Hypnotherapy,
also referred to as guided hypnosis, is a form of psychotherapy that uses relaxation, extreme concentration, and intense attention to achieve a heightened state of consciousness or mindfulness. In other words, it places the individual into a “trance” or altered state of awareness. This form of therapy is considered alternative medicine with the purpose of utilizing one’s mind to help reduce or alleviate a variety of issues, such as psychological distress, phobias, and unhealthy, destructive, or dangerous habits (i.e. smoking and/or drinking). The aim of hypnotherapy is to create a positive change in an individual, while he/she is in a state of unconsciousness or slumber (sleep).What is Hypnotherapy Used For?
Note: Those, who have psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, should speak to a qualified hypnotherapist or psychologist to determine if this therapy is right for them.
What Happens During Hypnosis?
During hypnosis, a trained hypnotherapist or psychologist uses guided relaxation techniques to elicit feelings of extreme relaxation, focus, and concentration in the individual with the goal of helping him/her achieve a heightened state of consciousness.What Methods Are Commonly Used in Hypnotherapy?
The two main methods of hypnotherapy are suggestion therapy and analysis.
Suggestion therapy
relies on an individual’s ability to respond to suggestions and guidance from the hypnotherapist or psychologist, while he/she is in a “trance-like” or altered state. This method is commonly used to control or stop unwanted or unhealthy behaviors like smoking, gambling, nail-biting, and excessive eating. Studies have suggested that it may also be beneficial for those with chronic pain. Moreover, research indicates that suggestion therapy may encourage positive and healthy behaviors like self-motivation and self-confidence. Furthermore, this method may help clients or patients “uncover” the psychological root of a problem or symptom, for instance, the root of one’s social anxiety, depression, and/or past trauma. It is important to understand that feelings or memories associated with trauma tend to “hide” in one’s unconscious memory so that the individual doesn’t remember (on a conscious level) the trauma he/she experienced.Analysis,
on the other hand, has proven extremely effective for “digging deep” into the subconscious mind to retrieve repressed memories or past trauma(s) – all of which could be causing psychological distress, mental health conditions, and/or problematic behaviors.This method also referred to as “regression therapy,” is more exploratory in nature. In fact, the main goal of the analysis is to determine the root cause, issue, disorder, and/or symptom of an individual’s distress.
During analysis, a psychologist first hypnotizes the individual by putting him/her into a relaxed state. Then, he/she helps this individual explore past event(s) in his/her life. The goal is to probe the individual’s unconscious memories of said event(s), so he/she can move past them.
Reference: https://www.therapytribe.com/therapy/what-is-hypnotherapy/