Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy, Dubai. Blue sky and clouds reflected in the water surrounded by mountains. What lies beneath the water represents the unconscious mind that hypnosis and clinical hypnotherapy focuses on. — *The reflections in the water represent the unconscious side of the psyche*

Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. Introduction

Hypnosis is a particular state of the human psyche which is characterized by a reduced level of consciousness. In this state some qualities of perception, like focused attention, are restrained. Others, for example memory of past events and sensory sensations, can be enhanced.

In the hypnotic state the capacity to respond to suggestions is increased. The hypnotic state differs from sleep. During the hypnosis, a level of consciousness is partially maintained, while during sleep conscious awareness is “switched off.”

Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are scientifically recognized and well-tested psychotherapeutic methods. They’ve been successfully applied in various fields of psychotherapy, by general physicians, and dentists for the treatment of children and adults.

When I mention to people that I am a licensed clinical hypnotherapist, they often respond with great curiosity. They typically want to know what hypnosis and hypnotherapy are, how they work, and if they are safe.

In this article, I will answer those questions and more, and you might consider hypnosis and hypnotherapy at our clinic in Dubai.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy. During hypnotherapy the patient will experience subconscious change. These changes include new responses, thoughts, attitudes, behaviours or feelings
As mentioned above, behavioral scientists originally used hypnosis to treat a condition known in the Victorian era as “hysteria.” Psychologists accept modern hypnotherapy for the treatment of many disorders, conditions, and for personal development. Hypnotherapists treat anxiety, depression, OCD, and control irrational fears, such as phobias. They also treat conditions, such as insomnia and addictions.

The form of hypnotherapy practiced by most Victorian hypnotists, including James Braid and Hippolyte Bernheim, mainly employed direct suggestion of symptom removal. The employed also use of therapeutic relaxation and occasionally aversive method in treating alcohol or drug addiction.

Ericksonian Conversational Hypnotherapy

Today Ericksonian hypnotherapy is widespread. In the 1950s, Milton H. Erickson developed a radically different approach to hypnotism, which has subsequently become known as “Ericksonian hypnotherapy” or “Neo-Ericksonian hypnotherapy.” Erickson made use of an informal conversational approach with clients using complex language patterns and various therapeutic strategies.

Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. The Difference

A hypnotist does hypnosis by “implanting” suggestions in the unconscious.

The clinical hypnotherapist, in contrast, uses hypnosis as a tool applying special therapeutic techniques to achieve treatment success. The techniques are guided imageries, parts-therapy, regressions, relearning, and discharge of negative or overpowering emotions (abreactions).

Psychotherapists using hypnotherapy usually have prior training in another therapy form, such as depth psychology or behavior therapy. A therapist will employ hypnotherapy based on and in addition to their therapeutic approach, creating conditions for the client to engage in creative problem-solving.

The therapist doesn’t dictate solutions but triggers search processes in trance, facilitated by activating the right hemisphere of the brain. It may be helpful to project into the future, imagining handling a difficult upcoming situation or envisioning it already resolved.

The Ericksonian hypnotherapist applies principles of utilization outside of trance too. This might involve assigning tasks to disrupt habitual thinking, perception, or behavior patterns (like reaching for cigarettes or a beer bottle).

History of Hypnosis

Sigmund Freud, C.G. Jung and Jacques Lacan were the pioneers who conceptualized the idea of the unconscious and its dynamics. They gained insights into patients’ unconscious using dream interpretation, free association, as well as hypnosis. The relevance of the unconscious is that it affects how we feel, think, perceive, and behave. It is the source of automatic thoughts, memory, emotional memory, insight, knowledge, inner conflicts, fears, and desires.

Anton Mesmer and the Animal Magnetism

The Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) implemented the first semi-scientific use of hypnosis as a therapeutic method. He left the term “mesmerizing” to posterity. Mesmer wrongly assumed that he created the state of hypnosis with an invisible magnetic field he called “animal magnetism.” To induce a hypnotic state he used hand passes, magnetized sticks or magnets he was carrying in his pockets. Mesmer and his followers used this “animal magnetism” mostly for treating conditions that at that time were called hysteria. Additionally, they were also successful in healing physical diseases. Essentially, Mesmer and his followers were effective therapeutically, despite their wrong theoretical approach about the nature of the psychological state they created.

