Hypnosis has been around for centuries but when most people hear of hypnosis they typically think of stage-hypnosis (Hypnosis therapy, also known as guided hypnosis), the type of hypnosis that is commonly seen in television or movies but what’s seen on TV or movies has little resemblance to what real hypnosis is. In actuality one retains their free will during hypnosis and can decide to take in or reject the suggestions given during a hypnosis session. It is a tool that professional use to help our clients. Advances in neuroscience has allowed us to gain deeper understanding about what happens in a hypnotic state, while evidence continues to increases for the helpful use of hypnosis with a variety of conditions.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnotherapy, also known as guided hypnosis, is a psychotherapy tool that uses concentration,
relaxation, and attention to help clients enter into a trance or “deep state of relaxation”. Hypnotherapy
could be considered a form of alternative medicine that uses one's own mind to help alleviate and
reduce their symptoms or accomplish their objectives.
Hypnotherapy is a trance-like state of concentration and focus. It’s similar to when you find yourself
engulfed in a movie, book, or music. Hypnosis allows us to enter a mental state where our attention can
be turned completely inward. It help us find resources within ourselves to make changes or reach our
goals.
Does Hypnosis Work?
When most people think of a hypnotic trance they think that their free will can be taken away or that
the hypnotist has complete control but the modern thought about hypnosis contradicts this thought.
Firstly, individuals in a hypnotic trance retain absolute free will. Moreover, they are not in a semi-sleep
state, they are actually hyperattentive. The school of thought is that hypnosis allows for a direct
connection to our subconscious mind. Hypnosis has similarities to a meditative state, that can be
reached to achieve a therapeutic purpose. It can be a very relaxing experience. Hypnotherapy leads us
to reach the mind-body connection.
What to Expect During Hypnosis
Clinical psychotherapy is commonly implemented in a calm, quiet, professional environment. The Therapist
guides the client into a focused and relaxed state. The therapist may guide you through positive
scenarios to help you reach your objectives. Unlike what you may have seen in popular culture,
during hypnosis the patient is not unconscious, nor are they in any way giving up their control. The
patient will hear the suggestions the therapist provides but they have the choice to act on them or not.
What is Hypnotherapy Used For?
With the help of both Hypnotherapy clinical and non-clinical tools can get various outcomes.
Here are some common reason people use hypnotherapy”
- Sports performance
- Weight control
- Increased relaxation
- Stress management and reduction
- To increase motivation
- To reduce anxiety symptoms
- Reduce symptoms of depression
- Test anxiety
- To build Self-esteem/self-confidence
- To help increase concentration
- Smoking cessation
- Insomnia
Dr. Carolina Raeburn does NOT use Hypnosis for memory retrieval or “past-life regressions”. She uses
hypnotherapy to help her patients with clinical and performance applications. Hypnotherapy can be
incorporated in existing therapy or coaching sessions or used as a stand alone method.
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