Hypnotherapy like counselling and psychotherapy is also a form of talk therapy. Hypnotherapy is the only method that directly address the subconscious and unconscious mind.

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Hypnotherapy can be used to aid the practice of other talk therapies such as psychotherapy and counselling. It helps with psychotherapy and counselling because the hypnotic state allows a person to explore painful thoughts, feelings and memories that may be hidden from the conscious mind.

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To see positive results, a person will usually need to understand the need for change and be willing to follow the treatment plan as the specialist advises. They will also need to find a suitable hypnotherapist that they can trust and can communicate with honestly.

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How does hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy also enables a person to perceive some things differently, such as blocking an awareness of pain.

Hypnosis can be used in two ways:

• Suggestion therapy: The hypnotic state makes a person better able to respond to suggestions. Hypnosis can help a person change certain behaviours, such as stopping smoking or nail-biting. It can also help change perceptions and sensations, which can be particularly useful in treating pain.

• Analysis (hypnotherapy): This approach uses the relaxed state to find the root cause of a disorder or symptom, such as a traumatic past event that a person has hidden in his or her unconscious memory. Once the trauma is revealed, it can be addressed in psychotherapy.

Hypnotherapy is Effective for these Issues

The hypnotic state allows a person to be more open to discussion and suggestion. It can improve the success of other treatments for several conditions such as:

• Phobias, fears, and anxiety.

• Sleep disorders.

• Depression.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Stress.

• Post-trauma anxiety.

• Grief and loss.

• Substance abuse (Addiction).

• Relationship/Family/Work conflict.

• Smoking cessation.

• Weight loss.

• Eating disorders.

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Hypnotherapy is also an effective treatment for pain control and to overcome habits, such as smoking or overeating. It might also be helpful for a person with severe symptoms or in need of crisis management.

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What are the Drawbacks of Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is as safe as psychotherapy, counselling and other talk therapies. Some therapists use hypnotherapy to recover repressed memories they believe are linked to the person’s mental disorder. However, it also may pose a risk for creating false memories — if an individual is working with an untrained hypnotherapist and unintended suggestions are transmitted. For this reason, using hypnotherapy for certain mental disorders, such as dissociative disorders, remains controversial. Also, those who have psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, should speak to a qualified hypnotherapist or psychologist to determine if this therapy is right for them.

Hypnotherapy is a safe procedure when done by a trained therapist. Hypnotherapy is not mind control or brainwashing. A therapist cannot make a person do something embarrassing or something the person does not want to do.

Overall, the main drawback of hypnotherapy is when a person works with an unqualified hypnotherapist. Thus, talk to your hypnotherapist, ask questions about their qualifications and experience before booking a session.
 

What Happens During Hypnosis?

There are different types of hypnotherapy and different ways of hypnotising someone.

Firstly, the session begins with the therapist and client having a chat about what the client hope to achieve, and the methods that your hypnotherapist will use to induce the hypnotic state.

After the initial talk and induction, the hypnotherapist may lead the client into a deeply relaxed state and then provide hypnotic suggestions that align with the agreed upon therapeutic goals, for example, suggesting to the client that they no longer want to carry on with certain habits. After the suggestions are made, the hypnotherapist will gradually bring the client out the trance-like state. Most people after a hypnotherapy suggestion will feel lighter, more refreshed, and relaxed.

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Clients are fully in control under hypnosis and do not have to take on the hypnotherapist’s suggestions if they do not want to. Clients if necessary, can also bring themselves out of the hypnotic state on their own and note that hypnosis does not work if the client do not want to be hypnotised.

The Different Types of Hypnotherapists

There are many different specialized fields in hypnotherapy and below are some of the specialized hypnotherapists.

Past life regression hypnotherapist. These are hypnotherapists that specializes in past life regression work.

Hypnobirthing therapist. Hypnobirthing therapists are often midwives, or they work with midwives and obstetrician and gynaecologists.

Hypnodontics. Hypnodontics is the application of hypnosis to address dental practices and issues. Hypnodontics also address fear of dentistry treatment and needles.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioners. These are hypnotherapists that use NLP’s guiding principles in their hypnotic sessions.

Ericksonian Hypnotherapist. Is a type of hypnosis that uses metaphors, storytelling and indirect suggestions instead of direct suggestions or commands. This form of hypnotherapy is particularly useful for clients who are sceptical of traditional hypnosis.

Therapy Sessions

Hypnotherapy is conducted only in individual sessions because every hypnotherapy session is personalized and tailored to the goal of the client. As long as the client can understand and can communicate with the hypnotherapist, the client can be hypnotized. The trust and relationship between the client and the hypnotherapist are essential to the effectiveness and benefits gained from the hypnotherapy sessions.

Hypnotherapy sessions are often short, most of the time no more than 6 sessions. At 360 Wellness Hub, we have a 1-session smoking cessation program. With hypnotherapy, the results are clear. For example, in the case of smoking cessation, after the session, it is clear whether the session has succeeded or failed because the client would either continue to smoke or stop completely. So results are often quite black and white.

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Confidentiality is a basic requirement of all talk therapy including hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapists are often highly attuned to the client’s vibes. For example, some clients might prefer not to be touched, and in such cases, the hypnotherapist may choose a technique that does not require any physical contact. Intimate physical contact with a hypnotherapist is never appropriate, acceptable, or useful.

Hypnotherapy and Adjunct Treatment

Hypnotherapy is often applied in combination with psychotherapy, counselling, and pharmacological treatment for some psychiatric conditions.

Healthy lifestyle improvements, such as good nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, can be important in supporting recovery and overall wellness.

How to Get the Most Out of Hypnotherapy

The efficacy of therapy can vary depending on a wide range of factors. The nature and severity of your problem will play a role, but there are also things you can do to get the most out of your sessions, including:

Being honest with your hypnotherapist: Don't try to hide problems or feelings. Your goal is to show up as your true self without trying to hide aspects of your personality that you might be afraid to reveal.

Feeling your feelings: Don't try to hide negative or distressing emotions such as grief, anger, fear, or jealousy. Talking about these feelings within the context of therapy can help you understand them better.

Being open to the process: Work on forming an open and genuine therapeutic alliance with your therapist. Some research suggests that therapy is most effective when you feel a connection with the mental health professional treating you.

Attending your sessions: Life gets busy but try to stick to your treatment plan and scheduled appointments as best you can. 

Doing the work: If your therapist assigns homework to work on outside of your sessions, make an effort to finish it before the next session.

Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Research shows that most people who undergo hypnotherapy have more success in reaching their therapeutic goals than those who do not. Thus, in can be said that for some specific cases, hypnotherapy can accelerate the recovery process.