James Braid the “Father” of Modern Hypnosis

The Scottish physician James Braid (1795 – 1860) was the first who proved the idea of Mesmer and his followers wrong. Braid based his views on observation and experiment, rather than on preconceived theories. Braid demonstrated that mere fixation on a small, bright object could produce the state previously known as mesmeric somnambulism. The hand passes of a mesmerist and the use of magnets were quite unnecessary. He coined the term “hypnosis” and “hypnotism”. However, Bernheim’s main achievement was the creation of the scientific foundation of hypnotism and its use as a therapeutic method. Braid opened the door for the later scientific research on hypnosis and – in the end – for the development of psychodynamic psychotherapy. The physicians following his path were the French scientists: Charcot, Liébeault, Bernheim, Janet and – at the beginning of his psychotherapeutic career – also Sigmund Freud.

New Definition of Hypnosis

A new definition of hypnosis, derived from academic psychology, was provided in 2005 by the Society for Psychological Hypnosis, Division 30 of the American Psychological Association (APA). They published the following formal definition and published a brochure all about hypnosis.

Hypnosis typically involves an introduction to the procedure during which the subject is told that suggestions for imaginative experiences will be presented. The hypnotic induction is an extended initial suggestion for using one`s imagination and may contain further elaborations of the introduction. A hypnotic procedure is used to encourage and evaluate responses to suggestions. When using hypnosis, one person (the subject) is guided by another (the hypnotist). The techniques used in the hypnotherapy is to create suggestions for patient’s changes in his subjective experience. Other techniques are alterations in perception, sensation, emotion, thought or behaviour. Persons can also learn self-hypnosis, which is the act of administering hypnotic procedures on one`s own. If the subject responds to hypnotic suggestions, it is generally inferred that hypnosis has been induced.

The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) on Hypnosis

The use of hypnotism for therapeutic purposes is referred to as “hypnotherapy.” The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) maintains:

The hypnotherapist uses clinical hypnosis in three main ways:

Encouraging the use of imagination

Mental imagery is very powerful, especially in a focused state of attention. The psyche seems capable of using imagery, even if it is only symbolic, to assist us in bringing about the things we are imagining. For example, a patient with ulcerative colitis may be asked to imagine what his/her distressed colon looks like. If she imagines it as being like a tunnel, with very red, inflamed walls that are rough in texture, the patient may be encouraged in hypnosis (and in self-hypnosis) to imagine this image changing to a healthy one.

Presenting ideas or suggestions to the patient

A second basic hypnotic method is to present ideas or suggestions to the patient. In a state of concentrated attention, ideas and suggestions that are compatible with what the patient wants, seems to have a more powerful impact on the mind.

Scientific Prove of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

The effectiveness of hypnosis can be demonstrated through empirical studies and various methods monitoring brain activity, such as EEG (Electroencephalography) – a technique measuring the brain’s electrical activity.

The Cerebral State Monitor (small handheld EEG monitor), used in anesthesia to monitor its depth, shows similar values in hypnotic anesthesia as in pharmacologically induced anesthesia. These results prove the effectiveness of hypnosis in pain management. Brain changes during hypnosis can be also observed using imaging techniques, such as PET, revealing distinct responses during deep relaxation compared to non-relaxed states.

Exploring the Unconscious

Hypnosis may be used for the exploration of the unconscious for better understanding of the underlying motivations. It helps to identify whether past events or experiences are causing a problem. Hypnosis avoids the critical censorship of the conscious mind, which often defeats what we know to be in our best interests. The effectiveness of hypnosis appears to lie in the way in which it bypasses the critical observation and interference of the conscious mind, allowing the client`s intentions for change to take effect.

Some individuals seem to have higher native hypnotic talent and capacity that may allow them to benefit more readily from hypnosis. It is important to keep in mind that hypnosis is like any other therapeutic modality. It is of major benefit to some patients with some problems, but individual responses vary.

The Hypnotic Trance

During hypnosis, the hypnotherapist guides the person into an altered state of consciousness called the hypnotic trance. It’s been proven that the majority of people can enter a trance state through hypnosis, given certain abilities to concentrate, activate vivid imagination, and establish a trustful relationship with the hypnotherapist. To induce trance, a therapist might use a classic method like eye fixation.

Trance influences physical reactions such as muscle tension and blood pressure regulation. Mentally, patients experience intense calmness, balance, strength, and security. Critical-rational thinking recedes while imaginative processing activates and stimulates imagery across all senses. Attention shifts to inner experiences, while perception of the external world fades. In a state of trance, visual associations are more easily learned. This has concrete effects for patients, allowing them to get more distance towards stress-inducing situations and imbuing them with positive content.

