Does Hypnotherapy Really Work? | Does Hypnosis Work?

Date Posted: June 13th, 2009
Written by admin
Category: Hypnosis Articles

How Does Hypnosis Work?

Hypnosis, hypnotherapy, hypnotize all the terms bring to mind a stage show where the hypnotist draws volunteers from an audience and then puts on show bending people to his will with funny antics, or perhaps a low budget movie where on of the actors has been hypnotized and is now on a killing spree. Take heart if you have a few misconceptions about hypnotherapy. You are not the only one. If you are considering hypnotherapy for your phobias you are have a few questions like:

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a technique that uses the hypnotic state, which 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. Hypnotherapy principles create a trance like state using guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused thoughts to achieve a heightened state of awareness. The person’s concentration is so focused while in this state that anything going on around the person is temporarily blocked out or unnoticed.

How does hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy is used in psychotherapy (counseling), rather than a treatment in itself. It helps with psychotherapy because the hypnotic state allows people to explore painful thoughts, feelings, and memories they might have hidden from their conscious minds. Hypnosis enables people to perceive some things differently, such as blocking an awareness of pain.

Hypnotherapy can be used in two ways:

First Suggestion therapy — The hypnotic state makes the person better able to respond to suggestions. Hypnotherapy can help some people change certain behaviors, such as to stop smoking or stop nail-biting. It can also help people change perceptions and sensations, and is particularly useful in treating pain.

Second Analysis — 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.

What are the benefits of hypnotherapy?

When an individual is in a hypnotic state they are or may be more open to discussion and suggestion.

Hypnosis can improve the success of overcoming many conditions, including:

Addictions – Smoking, Alcohol
Break Habits – Smoking, overeating,
Depression
Depression
Grief and loss
Pain Control
Phobias, fears, and anxiety
Post-trauma anxiety
Sleep disorders
Stop Neurotic Tendencies
Stress Reduction

Is hypnotherapy dangerous?

No, studies have shown that hypnotherapy is not a dangerous treatment option. Hypnosis does not control or result in brainwashing. A therapist, or using self-hypnosis CD’s or downloads cannot make a person do embarrassing things or something the person doesn’t want to do. Read more here at this link.

Does Self Hypnosis Work?

Yes, self hypnosis has been proven to be as effective for treating phobias as hypnotherapy treatments in a professional environment. However, if you are having dangerous thoughts due to depression, thoughts about harming yourself or others you should seek counseling immediately. Self-hypnosis CD’s and downloads are excellent for overcoming phobias, issues with self-esteem, to increase your job performance, losing weight, and other similar problems or issues.