Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy Explained: Benefits, Types, and What to Expect

Hypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses hypnosis and is a complementary and alternative medicine treatment. It uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness that is sometimes called a trance. The person's attention is so focused while in this state that anything going on around the person is temporarily blocked out or ignored. In this naturally occurring state, a person may focus their attention -- with the help of a trained therapist -- on specific thoughts or tasks and are receptive to suggestion.

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is the process of inducing a trance-like state in which a person is more receptive to suggestion and is a state of deep relaxation and focused concentration. Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, is a form of psychotherapy that uses hypnosis to help a person achieve a specific goal or to help treat certain mental and physical health conditions.

How Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Hypnotherapy works by accessing the subconscious mind, which is where our beliefs, emotions, and habits are stored. By accessing the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can help you change your beliefs and habits, and overcome negative emotions and behaviours. Hypnotherapy utilises hypnosis to assist patients with examining unsettling ideas, and counters that are hidden from our conscious state.

Common misconceptions about hypnotherapy:

It’s important to recognise that there are many myths and misconceptions that might influence how people perceive this therapeutic method. These stem from the likes of stage hypnotists, where performers who for entertainment picked individuals from a crowd to put on a show.

In hypnotherapy, you have full control over your body. You'll be aware of what you’re doing and what you're asked to do unlike stage hypnosis. You will not do what you are requested to do under hypnosis if you do not want to. Hypnotherapy will not make you go out of your ethical comfort zone or boundaries. It’s important to note that in order for hypnosis to be effective, the subject’s mind must be willing, peaceful, and trusting.

Hypnotherapy is not a form of truth serum. It's simply a tool that can be used to help you access your own inner resources and facilitate positive change.

What are the different types of hypnotherapy?

There are several types of hypnotherapy, each with its own approach and techniques. Here are some of the most common types:

Traditional hypnotherapy: This is the classic form of hypnotherapy, which involves the therapist inducing a trance state in the client and making suggestions for behavioural changes. The therapist may also use direct or indirect suggestions to help the client overcome a particular issue.
Ericksonian hypnotherapy: Named after renowned hypnotherapist Milton Erickson, this approach emphasises the power of suggestion and storytelling to help clients overcome their issues. Ericksonian hypnotherapy often uses metaphors and indirect suggestions to help the client make positive changes.
Cognitive hypnotherapy: This type of hypnotherapy combines cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques with hypnosis. The therapist helps the client identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours, often using visualisation and relaxation techniques.
Neuro-Linguistic programming (NLP) hypnotherapy: This approach uses language and communication techniques to help clients overcome negative thought patterns and behaviours. The therapist may use visual or auditory cues to help the client make positive changes.

Although these forms of hypnotherapy are not mutually exclusive, many hypnotherapists may use elements of several different approaches depending on the needs of their clients.

What can hypnosis help with?

Hypnotherapy is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

Phobias and fears
Anxiety
Sleep disorders
Depression
Stress
Post-trauma anxiety
Grief and loss
Addiction
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Weight loss
Performance anxiety (e.g. for public speaking or sports)

It can also help with pain control, overcoming habits such as nail biting and can be helpful for people whose symptoms are severe or who need crisis management. Children can also benefit from hypnotherapy, especially for issues such as bedwetting, anxiety, and phobias. In addition, hypnotherapy can improve the success of other treatments for many conditions.

What to expect during a hypnotherapy session?

During a hypnotherapy session, the therapist will explain the process of hypnosis and review your treatment goals. You will be guided through a process to induce a trance-like state that called the hypnotic state. You will be in complete control and aware of everything around you and will hear everything the hypnotherapist is saying. The hypnotic state can increase your openness to discussion and suggestion, while creating a greater sense of awareness, clarity, and relaxation. The therapist may use techniques such as relaxation, hypnotic suggestion, coping skills, and exploration of past experiences.

Hypnotherapy sessions can vary in length, but typically last between 30 minutes to an hour. You are fully aware of what is happening during the session and are in control at all times.

Side Effects of Hypnotherapy & Aftercare:

Hypnotherapy is safe and non-invasive, and there are few side effects. Some people may experience a temporary headache or dizziness after a session, but these side effects are usually mild and short-lived.

After your session, your therapist may give you an understanding of why additional sessions may be beneficial, as well as suggest and provide you with tools to use at home. They will explain what they did and the techniques they used, so you feel safe and comfortable. You may also get a recording of the session that you can listen to afterwards.

It’s important to do any post-session work they ask you to do or schedule another session to see the benefits. Remember, you are always in control.

How to choose a hypnotherapist?

When searching for the right hypnotherapist, you should consider:

Qualifications and credentials: It's important to check the qualifications and credentials of a hypnotherapist to ensure that they are trained and licensed to practice hypnotherapy. Look for a hypnotherapist who has received training from a reputable organisation and is a member of a professional hypnotherapy association.
Experience: Find out how long the hypnotherapist has been practising and what type of clients they typically work with.
Specialisation: Some hypnotherapists specialise in certain areas, such as smoking cessation, weight loss, or anxiety. If you have a specific issue, look for a hypnotherapist with expertise in that area.
Personal fit: It's important to feel comfortable with your hypnotherapist and to trust them. This is why most hypnotherapists offer free introductory consultations
Cost and availability: Hypnotherapy can be expensive, so it's important to consider the cost of sessions and whether they are covered by your insurance. You may also want to consider the availability of the hypnotherapist and whether they offer online or in-person sessions.
Testimonials and reviews: These would help you get a sense of their reputation and success rate.

You can easily find all these pieces of information on Bodhi Holistic Hub’s hypnotherapists’ profiles. They have also been vetted and verified as per Bodhi’s extensive vetting process to help facilitate your search.

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"Hypnosis is the oldest form of psychotherapy, and it is also the most effective."

Ernest Hilgard

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