Conditions treated with Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis can influence nearly all autonomously occurring processes of the human body, such as digestion, hormone gland activity, or the immune system function.

Scientific studies and clinical experience demonstrate that hypnosis and its psychotherapeutic use, hypnotherapy, can effectively treat mental health disorders. These include:

In general medicine, hypnosis is successfully used for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems, skin conditions, and in cancer treatment to reduce pain, anxiety, or chemotherapy side effects. Other medical applications include obstetrics and emergency care.

It primarily depends on the therapist’s goals and, not least, on their experience, skill, and knowledge how they use this tool in a specific case. Especially in inexplicable anxiety and panic attacks, therapeutic hypnosis can contribute to clarifying the causes and then, in the second step, to resolving the fears.

Treatment of chronic pain with hypnosis

Medical hypnosis is particularly effective in treating chronic pain complementing conventional treatment with medication. The long-term goal of hypnosis is to provide knowledge and guidance for self-hypnosis so that individuals can independently perform hypnosis exercises.

Hypnosis in treatment of sleep disorders

Hypnotherapy is effective for treating sleep disorders with emotional or psychological causes. If sleep disorders occur as a result of physical illnesses, hypnosis can also be promising as a complementary therapy.

Sleep disturbances often arise from individuals struggling to stop the cycle of thoughts or cease pointless rumination before bedtime. Hypnotherapy for sleep disorders focuses on clearing the mind to put an end to this rumination by introducing positive inner images, allowing for a gentle transition into a pleasant and restful sleep.

Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy in treatment of dependencies

In general, we distinguish between two types of addictions: addictions to substances and behavioral addictions. The first group includes addictions to alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes. Alcohol and cigarettes dependence are by far the most common addiction since alcohol and cigarettes are readily available and commonly not perceived as a drug. The second group of addictions includes disorders such as gambling, internet dependence, or compulsive buying. Breaking free from a dependence is extremely challenging.

Hypnosis is an effective treatment method for dependencies as they are rooted in the unconscious. Hypnotherapy can be used for treatment of behavioral and substance-related dependencies. With hypnosis, compulsions can be resolved, and dependency-promoting behaviors can be discarded. Instead, positive behavioral patterns can be anchored in the unconscious during hypnotherapy sessions.

Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. The Procedure

Introducing hypnosis and hypnotherapy as a treatment method requires standardized steps.

1. Preliminary Discussion

First and foremost, it’s important for the patient to feel understood and respected. Typically, an intense conversation between the hypnotherapist and the patient takes place initially to build trust. Once the atmosphere between patient and therapist is sufficiently relaxed, the actual hypnosis begins. This occurs in a room that exudes tranquillity and comfort.

While the initial discussion focused on describing the problem, now it’s about engaging the senses and unconsciously reshaping the experience of the problem. The patient takes a seat on the comfortable hypnosis chair. They might wrap themselves in a blanket or close their eyes. What matters is what feels right for the patient.

2. Relaxation Phase

Relaxation is initiated with some breathing exercises and gradually deepened. Deepening typically involves counting. For example, the patient might imagine descending a staircase step by step. The speed and intensity vary from patient to patient. Additionally, the methods and imagery in the induction can vary and are adjusted individually based on the client and his condition.

3. Trance Phase

During trance, the patients are guided and supported to approach the root causes of their problems at their own pace. Here, too, there are different techniques ranging from regressive to progressive work. Hypnosis is a highly individual process and should always be treated as such. The patients maintain a distance between the visualized situation and their experiencing self. This means the patients views their problems as if through a pane of glass. They can feel the reactions from that time exactly, without being overwhelmed by their emotions again. In the next step, the patient is encouraged to fill the situation with new content. For example, in the case of a fear of flying, the focus is shifted to other aspects of flying that are not fear-inducing.

4. Waking Phase

The waking phase is the shorted during a hypnotherapy session. The hypnotherapist gently counts from 1 to 5 and suggests ever increasing alertness ending in the client opening his or her eyes.

Procedure for effective hypnosis and hypnotherapy

To achieve effective hypnosis, the hypnotherapist listens carefully and asks questions to be able to see and understand the patient fully in his social, familial, professional and emotional world. A professional hypnotherapist will use that information during hypnosis to facilitate the changes and growth the patient desires.

Standardized Hypnotherapy Process:

The patient will get comfortable on the sofa. The hypnotherapist will then do an induction (the process of introducing hypnosis) beginning with a progressive head to toe relaxation followed by a deep relaxation with Guided Imageries and Metaphors (Ericksonian Method). The induction process ends with the traditional 10 -1 count down.

