Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy used to reprogram the subconscious mind. When you are under hypnosis, you put your mind and body in a heightened state of learning, making you more susceptible to suggestions for self-improvement or behaviour modification, notes the American Psychological Association. Many describe hypnosis as a state of focused attention. They feel very calm and relaxed. Media representation of hypnosis does you no favors because it creates an aura of power between the hypnotist and the hypnotized person, says Eric B. Spiegel, PhD, president of the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis and director of practice at Attune Philadelphia Therapy Group.

You may have been hypnotized on your own without even realizing it, says Dr. Spiegel. “He may have been daydreaming at a stoplight and lost so much in his own thoughts that he didn't realize the light had changed. That is hypnosis. "

"As a general rule of thumb, most people are hypnotizable; about 10% are highly hypnotizable, which means they can be hypnotized during labor or surgery instead of anesthesia, while 60-70% are moderately hypnotizable, which means it could help with anxiety, quit smoking, lose weight, ”he says.

What is not hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is not like what you see in theater shows, where you will often see people barking like a dog or clucking like a chicken, according to the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis. There are no oscillating pocket watches. In a hypnotherapy session, you are in control at all times. You will listen to the suggestions made to you and will be able to remember them after the session. Here is an introduction on how hypnotherapy works.

How did hypnotherapy start?

Many of the images of crowed chickens are the result of the ancestor of hypnosis, Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815). Mesmer believed that there was an invisible force, a magnetic force, that one person could harness to influence the behaviour of another, explains the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis. While his theory was wrong, the techniques he used were effective. These techniques were acquired and developed over the years for therapeutic and medical purposes. Sigmund Freud, for example, used hypnosis techniques. In the mid-1900s, hypnotherapy as we know it evolved. Milton Erickson (1901-1980) pioneered "indirect hypnosis," during which therapists work with individual patients to change their perceptions of themselves and their problems.

What is hypnosis like?

During your first session, you will probably start by telling the therapist about your goals and problems. Then they will work together to come up with a treatment plan. The American Psychological Association adds that your therapist will ask you to imagine or think of something pleasant. Once you enter a state of hypnosis, your body will feel calm and relaxed, even when you enter a state of heightened awareness, similar to the way you might feel when meditating. Your therapist will speak to you in a calm, assertive voice, and will place the suggestions that you agreed upon in your treatment plan in your subconscious mind.

What does hypnosis work for?

Hypnosis to lose weight or to stop addictive behaviours like smoking or drinking is what most people think of hypnosis. While people often seek hypnosis therapy for these reasons, there are many other benefits of hypnotherapy. People can see a hypnotherapist Melbourne before and during labour or to boost self-esteem. It can also be used to treat chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, or to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis. Although the studies are promising, more research is needed. Find out how one woman overcame her fear of spiders through hypnotherapy.

The literature is particularly strong for the use of hypnotherapy in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, says Dr. Spiegel. In a study in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, people reported that IBS symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating, improved after three months of hypnotherapy, and this improvement lasted for at least nine months.

What does it not work for?

It is important to remember that hypnotherapists are not doctors. While hypnosis Melbourne can help control pain, it does not cure diseases such as cancer or heart disease, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Where can I find a hypnotherapist?

As with other treatment providers, recommendations from family or friends are a good starting point. You can also consult with a therapist, naturopath, integrative physician, or acupuncturist for recommendations. There are also several databases of certified hypnotherapists online. Try searching the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis search or the General Registry of Hypnotherapy Melbourne. You will want to check the therapist's website before choosing, making sure to look for credentials and testimonials from past patients, if available.

"See a licensed clinical hypnotherapist Melbourne to get the best treatment for you," says Dr. Spiegel. "Hypnotherapy is just one tool that a therapist has in her toolbox."

Can I hypnotize myself?

There are a number of articles, books, and audio guides available for free or by purchasing online that can provide you with tips or guides for self-hypnosis. There are also hundreds of self-hypnosis applications available for download. However, it is important to note that many of these apps have not been scientifically tested and not proven to work, but if they help you relax, there are few downsides, according to the study in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.