What is Hypnotherapy, and How Does it Work?
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is an adjuvant practise that uses hypnosis to help treat certain symptoms or health concerns. Hypnotherapy works by establishing a hypnotic state characterised by awake consciousness, which allows patients to experience detached outward attention while focusing on interior experiences.
It is used in the treatment of phobias and other anxiety disorders. It is also used for pain relief, weight loss, smoking cessation, and a range of other purposes.
Formal research on the therapeutic uses of hypnosis began in the late 1700s, but it did not earn scientific respectability until much later. Modern studies have looked at how hypnosis may be employed, what illnesses it can treat, and how successful it is in comparison to other therapies.
Techniques
People are guided through a practice to establish a trance-like experience that allows them to focus their brains, respond more quickly to ideas, and feel completely relaxed during a hypnotherapy session. Hypnotherapy makes use of the increased sensitivity of the hypnotic state to help you focus more deeply on an issue.
Relaxation: The hypnotherapist will aid you in seeing yourself in a condition of serenity and relaxation, even when confronted with a problematic habit or the object of your concerns.
Coping skills: You may be taught cognitive-behavioral coping methods, such as guided imagery and the STOP! approach, to help you deal with worries and anxieties.
Suggestions: Your hypnotherapist may give mild suggestions for behavioural modifications that will assist you in overcoming your problem. During a phobic response, for example, you may be taught to perceive yourself as a supportive counsellor, thereby learning to trust yourself and your capacity to get through the circumstance.
Exploration of past experiences: Even talking about the first time you engaged in the activity or encountered the issue that you are attempting to resolve, together with your feelings at the time, may be encouraged.
Common Misconceptions:
Hypnotherapy is not the same as stage hypnosis: Stage hypnotists are entertainers with excellent people skills. They are looking for extroverts who can entertain the crowd well. Although it is questionable whether or not their subjects are actually hypnotised, they are prepared to comply with the occasionally absurd recommendations made by the stage hypnotist.
You Don’t Forget What Happens to You During Hypnotherapy: You won't be sleeping or unconscious, you'll recall what happens while you're hypnotised, and you'll be able to exit the hypnotic trance at any moment.
Hypnotherapy won’t cause you to lose control: You maintain control while receiving hypnosis. Even when you are hypnotised, no one can make you do anything against your will. Although you might not be aware of your surroundings since you will be focused on the task at hand, you will always be in control of your own actions, behaviours, and remarks.
Listen to my Radio interview with Empire Radio to learn more: