When going to see a therapist, using hypnosis to help you overcome your problems might not be the first thing on your mind. You may be thinking more along the lines of pain management therapy, problem-solving therapy, biofeedback, or other assessments that are more tangible – and that even sound more scientific! But hypnotherapy is entirely different from what you see onstage as entertainment. Instead, it’s a scientifically tested and proven method of helping people manage pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, and more. In fact, it’s even used to help during childbirth and, in very rare cases, to help a patient comfortably undergo surgery or other procedures without anesthetic.
While we obviously don’t employ clinical hypnosis for childbirth or medical procedures, we’ve seen the positive effects it can have on a person’s life. We firmly believe that in the hands of a trained, licensed counselor, hypnotherapy can be a wonderful tool in your recovery.
How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
Hypnosis is basically a heightened state of both relaxation and focus. The feeling may be similar to being completely absorbed in a book, movie, project, or meditation. However, hypnosis is different because it increases the link from your conscious to your subconscious, which makes your thought processes more moldable and easy to change. During hypnosis, the therapist will suggest alternate ways of thinking about the things and events that are troubling your life. Additionally, they can teach you ways to relax your body and mind to control discomfort, nausea, and other issues that can result from chronic pain.
In order for hypnosis to work effectively, your therapist has to have a knowledge of what is troubling you. For chronic pain, that may be as simple as the painful area, surgery, or injury itself. For anxiety, phobias, depression, and other mental health challenges, your counselor will probably want to discuss your thought processes, coping mechanisms, and possibly past events that have contributed to your struggle. During this process, you’ll also build trust with your therapist. Since hypnosis requires a very relaxed state, it’s vital that you have a high degree of trust with your counselor so you can comfortably be in that state with them present and directing your thoughts.
This heightened suggestibility is why it’s so important to make sure your therapist is properly trained and ethical beyond reproach. We are certified in the art of hypnotherapy, have used it for years, and have only your best interests at heart. In fact, the very first step in our clinical hypnosis process is to consult with you to decide if it’s something you want or if it’s even right for you.
Is Clinical Hypnosis Right For Me?
The answer to that question depends completely on you! For some people, hypnotherapy can be incredibly effective and helpful. For others, it may be less effective but still a valuable tool when combined with other therapies. Some people cannot be hypnotized at all, and some don’t even want to try. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, we can create a plan that’s tailored to your needs and situation. In the vast majority of cases, hypnotherapy is paired with other techniques to reinforce new and positive ways of thinking. Throughout the course of your visits, we will track your improvement and make sure we’re using the therapies that help you recover the quickest and most thoroughly.
