Best Rehabs with Hypnotherapy

What Is Hypnotherapy And How Does It Work?

Hypnotherapy is a practice that has captivated the attention of psychologists and the public for years. Hypnotherapy allows you to delve into the depths of your subconscious mind. It uses the power of relaxation and focused concentration to create a state of quietness within your mind. Hypnosis is something that isn’t completely understood, however it is known that when your mind is in this receptive, open state, you can ignore usual distractions and tap into the parts of the brain that control your behavior, thoughts, and emotions. While in this state, you can modify them with gentle help from a trained professional.

During hypnotherapy, the practitioner usually includes gentle suggestions for tranquility and calmness, which can last during the session and sometimes long afterward. People describe hypnosis as the ability to focus intensely and watch the rest of the world fade away, while some people describe it as being trance-like.  People also describe experiencing a peaceful, relaxed mood, heightened imagery and senses, and greater internal focus and attention.  It’s important to remember that each person’s experience with hypnotherapy varies. Some people have wildly transformative experiences, while others have a more subtle experience.

What Conditions Are Treated With Hypnotherapy?

Many people have misconceptions about hypnotherapy. In the movies, people get hypnotized to fall in love, commit a crime or fall asleep. Hypnotherapists are portrayed as magicians who use hypnotherapy as one of the many tricks in their arsenal. However, hypnotherapy can treat numerous medical and mental health conditions. It can also help those who are struggling with an addiction. Some of the most common conditions that are treated using hypnotherapy include:

• Sleep problems - If you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, hypnosis can help you relax enough to sleep through the night, experience deep sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
• Anxiety - Hypnosis has been known to help those who have health-related anxiety or experience a phobia. By encouraging the body to activate its natural relaxation state, many people feel a sense of well-being during and after.
• Chronic pain - If you struggle with a chronic painful health-related condition, hypnosis can help you cope with the pain and gain some control over the pain.
• Smoking cessation - While many methods help you quit smoking, hypnosis can help you quit if you are truly motivated. By choosing a replacement habit, you can guide your subconscious mind to focus on the new activity chosen. While in the deep relaxed state, the hypnotherapist will guide you to associate smoking with negative feelings.

Is Hypnotherapy Safe And Effective?

Hypnotherapy has been practiced since the 1700s, however much of the medical community has had skepticism about its efficacy. However, over the years it has become a more accepted form of treatment for certain appropriate purposes. Hypnosis is considered safe as long as:

1. You are working with a skilled, experienced, and trained professional
2. Your specific condition is suitable for hypnosis
3. You understand and are given informed consent
4. It is part of a larger treatment plan
5. Your practitioner operates ethically, putting your well-being at the forefront

What to Expect in a Hypnotherapy Session

When you arrive for your appointment, the hypnotherapist will inquire about your medical history, background and what concerns you want to address. The hypnotherapist will explain how the practice works and what to expect, answering any questions you may have.

During hypnotherapy, the hypnotherapist will guide you into a trance-like state using tools like repetition or visualization. Despite what is seen on TV and in movies, you will not lose control of your behavior during your session. During the session, the hypnotherapist offers therapeutic suggestions given the goals you discussed at the start of the session. Throughout this relaxed state, you might gain insight about the root causes of certain issues that brought you to hypnotherapy. Towards the end of the session, the hypnotherapist will reorient you into a wakeful, present state. 

It is important to remember that hypnotherapy is more likely to be successful if you are willing to engage in the process. Along with your willingness to participate, much of the success that can come from hypnotherapy can be attributed to the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and client. Finding someone you feel comfortable and safe with to express your concerns will benefit you as you engage in hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery

Because hypnosis is known to reduce cravings, it can be an effective tool for reducing drug/alcohol cravings and modifying negative behavior and patterns as well. Hypnosis can be helpful for you in recovery from addiction by:

• Giving you tools to manage your cravings
• Building motivation for sobriety
• Helping you navigate triggers

Hypnosis has also been known to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in many people, making it an appropriate treatment for many mental health conditions. Hypnosis can help you in your mental health recovery treatment by:

• Helping you reframe negative thoughts
• Developing relaxation techniques
• Helping you gain insight into the cause of emotional pain

Knowing that hypnosis should be part of a larger treatment plan is vital. While it can be effective for managing cravings and changing behavior and mindset, it should be integrated into a treatment plan filled with interventions that can lead to your greatest success.