Clinical Hypnotherapy

What Is Clinical Hypnotherapy?

• Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis, and the mind's own natural abilities, to resolve issues, relieve emotional burdens and achieve personal goals
• Hypnotherapy is a brief psychotherapeutic approach, which utilizes the person’s ability to enter into trance and allow one’s mind to become receptive to therapeutic suggestions given during the session
• Hypnotherapy creates a safe, trusting, effective and confidential environment
• It is a cooperative interaction in which the participant responds to the suggestions of the hypnotherapist through focused attention in a deep state of relaxation
• Used by professional hypnotherapists and licensed professional mental health care providers, medical doctors, dentists
• The British Medical Association in 1955 and the American Medical Association in 1958 have approved hypnosis
• The American Psychological Association approved hypnosis as a science in 1960
• Hypnotherapy has been used by medical and psychological professionals safely and effectively for over 200 years
• You are actually more in control of your mind & body during hypnosis than at any other time because your attention is focused
• The results are quick and for many clients, life-changing
• The person in a hypnotic trance is always in control, just as someone who is daydreaming can decide to go on or stop at any time
• When the emotions have been released, so too are the symptoms they caused, leaving the sufferer symptom free and feeling generally calmer
• It is a safe, effective process that leaves you feeling refreshed and motivated
• It's a naturally occurring state of mind we cycle in and out of while awake
• The hypnotic state is an optimum state for making changes in your life
• Hypnotherapy will help you to feel happier, healthier, and more confident by attaining a deep body-mind connection of relaxation
• Reduces stress, ends phobias, fears and anxiety, helps with pain and improves the function of the immune system
• Everyone has already experienced hypnosis thousands of times whether they are aware of it or not
  • It’s a state we all slip in and out of all day long
  • Normal, everyday hypnosis occurs when:
    • You are driving down the road and lose track of time
    • When you are focusing on a book or television program
    • You don’t even notice something that is going on around you
    • When we are just drifting off to sleep
    • When we daydream
    • We allow ourselves to be off-guard and fall into a relaxed state, still be fully aware surroundings on a conscious level

What is a Hypnosis Session? 


• A hypnosis session is a pre-scheduled time one-on-one with a professional hypnotherapist
• Sessions will begin with discussion about the issue and goals for hypnosis 
• Once all questions are answered and you feel comfortable to proceed, the hypnosis portion of session will begin
• While you remain awake, in control, and yet fully relaxed you will allow beneficial suggestions to be received by your deeper mind, bypassing the part of the brain that ruminates in the endless cycle of critical thinking
• The specifics of each session will be customized by the hypnotherapist who acts as a guide showing you the way to your desired result 
• The session is a partnership between you and the hypnotherapist
• You are always an active participant in the process

Who Can Be Hypnotized?

• Anyone of at least normal intelligence who can follow simple instructions can be hypnotized if they choose to do so 
• Hypnosis cannot be done against a person’s will and is safe and effective for adults, teenagers and children

How Long Will It Take?

• Each individual and the issues they bring are unique
• There is no definite amount of sessions, but for permanent change, most issues can be resolved in 5 - 6 sessions
• Sessions for adults are 1- 2 hours long
• Sessions for children are shorter
• Double sessions are available for adults and some teenagers

References:

• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J., (1975). Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton Erickson MD: Volume. 1 Meta Publications.
• Battino, R., & South, TL, (2005). Ericksonian Approaches Crown House Publishing Ltd..
• Karle, H., & Boyes, J., (1987). Hypnotherapy: A Practical Handbook. Free Association Books.
• Kroger, W.S., (1977). Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 2nd edition: Lippincott.
• Pratt, G.J., & Wood, D.P., & Alman, B.M., (1984). A Clinical Hypnosis Primer Psychology & Consulting Associates Press.
• Waxman, D.,(1989). Hartland’s Medical and Dental Hypnosis 3rd edition Bailliere Tindall.
• Yapko, M., (1989). Trancework: an Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis Brunner/Mazel.
• Yapko, M., (2003). Tranceworks. Brunner-Routledge.