Many people have heard of hypnotherapy but do not fully understand what it is all about. Essentially, it is known as a complementary therapy. What this means is that it uses suggestion as a way of promoting positive thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Patients are put into a trance-like state and the technique is conducted where they are then at a heightened state of suggestibility. During the process, patients are more relaxed which makes it easier to then explore different thoughts, memories and feelings. As a result, they will respond differently and will then change their perceptions of the way in which they approach different scenarios or feelings in the future.
What is the purpose of hypnotherapy?
The main goal of hypnotherapy is to use the mind and that helps to generate positive changes. The process can be used to manage a range of issues including psychological, emotional and physical issues and that is done by accessing the subconscious mind. If patients are suffering from mental health problems, pain or have habits that they want to break, this process can be extremely useful.
Does hypnotherapy really work?
There are many different factors that can determine the success of hypnotherapy. This can include the suggestibility of the person, the hypnotherapist and the problem being addressed. Furthermore, many studies have been carried out that have shown that hypnotherapy can be used effectively to manage a range of problems. Discover the conditions sometimes treated by Hypnosis here. This can range from pain to habit but also conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and anxiety disorders. Another example is people who might smoke or want to lose weight, as hypnotherapy has been found to help in these situations.
How fast does hypnotherapy work?
The answer to this depends on the person being treated but also the issue. It has been seen that improvements are made immediately after a couple of sessions, however, some might need more sessions to get to the root of the problem. If the problem is deep-rooted then it can take longer but if the individual is not responsive then it can take more work.
If we use someone who smokes as an example, then this can be dealt with relatively quickly, but for someone who has experienced trauma it can take longer. What this means is that anyone who is considering hypnotherapy should have realistic expectations when it comes to how long the treatment will take to work.
What is it best used for?
As mentioned, hypnotherapy can be used to treat a multitude of issues. This can include the following:
- Anxiety – It can help people manage anxiety by helping them to relax and deal with the cause of anxiety.
- Chronic Pain – Managing pain can become easier with hypnotherapy as it can change the perception of pain while promoting wellbeing.
- Phobias and Fears – Irrational fears phobias can be managed through hypnotherapy as it can address the subconscious mind which can then lead to the way in which people think.
- Insomnia – Sleep quality can be improved as relaxation is promoted and any underlying causes are dealt with.
- Anger Management – Anger is managed through enhanced relaxation and by dealing with the issues that cause anger.
- Blushing – Blushing can be managed more effectively with hypnotherapy and it can help individuals deal with the triggers.
- PTSD – Individuals will have the scope to deal with triggers and underlying causes, giving them the scope to heal from traumatic experiences.
- Smoking Cessation – People smoke for a number of reasons but hypnotherapy will allow individuals to deal with the reasons and take a different approach.
- Bad Habits – Hypnotherapy can help people to break bad habits by changing the way in which they manage triggers.
- IBS – The symptoms of IBS can be reduced through hypnotherapy by helping individuals to relax and deal with the underlying cause.
- Stress – Stress can be caused by many things but individuals will be able to manage the causes and relax more easily.
- Depression – Depression can be brought on by a multitude of things but hypnotherapy can help individuals to look at the issues differently and change their approach.
Who is not suitable?
Hypnotherapy can work for many people but it is not for everyone. For those who suffer from significant mental health problems, it is likely that hypnotherapy might not be the right approach for them as it could worsen their symptoms. It might not be the right approach for those who are sceptical of hypnotherapy as they might not be able to relax and concentrate, leading to results that are not what they expected.
Benefits of hypnotherapy
There are many benefits that come with hypnotherapy and this includes:
- Improve mental and emotional wellbeing – Individuals can deal with their issues and problems and feel better about themselves.
- Reduced Symptoms of anxiety and depression – Anxiety and depression symptoms can be reduced as individuals will be able to relax and manage the cause of their problems.
- Effective Pain Management – Everyone deals with pain differently but hypnotherapy can help people to perceive pain in a different way.
- Enhanced Ability to Overcome Habits and Addictions – Habits can be broken through hypnotherapy as it can help them to deal with the causes and reasons as to why they have these habits.
- Improved Sleep Quality – Sleep can be disturbed in many ways such as stress, pain or an inability to relax. Hypnotherapy can help individuals to deal with the cause of their lack of sleep.
- Increased Self-Awareness and Personal Growth – Individuals will learn more about themselves as well as their reasons for their behaviour which can then result in personal growth and development.
- Stress Reduction – Stress can be reduced as individuals will have the ability to manage stress, relax and reduce the issues that stress can cause.
Potential Hypnotherapy Risks
Hypnotherapy is considered safe but there are risks and side effects that individuals should know about. They might experience dizziness, headaches as well as nausea after a session. There are rare cases where hypnotherapy could create false memories or make existing conditions worse, although this is rarely seen.
How successful is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy and its success can be driven by multiple factors. This might be the individual and how suggestible they are but also the ability of the hypnotherapist and the condition being treated. There is research that suggests that it can be used to deal with some conditions such as pain management, habit and anxiety.
What to look for in a hypnotherapy therapist?
If you want to find success with hypnotherapy then you need a therapist who is qualified, experienced and reputable. They should also have a deep understanding of the condition that is being presented to them and they should also be able to create a tailored treatment plan. Their approach and style are important as some might take a direct approach while others might be indirect and permissive. What this means is that the therapist you choose should align with your preferences and level of comfort.
Essentially, hypnotherapy is a potential treatment that can deal with a range of issues. If you are aware of the purpose, benefits and risks, you will have the ability to make an informed decision and what is right for you.