Technics of Hypnosis

These hypnosis techniques are Guided Imagery, Suggestions, Object Projections, Regression Therapy, or Parts-Therapy.

A hypnotherapist will work with what emerges and use the technique most suitable to the situation. There will be speaking during hypnosis. The hypnotherapist might will ask few questions with with aswers a yes, or no. Other times patient will be encouraged to verbalize what is going on in his mind. This therapeutic conversation during hypnosis facilitates understanding, relearning and abreaction of the discharged feelings. It is the release of feelings and the understanding of what happened that resolves on an unconscious level symptoms of anxiety or depression.

The hypnosis ends with a count up from 1 to 5. And by the time the patient reaches the number 5, he will be back in a wide awake, fully alert state. Before parting, a few minutes of reflection about the patient’s experience will take place.

Combining hypnotherapy with psychotherapy

Hypnotherapy allows us to explore the deeper layer of the psyche. Hypnotherapy can be used in parallel with psychotherapy, ideally conducted by a therapist professionally trained in psychology and hypnotherapy.

Hypnosis aids psychotherapy by allowing exploration of thoughts and memories that are not accessible while we are in our wide-awake conscious state. Such hidden content can relate to earliest childhood stages below the 3rd or 4th year of life.

There are also traumatizing, painful or shameful events that our minds remove from the conscious space with the psychological defense mechanism called suppression. Uncovering such memories, through hypnotherapy and working with them psychotherapeutically, enhances the effectiveness of the therapy.

Limitations of hypnosis

People frequently think of hypnosis as a “magic” or a “quick fix” method. However, long-term psychotherapy is a much more effective treatment method. For this reason, Sigmund Freud abandoned hypnosis in favour of psychoanalysis, which was the first method of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy “operates” in the conscious space giving the patient insights, which allow him to understand and to control his thoughts and behaviour.

Qualifications of the hypnotherapist

The terms “hypnosis”, “hypnotherapy” or “hypnotherapist” are unlicensed and not legally protected. There are a variety of dubious training centers offering short-term courses in hypnosis for people without a psychological or medical background. It’s obvious that such people after one week of training do not have the qualifications of a psychologist who studies psychology for 5 years and has done additional training in hypnotherapy. It means that random people can provide hypnosis without any formal medical or psychological education. Therefore, patients will benefit from looking at the hypnotherapist’s qualifications before they make an appointment.

In general, the hypnotherapist should be a psychologist or medical doctor with additional training in hypnotherapy. The combined qualifications such as studies of medicine or psychology and training in hypnotherapy provide a solid foundation to treat any mental health condition.

The patient should certainly look into the hypnotherapists credentials, make sure that he or she is affiliated to certified organization such as The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis or in Britain to the London College of Clinical Hypntherapy.

Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy in Dubai. Summary

In 1843 the Scottish physician James Braid (1795–1860) gave the earliest definition of hypnosis, coined the term “hypnotism” and defined it as: “a peculiar condition of the nervous system, induced by a fixed and abstracted attention of the mental and visual eye, on one object, not of an exciting nature.”

French psychiatrist Pierre Janet (1859–1947), the pioneer of the psychodynamic psychology, described hypnosis as a state with a lowered level of consciousness (self-awareness). Translated into French: “abaissement du niveau mental.” This involves selectively focused attention accompanied by a loosening of inhibitions.

Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are recognized and effective psychotherapeutic treatment methods. During hypnosis, the person is guided into an altered state of consciousness, called a hypnotic trance. It’s proven that the vast majority of people can enter a trance state through hypnosis. In trance, individuals retain control and can interrupt or end the hypnotic process at any time if desired.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnotism for therapeutic purposes. The British Medical Association (1955) and the American Medical Association (1958) accepted the treatment method of hypnotherapy an accepted therapeutic technique.

Objectives of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Through hypnosis the hypnotherapists can access important personal resources such as abilities, strengths, inner wisdom, and unconscious knowledge. This enables individuals to mobilize self-regulation abilities, positively influence pain perception, mood, and well-being, train coping strategies, and mentally prepare for challenging situations. Trance also facilitates access to past experiences for therapeutic exploration and stimulates unconscious processes for further progress and creative problem-solving.

Hypnosis is an effective treatment method and should only be administered by qualified and responsible therapists! A trustworthy therapist should hold a certificate from a reputable hypnosis society, ensuring they have undergone solid hypnosis training at an accredited institute.

Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. FAQ, Frequently Asked Questions

There are several myths and misconceptions about hypnosis and hypnotherapy. At times, people might recall a movie with a hypnosis scene, or perhaps stage hypnosis from a fair they visited. Neither the former nor the latter are true depictions of what hypnosis is about. In the following text we answer to the most common questions.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnotherapy is a state of relaxation, and the client can compare it to what it feels like about to falling asleep. At that point, our brains generate alpha and theta waves (visible in EEG) introducing a state which allow access to our unconscious mind.

What is hypnotherapy?

There are two main streams of hypnotherapy mirroring the division of the main therapeutic schools: behavioral and psychodynamic psychotherapy (the latter derived from Freud’s psychoanalysis). Psychodynamic based methods (among them the Freudian method) are good for allowing the origin of problems to be brought from the unconscious to the surface. Your hypnotherapist will facilitate insight about this information, so that an undesirable effect can be made harmless.

Behaviourally influenced techniques are good for breaking ingrained habit patterns which contribute to problems using some reinforcing or exposure methods with or without affirmations and positive thinking. During effective hypnosis the hypnotherapist will tailor to the patient’s particular nature and needs.

Who does hypnosis? Clinical hypnotherapists vs hypnotists

Hypnotists and clinical hypnotherapists are different kind of practitioners. Mostly, this distinction has to do with the professional’s academic background. Professional clinical hypnotherapists typically hold advanced degrees in psychology and are licensed to practice in the mental health field.

If you are living in Dubai and seeking effective hypnosis and the services of a hypnotherapist, you might find it a daunting task understand service providers’ credentials, boards, and education. Essentially, hypnotherapy is an unlicensed profession in most of the countries including Dubai. This means that hypnotherapists do not have to meet a particular set of standards. Most hypnotherapists have trained with an organization and voluntarily registered with a board. Their websites usually provide information on their credentials and show board affiliations. You will be able to google the board to look at what the membership requirements are and what the credentials mean.

How does hypnotherapy work?

The hypnotic state, which is similar to trance, has existed and been practiced within our species since the beginning of time.

In the therapeutic setting, hypnosis can be induced by guided relaxation and intense focus. This will block external distractions and promote brain activity conducive to accessing the unconscious mind. The unconscious mind is the psychic space we are not consciously aware of.

In hypnotherapy, a professionally trained therapist can focus the person’s attention on specific thoughts or tasks. The objective of the therapy is to make deep and lasting changes to thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

An important technique used in hypnotherapy in the hypnotic suggestion. “Implanted” positive suggestions can lead to full disappearance of symptoms, or at least significantly reduce them. Hypnotic suggestions also can improve a patient’s self-esteem and overall well-being.

Hypnosis using suggestions is effective in dealing with addictive behaviours, especially smoking. After 3 sessions of hypnosis for smoking cessation, around 50 % of patients stop smoking for at least one year, and more than half of them also in the long term. The efficacy of hypnosis for smoking cessation can be significantly increased by the temporary use of medication, such as Varenicline or Bupropion.

Experiments from the past showed the effectiveness of hypnotic anaesthesia even in major surgery. However, today hypnosis is only used for dental treatment anaesthesia.

Does hypnotherapists possess special powers?

Hypnotherapists are trained individuals using learned techniques, not mystical beings. In reality, hypnosis is simply a method for focusing the mind to absorb suggestions for change, dispelling sensationalized notions.

Is weak-mindedness necessary for hypnosis?

Everyone can be hypnotized, regardless of mental strength, as hypnosis relies on cooperation. However, a person who consciously or unconsciously rejects hypnosis can’t be hypnotized.

Can it happen that I will be not able to be hypnotized?

The vast majority of people can be hypnotized. An exception would be a person who does not want to be hypnotized and fights against it mentally.

Will I recall the content of hypnotic session?

Typically, individuals can recall their experiences during trance after hypnosis.

What is the technique for hypnotizing people?

Hypnotists have different styles and techniques. We induce a hypnotic state through softly spoken words, sometimes a calming background music that encourage relaxation.

What kind of experiences can I expect during and after hypnosis?

Hypnosis has a relaxing effect helping our patients let go of the day`s thoughts and worries. Then, depending on the technique the hypnotherapist applies, the patient might just continue to relax and listen, or he/she might be engaged in a therapeutic conversation. Sometimes the patient will follow and imagine therapeutic guided imageries. After the hypnotherapy session ends, in some cases a short moment of drowsiness can appear followed by the feeling of relaxation and refreshment.

