What is Hypnotherapy?
Are you one of the people who equate hypnotherapy and hypnotism? Hypnotism is the science, or art, of guiding a person into a deep state of relaxation, while remaining conscious. In the state of hypnosis a person becomes very receptive to suggestions. It is after this part of the process where stage or entertainment hypnosis quickly turns down a different path. What is hynotherapy’s difference?
Where stage hypnosis uses this state to have people do unusual and funny acts, hypnotherapy works with the patients own wishes to modify behavior, or to work on deep seated issues. A hypnotherapist has spent time with the patient ahead of time to discover their needs and desires, and to formulate a plan of behavior or actions they wish to modify. When they take the patient into a deeply relaxed state of consciousness it is with the intention of guiding the patient through a series of questions to uncover issues, and to provide suggestions for changed ways of thinking, and behavior modification.
A stage hypnotist does have many of the same qualities of a hypnotherapist, and if you dig deeply you will discover many of them work in providing therapy along with their entertainment career. You will notice at the end of almost every act the stage hypnotist provides suggestions and feedback to their victims to give them an improved outlook on life, the feeling of being well rested, and other helpful suggestions.
What is hypnotherapy’s strengths? It can be highly effective in helping people to quit smoking, to assist with losing weight, improving study habits, increasing concentration, and overcoming many different phobias. There are many programs setup which specialize in individual processes, such as quitting smoking, and may not take into consideration an individuals particular challenges.
A more traditional therapist is going to work to uncover each individuals issues, and then work to modify those patterns of thoughts and behaviors, instead of working from a more generic program. Both methods can be highly effective, but if there are deep seated issues, the therapist spending time to discover more about their patient is commonly more successful.
Can you perform hypnotherapy on yourself? While there are many forms of helpful self-hypnosis, hypnotherapy is most beneficial when it is accompanied by someone who can ask the important questions, and not be biased about the answers. They are able to guide you to new ways of thinking, and new behaviors which might not occur to yourself.
What is hynotherapy’s effectiveness? It is highly dependent on the individual. Some people can drop into a hypnotic state very easily and take hypnotic suggestions with ease. Other people never fall into the trance like state, and find no benefits whatever. The only way to truly know if it can be effective for you is to try a single session. You will quickly discover if you are able to be hypnotized, and the benefits. You may discover it is the most effective form of therapy you have ever experienced.
