Info-Authority.com: Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy, derived from the Greek word “hypnos,” which means “to sleep,” is used as a treatment for a wide variety of physical and psychological conditions. The patient is guided into a sleep-like state, or trance, wherein the subject is more receptive to suggestion. Hypnosis is most often used for weight control, smoking cessation, pain management, and psychological disorders such as stress, anxiety, and phobias.

Early Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis-like practices can be traced back to ancient Egypt and India, and often were associated with religious rituals, including dance, music, and the assumption of new identities. In Europe, Franz Anton Mesmer was one of the more prominent practitioners of hypnosis; from his name came the word “mesmerize.” Sigmund Freud experimented with hypnosis for the treatment of psychological disorders, but didn't find it as valuable as his famous free association method. Milton Erickson was a prominent modern hypnotherapist who was highly successful in treating a wide variety of medical conditions with hypnosis.

How Hypnotherapy Works

How hypnotherapy works isn't exactly understood. Some research shows that physiological changes occur, and these changes are also reported with other relaxed states. Whether or not the hypnotic state is truly an altered state of conscious is the subject of scientific debate; the question remains unsettled.

Hypnotherapy Techniques

The three major components of hypnotherapy include pre-suggestion, suggestion, and post-suggestion. Pre-suggestion includes the use of distraction and other relaxation techniques. Suggestion involves introducing the specific goals of the therapy, or the issues to be treated. Post-suggestion occurs after the return to one's normal state of consciousness, where the desired new behaviors are practiced.

In addition to the suggestion techniques, some of the following methods are used in hypnotherapy: age regression, where individuals are taken to an earlier time in their lives; revivification to assist with the recovery of lost memories; guided imagery relaxation techniques. Another technique, repetition is believed to help patients accept and act upon suggestion. Guided imagery and visualization not only induce relaxation, but help people achieve their desired outcomes.

Hypnotherapy Fears Debunked

Some people are afraid of hypnosis because of its portrayal by stage performers. However, when used correctly, hypnotherapy is not thought to be dangerous. Hypnotherapy is performed by mental health professionals who are trained in the use of the technique. It is not brainwashing, nor can the patient be made to do anything that he or she wouldn't ordinarily do. Nevertheless, hypnotherapy is not for everyone. For people who experience hallucinations or delusions, and those who use alcohol or drugs, hypnotherapy is not advised. When used for pain control by a physician, the patient should be evaluated before recommending hypnotherapy. In some cases, there is a slight risk that “false memories” could be “uncovered” due to unintended subtle suggestions offered by the practitioner.

Treatment Sessions

The length of each session and duration of the treatment varies from person to person. Some people are not as easily hypnotized as others. There are tests to determine how susceptible a person will be to hypnosis. It should be further noted that there are a number of books as well as audio and videotapes on self-hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is also successfully used in group settings, along with other forms of psychotherapy.

By Eve Visconti




	Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy, derived from the Greek word “hypnos,” which means “to sleep,” is used as a treatment for a wide variety of physical and psychological conditions. The patient is guided into a sleep-like state, or trance, wherein the subject is more receptive to suggestion. Hypnosis is most often used for weight control, smoking cessation, pain management, and psychological disorders such as stress, anxiety, and phobias. Early Hypnotherapy Hypnosis-like practices can be traced back to ancient Egypt and India, and often were associated with religious rituals, including dance, music, and the assumption of new identities. In Europe, Franz Anton Mesmer was one of the more prominent practitioners of hypnosis; from his name came the word “mesmerize.” Sigmund Freud experimented with hypnosis for the treatment of psychological disorders, but didn't find it as valuable as his famous free association method. Milton Erickson was a prominent modern hypnotherapist who was highly successful in treating a wide variety of medical conditions with hypnosis. How Hypnotherapy Works How hypnotherapy works isn't exactly understood. Some research shows that physiological changes occur, and these changes are also reported with other relaxed states. Whether or not the hypnotic state is truly an altered state of conscious is the subject of scientific debate; the question remains unsettled. Hypnotherapy Techniques The three major components of hypnotherapy include pre-suggestion, suggestion, and post-suggestion. Pre-suggestion includes the use of distraction and other relaxation techniques. Suggestion involves introducing the specific goals of the therapy, or the issues to be treated. Post-suggestion occurs after the return to one's normal state of consciousness, where the desired new behaviors are practiced. In addition to the suggestion techniques, some of the following methods are used in hypnotherapy: age regression, where individuals are taken to an earlier time in their lives; revivification to assist with the recovery of lost memories; guided imagery relaxation techniques. Another technique, repetition is believed to help patients accept and act upon suggestion. Guided imagery and visualization not only induce relaxation, but help people achieve their desired outcomes. Hypnotherapy Fears Debunked Some people are afraid of hypnosis because of its portrayal by stage performers. However, when used correctly, hypnotherapy is not thought to be dangerous. Hypnotherapy is performed by mental health professionals who are trained in the use of the technique. It is not brainwashing, nor can the patient be made to do anything that he or she wouldn't ordinarily do. Nevertheless, hypnotherapy is not for everyone. For people who experience hallucinations or delusions, and those who use alcohol or drugs, hypnotherapy is not advised. When used for pain control by a physician, the patient should be evaluated before recommending hypnotherapy. In some cases, there is a slight risk that “false memories” could be “uncovered” due to unintended subtle suggestions offered by the practitioner. Treatment Sessions The length of each session and duration of the treatment varies from person to person. Some people are not as easily hypnotized as others. There are tests to determine how susceptible a person will be to hypnosis. It should be further noted that there are a number of books as well as audio and videotapes on self-hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is also successfully used in group settings, along with other forms of psychotherapy. By Eve Visconti Related Links: Wikipedia - Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy history, techniques, references, and additional internet resources.