Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy, or hypnosis, is a form of therapy where the patient’s attention is consciously directed into a deeply relaxed state. Hypnotherapy uses techniques to help the patient achieve deep relaxation, focus, and an altered state of consciousness, during which it is possible to address psychological, emotional, thought pattern-related, and even physical problems. The goal of hypnotherapy is to bring the patient into deeper layers of consciousness where they may be more receptive to positive influences and suggestions.
A trained and certified hypnotherapist guides you into a state of deep focus and relaxation through suggestions, repetitions, and imagery. When you are in hypnosis, intense focus allows you to ignore normally distracting factors and be more open to the suggestions necessary for supporting and improving your health. The easiest way to notice being in hypnosis is right before falling asleep when you are deeply relaxed.
In what cases can hypnotherapy help?
Hypnotherapy is suitable for treating a variety of problems and conditions, such as:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Fears and phobias
- Pain relief and control (e.g., labor pain or chronic pain)
- Addictions (smoking, overeating)
- Enhancing self-esteem and confidence
- Weight loss and diet control
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and post-trauma recovery
- Bad habits and behavioral issues
How does hypnotherapy work?
In the deep state of focus and relaxation achieved with hypnosis, your conscious mind becomes quiet. You gain access to the part of the brain where your thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, sensations, emotions, memory, and behavior originate. In this state, you are more open to the hypnotherapist’s suggestions, helping you to change or replace subconscious thoughts that drive your usual behavior.
Stages of Hypnosis
Hypnosis consists of four stages: induction, deepening, suggestions, and exit.
Induction The goal of this stage is to relax, focus your attention, and ignore external distractions. The hypnotherapist guides you using specific techniques such as controlled breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or focusing on a visual image.
Deepening This stage continues the relaxation and focus, taking it to a deeper level. Techniques such as counting down from a larger to a smaller number or using descending imagery, like walking down stairs or slowly sinking deeper and deeper into a comfortable bed, are often used. The aim of these first two stages is to enhance your openness to suggestion.
Suggestions This is the stage where actual change in experience, behavior, or perception occurs. The hypnotherapist uses imagery and carefully selected language. Suggestions can be symptom-focused (to address a symptom) or exploratory (to explore experiences related to the symptoms). Recommended changes may involve perception, sensations, emotions, memory, thinking, or behavior.
Exit In this stage, you come out of hypnosis. The hypnotherapist may use reverse imagery, such as suggesting you climb up stairs or count upwards.
Below is an introductory video about hypnotherapy.
Contraindications for Hypnotherapy
While hypnotherapy can be beneficial for many individuals, it may not be suitable for everyone. Contraindications for hypnotherapy include:
- Schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses (psychotic episodes).
- Suffering from epileptic seizures.
- Alcohol or drug addiction, unless the therapist is specialized in this field.
- Certain personal special needs or medical conditions that may make inducing a hypnotic state difficult.
Useful information about Hypnotherapy
Common Myths About Hypnotherapy
Myth 1: Hypnosis is not real and is just entertainment.
Hypnosis is not a performance or a magical act. In Belgium, England, and America, clinical hypnosis is a form of medical treatment often used as part of a treatment plan alongside traditional medical approaches. In Estonia, hypnosis is classified as a complementary therapy that can supplement traditional medicine or help alleviate minor issues that do not require medical intervention.
There is also stage hypnosis performed for entertainment purposes, but it generally does not bring about any long-term changes in life.
Myth 2: You lose consciousness or experience amnesia while hypnotized.
Most people remember everything that happens during hypnosis. You remain aware of who you are, where you are, and what happens during the hypnosis session.
Myth 3: You are under the hypnotist’s control while hypnotized.
The hypnotherapist guides the process of entering and experiencing hypnosis, but hypnosis is something you do to yourself. You cannot be forced to do anything against your will, and no secret information will be extracted if you do not wish to disclose it. You do not lose control over your behavior. Hypnosis facilitates experiencing suggestions but does not force you into specific experiences.
Myth 4: Hypnosis is nothing more than deep sleep.
Hypnosis is not sleep. Some deeper forms of hypnosis may make you appear as though you are sleeping because your body is very calm and relaxed, but you are not actually asleep.
Interesting facts from science
Although hypnotherapy and hypnosis are largely considered modern treatments for various medical and emotional conditions, the truth is that this practice has been used for thousands of years. Evidence suggests that hypnosis has existed since the dawn of time, but it wasn’t referred to as hypnosis until 1841.
The first known written record of this practice is found in “The Book of Healing,” published in 1027. In countries like Austria and Ireland, more religious practitioners associated hypnosis with prayer, and it was part of many spiritual ceremonies, giving it a supernatural and mystical image.
By the late 1700s, hypnotherapy had moved from mysticism to the scientific realm. Hypnotherapy was closely linked to the study of magnetic forces in treating diseases. However, by the early 1800s, some scientists began to notice that the process worked even without the use of magnets.
Hypnosis has also been successfully used as a substitute for anesthesia in major surgeries. It wasn’t until the American Civil War in the 1860s that anesthetics like chloroform became accessible. During this historical period, hypnotherapy transitioned from a medical phenomenon to a psychological technique and began to be used more frequently for treating mental health conditions. In the late 1800s, the first International Congress of Experimental and Therapeutic Hypnotism was popular among scientists studying the human mind, such as Sigmund Freud. Freud practiced hypnotherapy for a short time and achieved some results. However, he struggled with the technique and eventually abandoned it, claiming it was ineffective.
Milton Erickson
Many professionals in the field of hypnotherapy consider Milton Erickson to be a major proponent of hypnotherapy. His achievements during his lifetime were highly successful. Erickson certainly played a role in shaping hypnotherapy as it is today. Erickson was a psychotherapist who used hypnosis throughout his career to aid the development and healing of his clients. He had excellent skills in observing people and establishing rapport. His methods of inducing trance are now referred to as Ericksonian hypnosis.
