Hypnotherapy:  What to Expect   

Hypnotherapy is a term that is often misunderstood.  The term Hypnotherapy refers to therapy that takes place while a patient is under hypnosis, which is a state of altered consciousness where the individual is more open to suggestions. The treatment is used to change the subject's behavior and attitudes or to manage bad habits, anxiety, stress, and even pain. 

Mainstream Recognition of Hypnotherapy 

Hypnotherapy was first recognized as a true form of therapy by the British Board of Medicine in 1892.  Since then it has come a long way and today it is thought to be a valuable treatment for many different illnesses and afflictions. Hypnotherapy is thought to be most effective for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, pain management, and psycho-somatic, or even stress associated illness. 

Over the course of many years studies found that Hypnotherapy could be used for other reasons, as well.  For instance, in 1955 a study was used to find that hypnotherapy may be helpful for anesthesia and analgesia for surgery and dental work.  Lamaze is a form of hypnotherapy that is very widely accepted and used today by individuals from around the world.  

In Germany in 2003 a study was done to determine how successful hypnotherapy was in the treatment of a variety of different issues.  Through the study, hypnotherapy was recognized to have a success rate of at least 64% to 74%, compared with untreated control groups, for treatment of pain control, smoking cessation, anxiety related to tests, and psychosomatic illnesses. Hypnotherapy is known to be even more effective when treating anxiety disorders. 

Your first hypnotherapy session will not be unlike any other doctor appointment as the therapist will take your medical history and ask you a lot of questions in an attempt just to get to know you. The therapist will discuss with you what you expect to gain from hypnotherapy, and will establish goals for your course of treatment with hypnotherapy. 

When preparing for your appointment you should be sure to wear comfortable clothing, as this is the clothing that you will wear for the duration of the session. The exact atmosphere varies from treatment center to treatment center, but you will typically be seated in a reclining chair in a dimly lit room with soft, non-descript music playing in the background. The hypnotic experience appeals to as many senses as possible, so you may notice an aroma coming from scented candles or oils.   

At this point the professional will help to get you into a phase where you are in an altered state of consciousness where you are comfortable and relaxed.  In this state your imagination is still active and you can be directed to your treatment goals.  The practitioner will help you delve deeper and deeper until you have reached the state of consciousness where you can have suggestions so deeply planted that you can take action and apply them to your life.