What is Medical Hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis has captured the imagination of the public for decades if not centuries. Many misconceptions exist amongst both professionals and the public. Let's clear some of these up.
Is medical hypnotherapy a new psychotherapeutic treatment?
Hypnotherapy is not new. It has been safely used for centuries. Its value as a psychotherapeutic treatment is now becoming more fully recognized owing to new medical research results.
What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is a combination of well known and normal psychological states – hypnosis is a completely normal state of mind that we all go into several times a day. Daydreaming, driving home from work on autopilot, reading a book, and forgetting what you just read after turning the page are all examples of the state of mind we call hypnosis.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is an application of therapeutic methods whilst the patient is in the state of hypnosis. It adopts two different forms in its clinical application, viz
1. Suggestion therapy: this clinical form of treatment is ideal for helping patients cope with such things as smoking, some weight-control problems, stress, hypno-healing (working with the body`s immune and healing systems) and so forth.
2. Medical-hypnoanalysis: this clinical approach is used to find and eliminate the causes of the more deep-seated problems, e.g. Irrational fears, emotional problems, sleeping difficulties, stuttering/stammering, anxiety, depression, phobias, etc. And most other problems and issues where there is a psychological factor at work.
Is there anything magical about hypnosis?
The main worry of most people is that the hypnotherapist will have some sort of magical power over them. There is no magic and the only power used is the power of the patient's own mind.
Will the patient be totally unconscious?
During hypnosis, EEG recordings show that patients are more alert than during the waking state. There is, however, a focusing of attention inwards so that outward attention becomes less, which is similar to daydreaming or to how you feel in the few seconds before you drop off to sleep. Whilst the patient is in a state of deep relaxation, the analytical part of the mind closes down and the unconscious mind opens up to listen and to react.
Is the patient under the therapist's control?
No. When ‘’under ‘’ hypnosis, the patient does not lose his /her free will. The patient is fully awake throughout the entire session. It is similar to daydreaming.
How often and for how long will the patient need to attend hypnotherapy sessions?
The average session lasts 50- 60 minutes. Ideally, a patient should be seen weekly for as long as the symptoms affect daily functioning in terms of emotional, social and occupational relationships. As a practitioner, on average, I use up to 10 sessions per patient. The formula for success has to be a motivated patient who wants to make a conscious change ( 10% willpower ) plus the use of hypnotherapy ( 90% subconscious )
What can a patient expect to notice whilst in a trance?
Many patients are aware of their breathing and what they are paying attention too - some report that trance gives them a wonderful sense of wellness and tranquility.
Does hypnotherapy help improve emmotional resilience?
Hypnotherapy may stimulate the hypothalamus which is involved in releasing neuropeptides that regulate stress and release serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. Serotonin acts as a natural antidepressant. Dopamine stimulates the reward centres of the brain and the endorphins are natural painkillers.
What tips can I give patients regarding hypnotherapy?
Patients often ask how quickly they will experience the positive results from hypnotherapy. There are many relevant factors. If motivation levels and commitment are high , positive results may occur very quickly. Other factors determining success can include patients comfort levels and respect and trust for the hypnotherapist.
What are the advantages of hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a quick and effective treatment for psychological and emotional problems with few risks and side effects. Hypnotherapy can accelerate the healing process in physiological problems, e.g. digestive problems, ibs. And in recovery from surgical procedures. Hypnotherapy can assist in the attainment of a profound level of relaxation with reduction in stress levels. Doctors are becoming increasingly supportive of hypnotherapy as an aid to better health. It is a non-invasive therapy, complementary to orthodox medicine.
Jackie is a qualified Psychologist (Clinical), based in Parkwood, Johannesburg, South Africa.
With a commitment to mental health, Mrs Lyons provides services in English, including Hypnosis, Psychotherapy (Psychodynamic), Stress Management and Supervision.
Mrs Lyons has expertise in Addiction (Drugs and Substances), Adjusting to Change/Life Transitions, Anxiety Disorders, Burnout, Depression, Emotional Overwhelm, Online Counselling and Worry.
Click here to schedule a session with Mrs Lyons.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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