Are you looking for a new way to address your phobias or chronic pain? Hypnotherapy could be the perfect solution for you. Hypnotherapy may have a bad reputation due to its portrayal in film and TV.
Still, when used efficiently and under the guidance of a trained therapist, it can transform your thinking and provide you with the calmness and clarity to move forward in life more positively.
Today, we walk you through hypnotherapy and the conditions it can help treat so you can see if it is a viable option for you.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a technique that uses focused attention, guided relaxation, and suggestion to achieve a trance-like state. Here you can access the subconscious mind and create positive changes.
It can be used to overcome phobias, manage pain, or address habits like overeating or smoking. Hypnotherapy is considered a safe and goal-oriented treatment, where you are in control and are working with a trained therapist to address specific issues.
It is very different from the stage hypnosis that you see at circuses or other entertainment events.
How does Hypnotherapy Work?
Hypnotherapy is broken into four stages, where your subconscious mind is addressed to bring about change in your life.
These stages can feel different for everyone, depending on the goal of the treatment, but you can expect the following:
Induction
To begin, your therapist will guide you into a state of deep relaxation. Everyone does this differently, but you can expect visualisation or breathing techniques that allow you to slow down and enter this trance-like relaxation.
Achieving this can take some time, depending on how relaxed you already feel. There is no right or wrong time limit to achieve this state, so don’t worry if it takes longer than you expect.
Focused attention
Once you achieve a deeply relaxed state, your therapist works to help you further enter a focused state.
This is where your distractions fade, and you will feel as though you’re daydreaming. It is here that your mind becomes receptive to positive suggestions, and the hypnotherapy can begin.
Many therapists use your creative imagination to deepen this trance-like state, guiding you to a place where your mind feels deeply relaxed, safe, and secure. A common visual used is to descend a set of ten stairs, with every step adding depth to your trance.
You are guided to a place where you feel comfortable, and your therapist will use suggestions to help you imagine a place of deep relaxation, security, safety, and protection.
Suggestion
Once you are fully relaxed and have achieved your deepened, trance-like state, the suggestions can begin. Based on the reason for your treatment, your therapist will provide tailored suggestions designed to address issues like habits, pain, or anxiety. They can also help you to reframe negative thoughts, perceptions, or behaviours.
Before your relaxation begins, your therapist will discuss your therapeutic goals with you and ensure that their suggestions are tailored to achieve these goals, making them as personal as possible to increase the chance of success.
Emergence
To complete your session, you will be brought back to full awareness through the emergence. Your therapist will guide you out of your trance-like state, adding any final, powerful suggestions that will allow you to go forward with positive changes in your life. As you emerge from your relaxed state, you should feel refreshed and calm.
11 Conditions Hypnotherapy Can Treat
Hypnotherapy can help treat a wide range of conditions, from anxiety to chronic headaches. It is typically used for the following conditions:
- Anxiety, nervousness, or excessive worry
- Chronic headaches
- Chronic pain or illnesses (like fibromyalgia)
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low mood
- Issues in relationships (professional and personal)
- Pain management for cancer treatment
- Phobias and fears
- Quitting smoking
- Stress
- Weight loss
Before beginning any hypnotherapy treatment, it is essential to discuss your goals with your therapist to ensure that it is the right treatment for you. They might want you to explore other options or combine hypnotherapy with other treatments.
It is common for hypnotherapy to be combined with other therapies to improve your results and ensure you get the help you need. Typically, it will be supported by cognitive behavioural therapy and psychotherapy.
Find a Hypnotherapist at Your Local Naturopathic Clinic
Hypnotherapy is an effective way to address your mindset and cultivate positive thoughts that can lead to lasting changes in your life.
For optimal results, we recommend consulting a professional therapist. You can find these at naturopathic clinics across the country.
Relying on years of experience, they can help to change your mindset and improve your physical and mental health.
