Hypnotherapy is an aid to psychotherapy. During hypnotherapy the subject is put into a state that is almost like a trance wherein the subconscious mind reaches a finely tuned sense of awareness and becomes more susceptible to suggestions that can alter behavior or resurrect a repressed memory. With a subject in this state, the hypnotherapist can make suggestions to change bad habits like smoking and overeating. Hypnotherapy can also aid in the treatment of phobias, fears, and anxiety, among others. Lastly, hypnotherapy can be used to tap into repressed memories that may be causing adverse physical or mental effects on the subject.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy enables changes in perception and memory, a major increase in response to suggestion, and the potential for controlling many physiologic functions that are usually involuntary.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredSee All 2 AnswersMany people believe hypnotherapy and hypnosis are the same thing, but there is a distinction to be made. The word hypnosis refers to the inducing of a passive state of mind, or trance, that promotes better communication between the conscious and the subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy is the psychological healing process that uses hypnosis to achieve a desired result. Under hypnosis subjects may show better responsiveness to suggestions, and hypnotherapy attempts to change current feelings or behaviors that the subject desires to alter. -
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredA hypnotherapist is a trained professional who induces hypnosis in order to access the subconscious mind in an effort to increase motivation or change behavior. Hypnotherapists certified by the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists have specialized training and a graduate degree in a health related industry such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, social work, psychology, or psychiatry. They use hypnosis as a tool for therapeutic treatment.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredHypnotherapy can be an effective tool for anyone regardless of "strength" of mind. One simply needs to be able to concentrate, use one's imagination and apply logic. Those who benefit the most from hypnotherapy are the ones who can imagine that their desired change in behavior will happen if they believe it will.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredUsually multiple hypnotherapy sessions are required to see any meaningful behavioral or physical change. For adults, results can be see within four to ten sessions. Children ages nine to 12 are more susceptible to suggestions while hypnotized, so they will often respond after only one or two sessions. It largely depends on your personal situation and the problem you want addressed. The hypnotherapist may also provide instruction on self-hypnosis to reinforce what has been learned.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredDuring the first hypnotherapy visit, the hypnotherapist will conduct an interview including your medical history and the problem that necessitated the visit. A comfortable relationship should develop during this first visit. You may discuss the number of sessions the treatment is expected to take, as well as the cost of the treatment. The hypnosis process will be explained in detail. The hypnotherapist will then guide you through a series of relaxation techniques at the same time making suggestions and using mental images to change the behavior you seek to change. Expect each session to last about one hour.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredHypnotherapy, when conducted by a licensed, trained professional, is a very safe practice with little risk. While your subconscious is in a complete state of relaxation, you are still mentally alert and fully in control. One area of controversy is the use of hypnotherapy to recover repressed memories. This practice may create false memories or cause strong adverse reactions. Though rare, other adverse reactions to hypnotherapy may include: anxiety or panic, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Another concern is that patients may choose to try hypnosis for an ailment when conventional therapy or medicine is a more effective choice.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredHypnotherapy cannot cause you to get stuck in a hypnotic state. Even during the deepest state of relaxation, your conscious mind is still alert, and can bring you out. However, some patients enjoy the euphoria that hypnosis can bring and are reluctant to come out of it, and may therefore return more slowly.