Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is the art of using suggestions to influence a patient's subconscious into changing habits or getting rid of phobias and fears.

Hypnotherapists are able to induce a sleep-like state in which patients display hyper-suggestibility which allows the hypnotherapist to alter a person's behavior or reaction to situations.

Hypnotherapy or hypnosis have been used for a number of things such as:

• Reducing weight
• Helping patients to stop smoking
• Remembering repressed incidents and events
• Curing depression
• Helping patients to deal with stress and curing stress related illnesses

Hypnotherapy's history dates back to the ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek cultures. It is practiced across the world in numerous cultures.

Types of Hypnotherapy

There are many different forms of hypnosis. Each one has a specific use or function.

Traditional Hypnotherapy: This is one of the most popular forms of hypnotherapy in which, after being put into a hypnotic state, the patient is given direct suggestions which can alter behavior such as reducing the desire to smoke or reducing the dependence on alcohol or drugs.

Hypnoanalysis: Mainly used by psychologists to help uncover repressed memories, hypnoanalysis is also used by military psychologists to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

Ericksonian Hypnotherapy: One of the most popular and influential forms of hypnosis in the 20th century, Erickson used informal conversation and language patterns to get the desired result. Neurolinguistic Programming has greatly been influenced by this form of hypnosis.

Uses of Hypnotherapy

There are a number of ways in which hypnotherapy appears to have been useful. It has been used during childbirth so that the mother is better able to cope with the pain.

There have also been reports in which hypnosis was used to sedate patients during minor surgeries. Hypnotist have claimed success in helping people who are trying to get over irrational fears, or those that are looking to break bad habits such as smoking or want to lose weight.

What to Consider Before Going to a Hypnotherapist

When using the services of a hypnotherapist it is important to make sure:

• The therapist is registered with a group such as the Australian Hypnotherapists' Association.
• That you clearly specify to your therapist what your goals are for hypnosis so that the most effective method and technique can be used.
• That since it is a technique that alters the mind, you find a trustworthy hypnotist and investigate the effects of hypnotherapy thoroughly yourself.