Hypnosis (Hypnotherapy)

Hypnosis is a non invasive complementary therapy that can be effectively used for the control of certain symptoms like pain or phobias. It has a long history and has been practised throughout the world.

Examples of conditions that have been treated with hypnosis include –

Hypnosis is generally used to help control, focus or redirect someone's thought process in order to help them achieve a goal. These goals can be as diverse as gaining confidence in a certain situation or overcoming a fear of snakes.

Hypnosis is not used to treat the cause of a physical ailment, however it can be used to control symptoms like pain, fear and anxiety.

Choosing a hypnotic therapist

The degree to which the practicing of hypnosis is controlled varies across different territories, however, there are national associations or societies in most countries that regulate the qualifications, experience and conduct of their members. In choosing a hypnotic therapist you should look for membership of one of these bodies.

In the UK the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH) is one such organisation.

In the USA the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) is the largest U.S. organization for health and mental health care professionals using clinical hypnosis.

What to expect from a treatment session

Before a treatment the practitioner will need to establish the patient's problem, any underlying issues and the desired outcome of the treatments. This will be done prior to the commencement of the hypnotic session.

Some problems can be resolved with a single session whilst others may take a course of treatments. In either case this should be determined in advance by the practitioner following the initial consultation.

During a hypnosis session the patient will be encouraged to feel relaxed. They will be seated in a comfortable chair or even requested to lie down on a couch. Relaxing sounds like running water or waves gently washing onto a beach may be played on a sound system to create the right atmosphere.

The therapist will then use a specific dialogue to relax the patient further and then to influence the patient in the desired way. During the entire session the patient will remain lucid and in full control of their faculties. They will be able to stop the treatment at any time and should not feel out of control or uncomfortable.

Not everyone is susceptible to hypnosis, however, for those who are it can be a very effective therapy.

Some practitioners of hypnosis are also NLP practitioners and may advocate using NLP therapy rather than hypnosis (or vice versa).

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