 Let me begin by saying Hypnotherapy is not a type of therapy in itself. However, it is a great aid to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy, which combines hypnosis with cognitive-behavioral therapy, helps change unwanted patterns and behaviors by connecting with the subconscious mind. It helps with psychotherapy because the hypnotic state allows a person to explore more painful thoughts and feelings that may be hidden from the conscious mind. The positive suggestions that people are given while hypnotized are referred to as “post hypnotic suggestions” because they are intended to take effect after the person emerges from the deep relaxation or trance and is no longer under hypnosis. Experts say that hypnotherapy can help the "stuck" thought patterns that go along with depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mood disorders. The fact is, however, that hypnosis is a genuine psychological phenomenon that has valid uses in clinical practice. Simply put, hypnosis is a state of highly focused attention or concentration, often associated with relaxation, and heightened suggestibility. While under hypnosis, it seems many people are much more open to helpful suggestions than they usually are. "Hypnosis works and the empirical support is unequivocal in that regard. It really does help people," says Michael Yapko, PhD, a psychologist and fellow of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Hypnosis has been used for centuries for pain control, including during the Civil War when Army surgeons hypnotized injured soldiers before amputations. Recent studies have confirmed its effectiveness as a tool to reduce pain. Among the leading researchers in the field is Guy H. Montgomery, PhD, a psychologist who has conducted extensive research on hypnosis and pain management at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where he is director of the Integrative Behavioral Medicine Program. In a 2009 article in Health Psychology (Vol. 28, No. 3), Montgomery and colleagues reported on a study, which found that a combination of hypnosis and cognitive-behavioral therapy could reduce fatigue for breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Hypnotherapy is a safe procedure when done by a trained therapist. Hypnotherapy is not mind control or brainwashing. Hypnotherapy is specifically designed to fit your needs. This means that each hypnotherapy session is designed for just you and allows for a very individualized approach. The reason that hypnotherapy can be so effective is because it is so person centered. If you have tried other treatments and not seen results, you should give hypnotherapy a try due to the fact that it is so person centered. Check with your insurance company to see if they specifically cover hypnotherapy.
9 Comments
6/6/2022 11:51:05 am
Thank you for explaining that hypnosis is a state of highly focused attention or concentration. I've been wondering more about hypnotherapy since my friend mentioned it yesterday. I think understanding this about it can help me to understand more about the process than I did initially.
Liz Birch, LMFT
6/8/2022 12:12:10 pm
Hi Olivia, 10/18/2022 08:22:13 am
I've been having a hard time with anxiety, and it's been making it hard to go about my daily life. It's interesting that hypnotherapy can be helpful for treating conditions like that. It might be a good idea for me to work with a specialist to see if that can help me out.
Liz Birch, LMFT
10/18/2022 08:46:41 pm
Hi Braden, 3/6/2023 10:18:16 pm
Thank you for mentioning that hypnosis is a condition of intense focus frequently accompanied by relaxation and increased suggestibility. My sister struggles to focus and suffers from anxiety. I'll advise her to seek out hypnosis for anxiety in order to reduce her stress and help her focus.
Liz Birch
3/10/2023 11:37:52 am
Hi Iris, I never took into account the fact that hypnosis have been used for pain control for many centuries even in the Civil War. I guess this kind of treatment has developed a lot after many years. So it must be a good idea to opt for anxiety hypnosis if my sister has that kind of condition. She just has been really affected even with small triggers at the moment ever since the pandemic. 5/15/2023 04:55:12 am
I really liked reading your blog post about clinical hypnotherapy and how it might help those who are in need of therapy. You've done a great job in this post of defining what clinical hypnotherapy is and the kinds of problems it can help with. Your discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of this strategy is fair and thorough, helping the reader to make a well-informed choice. Your writing is friendly and personable, and it exudes compassion and understanding. We appreciate you providing clarity on this issue and assisting people in understanding their treatment options.
Liz
5/15/2023 09:07:34 am
Thank you for your kind comments. People have options with their goal of reducing stress, anxiety or any of life's challenges. Hypnotherapy is one option that other's may not know is available which can lead to positive results. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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