Clinical Hypnosis: An Introduction

For many people, the word hypnosis conjures up images of swinging watches, mysterious gestures, and people clicking like chickens!  In fact, many of the associations people have to hypnosis are based on myths.  The purpose of this introduction is to help you understand more about clinical hypnosis and how it might be helpful in your psychotherapy or health care. 

 
 Common Myths

There are many myths about hypnosis.  Some of the most common are...

• When a person is hypnotized, they are in a deep sleep

• Hypnosis takes away self-control

• The hypnotherapist can make you do or say embarrassing things

• After hypnosis, you won't remember anything that happened

Hypnosis: The Facts

While make people report that they find hypnosis extremely relaxing, relaxation is not an essential part of hypnotic work.  Nor is the subject "asleep" at any time.  In fact, people are often surprised to find that when using hypnosis, they remember everything that is said, as well as everything that happens.  If you choose to use hypnosis in your treatment, you will be in control at all times, and cannot be induced to do or say something that you do not otherwise want to.

Perhaps the best definition of hypnosis is "a heightened state of focal awareness or absorption".  When we use hypnosis, we are inducing what we call a trance -- a naturally occurring phenomenon that many people experience frequently.

Common examples of everyday trances include:

• allowing one's mind to become absorbed in thought while driving

• feeling so engaged by a movie, book, or conversation that the passing of time goes unnoticed

• daydreaming or fantasizing

In clinical hypnosis, one simply learns how to enter a trance deliberately in order to work on a psychotherapy or health care issue.  In this state, the mind and body are more open and receptive.  This can be a helpful tool as you pursue your treatment goals.

Can I be hypnotized?

Most people wonder about this.  While some people have more natural hypnotic ability than others, most people can be hypnotized.  Furthermore, like musical skills, hypnotic ability tends to increase with practice.  The role of the hypnotherapist is to help you find the best way for you to go into a trance.

Common Uses of Hypnosis

On its own, hypnosis is neither therapy nor health care.  Rather, it is a tool that can help us to accomplish your goals together.  Some common applications of hypnosis include:

• The treatment of conditions such as anxiety, stress, and depression
• Performance enhancement (sports, public speaking, etc.)
• Weight control
• Smoking Cessation
• Healing from trauma
• Various medical conditions (G.I. disorders, asthma, pain, headaches)

Hypnosis is not a "magic bullet" and it isn't for everyone.  If you wonder if hypnosis might help you, let's talk about your goals.  This will help us assess your needs and come to the best decision.