What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is an altered state in which the subconscious or unconscious can be accessed. Many of our driving behaviours are due in part, if not wholly due, to our unconscious. Somewhere along the path of life we have learnt that some behaviours are more preferable than others, and in this way, our unconscious has learnt to continue those learnt behaviours. However, those learned behaviours may not be beneficial nor healthy. The smoker who started smoking due to stress has learnt, perhaps unconsciously, that smoking reduces stress and hence, whenever they feel stress in their lives, their unconscious drives them to pick up a cigarette. Hypnosis or hypnotherapy, are mechanisms in which these learned behaviours can be untrained and altered – to be brought into alignment with health and more importantly, the conscious desires of the individual.
Hypnosis is a deeply relaxing state in which the hypnotist provides relaxing suggestions that help un-train those unwanted drivers and beliefs. The majority of those hypnotized in a clinical setting will say post hypnosis that they feel deeply relaxed and calm. Unfortunately many stage hypnotists have created many myths concerning hypnosis. One cannot be forced to do anything that they do not wish to do under hypnosis – they cannot relinquish control of their behaviours nor thoughts. The individual is always in control.
The Professional Affairs Board of the British Psychological Society made up of a party of senior psychologists, commissioned a study to look into the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. The report found that “Hypnosis is a valid subject for scientific study and research and a proven therapeutic medium”. It went on to state that “Enough studies have now accumulated to suggest that the inclusion of hypnotic procedures may be beneficial in the management and treatment of a wide range of conditions and problems encountered in the practice of medicine, psychiatry and psychotherapy.”
Many people commonly elect to see a hypnotherapist to stop smoking, to lose weight, to reduce alcohol consumption, to increase confidence, to lower anxiety or for a host of other conditions. For a number of reasons the numbers seeing a hypnotherapist are increasing due in most part to people’s desire to opt for natural therapy not requiring pharmaceutical intake. The BPS report on hypnosis went on to suggest that:
• “Hypnosis and the practice of self-hypnosis may significantly reduce general anxiety, tension and stress in a manner similar to other relaxation and self-regulation procedures.”
• “There is evidence from several studies that its [hypnosis'] inclusion in a weight reduction program may significantly enhance outcome.”
• “There is convincing evidence that hypnotic procedures are effective in the management and relief of both acute and chronic pain and in assisting in the alleviation of pain, discomfort and distress due to medical and dental procedures and childbirth.”
• “Likewise, hypnotic treatment may assist in insomnia in the same way as other relaxation methods.”
• “There is encouraging evidence demonstrating the beneficial effects of hypnotherapeutic procedures in alleviating the symptoms of a range of complaints that fall under the heading ‘psychosomatic illness.” These include tension headaches and migraine; asthma; gastro-intestinal complaints such as irritable bowel syndrome; warts; and possibly other skin complaints such as eczema, psoriasis and urticaria [hives].
References
“The Nature of Hypnosis”. The British Psychological Society. March 2001. http://www.bps.org.uk/downloadfile.cfm?file_uuid=A7AF6617-1143-DFD0-7E14-10B42D589040&ext=pdf. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
Tags: Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy