-improvement or behavior modification, as the American Psychological Association states. The therapist uses their voice to bypass your conscious mind and influence your subconscious directly. Even if you don’t necessarily remember what is said during a session, the therapist’s implanted suggestions can surface in your daily life and move you toward the behavior you want to achieve.
The method behind hypnotherapy takes advantage of distinct states of awareness, transitioning you from one to the other. Specifically, the human brain has two distinct levels of awareness: alpha (relaxed) and beta (alert). When a person is in an alpha state, they become more susceptible to hypnosis, but that's not their state of everyday functioning. To promote hypnosis, professional guides you through a series of steps designed to relax your body, calm your mind, and focus your attention on specific thoughts or sensations. During each step of hypnotherapy, you might be asked to imagine certain scenes or recall experiences that are conducive to reaching an alpha state.
As you can see, the method behind hypnosis is ultimately based around relaxation. Once you reach that relaxed alpha state, the therapist's next steps will depend on the outcome you hope to achieve. They might help you recall certain memories you've forgotten or ask you about patterns of behavior that you would like to change. It all depends on your reason for visiting.
The Benefits of Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis can be a great tool for those who are unsatisfied with aspects of their behavior. It may be especially helpful for those who are trying to cope with a stressful situation or habit, like procrastination, workplace anxiety, or an addiction. Hypnotherapy can also be an effective treatment for overcoming fears, phobias, or other issues without resorting to medication or more invasive methods.
The therapy can be used to treat conditions like:
Pain
Hypnotherapy has been shown to be an effective form of therapy for pain management. Doctors will sometimes even recommend hypnotherapy as an alternative to pain medication for those who they think might benefit from it.
Hypnotherapy is also a good choice for those who are suffering from chronic pain. It can be used to treat and help manage a variety of physical conditions, for instance:
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Digestive issues
- Injuries
Behavior Change
Hypnotherapy can be used to help people change their behavior, which is a great tool for those who want to be more productive at work, school, or life in general. It can also be used to help people learn new habits and skills or overcome habits that are holding them back. The deeper, more relaxed state of mind induced by hypnosis is also the source of many of our behaviors. Hypnosis can help people change their thoughts and feelings at this level, which in turn can change their behaviors.
Side Effects from Treating Cancer
Mainstream cancer treatments are hard on the body, to say the least. Hypnotherapy can be used to help people deal with the emotional and physical effects of cancer, such as pain, stress, anxiety, and more. It can also be used to help people cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, like nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Mental Health Conditions
Hypnotherapy is perhaps most associated with treating mental health conditions. It can be used to help people manage the side effects of antidepressant medications and to help people cope with the symptoms of depression. It can also be used to help people learn to cope with anxiety, which is especially useful for those who are dealing with phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or panic attacks.
Finding Hypnotherapy Near Me
Choosing a hypnotherapist can be a bit of a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. It's important to find a hypnotherapist who is familiar with the latest techniques, who has a proven track record of success, and who is certified to practice hypnotherapy.
If you're looking for a hypnosis practice online, Sofia Health can help you find it. We work with a broad network of providers who are willing and able to serve you.
Sources:
CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians: "Hypnosis for Cancer Care: Over 200 Years Young."
Cleveland Clinic: "Hypnotherapy."
Hypnotherapy Directory: "Public Speaking."
Mount Sinai: "Hypnotherapy."
PennMedicine: "6 Surprising Health Benefits of Hypnotherapy."
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: "The False Memory Syndrome: Experimental Studies and Comparison to Confabulations."
Psycom: "Hyped on Hypnosis: Inside the Mind with a Hypnotherapist."
Science News: ''Brain Waves May Focus Attention and Keep Information Flowing."
Verywell Mind: "The Benefits of Using Hypnotherapy in Addiction Treatment."
Welldoing.org: "This Is What It's Like to Visit a Hypnotherapist."
Wellness Institute Blog: "What Is the Difference Between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy? How Does Hypnotherapy Work?"