What are the benefits of hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is good for anyone who feel that something is holding them back from being the person they can, or want to be.

In general, hypnosis can help explore and address reasons for behaviours and feelings the individual is not aware of, creating an understanding and opening the way for future changes. You will uncover the causes for your mental discomfort during hypnotherapy. Your will be released, and you will experience positive relearning. As a result of this, individuals experience personal growth and empowerment.

Are hypnosis and hypnotherapy safe?

Hypnosis always is safe while under the care of an ethical and qualified hypnotherapist. Therefore, you need an experienced hypnotherapist who can safely work with anything that emerges during a session to avoid planting false memories. While under hypnosis the person stays true to him/herself. Hypnosis doesn’t allow the therapist to control the mind of the patient or induce the patient to do something against his moral code. The person will not reveal any information he/she wants to keep secret. Despite a deep relaxation the person is aware of what’s going on.

Can I get stuck in hypnosis?

No, you cannot stay stuck in hypnosis! People retain control during hypnosis and can interrupt or end the process if desired.

Would I reveal secrets I don’t wish to disclose under hypnosis?

Since the mind is fully aware, divulging secrets is impossible; individuals can choose not to talk about certain topics.

Is patient’s autonomy respected?

During hypnosis, the conscious control is largely maintained. Modern hypnotherapy involves a communicative cooperation between therapist and client in trance. It is emphasized to carefully respect the patient’s autonomy and not impose anything on them. A person’s psyche is not manipulated against their will.

How to find qualified hypnotherapist?

If you look for hypnosis or hypnotherapy in Dubai, you will find a number of practitioners online. The first thing you will want to do is review the provider’s profile and see if they are certified through a professional hypnosis board. Following this role, select a practitioner who also holds a Dubai license in one of the mental healthcare professions, such as psychologist or counselor. This assures that they have the necessary knowledge and experience to assess a person’s mental health and establish what treatments are most beneficial for the client.

How many hypnotherapy sessions does it take?

As a client-cantered, clinical hypnotherapist, I will adjust the number of sessions to the client’s conditions and his needs. An average for quitting smoking or treating phobias, you will need 3 sessions. It is through a collaborative effort that clients experience healing and well-being. However, you can expect improvement after the first session of hypnosis and clinical hypnotherapy.

Does hypnosis/hypnotherapy help with weight loss?

Hypnotherapy helps with weight loss. The hypnotherapist can help uncover and address the patient’s underlying reasons for unhealthy eating patterns. Patients often have embedded patterns that a hypnotherapist can changed in a positive way. Hypnotherapy also reinforces life-style changes.

Does hypnotherapy help recove from dependency?

Hypnotherapy is a valuable tool for anyone in recovery from dependency. It will address the underlying causes of dependency, and the patient will experience stress reduction and relapse prevention. Today, chemical dependency specialists agree that the psychological part of the dependency remains lifelong, which means that if someone is truly dependent on a substance or behaviour, he/she will not be able to consume this substance or go into the old habits in controlled way without an immediate relapse. Recovery is about being content and happy without the need for mind altering substances or other forms of addiction.

Usually, the person recognizes a difference after the first session. Generally, the number of sessions a client needs depends on the problem area we are working on. The range is 3 – 10 sessions. Smoking cessation, for instance, requires only 3-5 sessions.

Will the problems completely go away with hypnotherapy?

Life is difficult and there will always be challenges. The hypnotherapy opens the door for an effective coping with and mastering these challenges. Effective coping relates to self-esteem, confidence, assertiveness, and ability to communicate. Hypnosis is a valuable tool to build these strengths, in essence, creating the foundation the people need to deal with life`s adversities.

Question: How big is the risk to get back to old patterns?

Life-style changes are always difficult. Key is that the old habits will persist until the new, healthy lifestyle becomes the natural way of living. This new lifestyle will bring to the individual many rewards, and that in itself is worth the initial effort it takes to make necessary changes. If old patterns begin to creep back in, it is time to ask for support.

When not to use hypnosis?

Many people fear hypnosis. That’s why it’s important to be well-informed about this method, to understand what it can achieve and what it cannot. A good therapist will inform you about this and will not hypnotize you without having extensive discussions with you. A complete medical history is also essential, as there are some contraindications.

People with psychotic disorders, mania, severe depression, intellectual impairments, epilepsy, personality disorders, and severe cardiovascular diseases should not undergo hypnosis.

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