A Beginner’s Guide to Hypnotherapy and How it Works
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis or hypnotherapy is when someone reaches a state of deep relaxation and focused concentration. Contrary to the many myths out there claiming it to be a staged act or magic trick, hypnosis is real and a form of mind-body medicine. A trained hypnotist or hypnotherapist will guide a hypnotherapy session, guiding a client into a deep state of focus and relaxation through verbal cues, repetition and imagery. When you are in a hypnotic state, your conscious mind is quieted and through the guidance of a hypnotherapist you are able to replace or change your unconscious thoughts that drive your behavior in a conscious state. It’s important to note too, that while hypnosis is a wonderful type of treatment, it may not solve all of your issues like one magic pill. Consider hypnosis as part of your treatment plan for your health or mental health journey, and enjoy the ride because it is truly healing.
Types of Hypnosis
There are a few different ways to go about hypnosis and hypnotherapy, so let’s take a look at them below.
- Guided Hypnosis- guided hypnosis includes the use of different tools such as recorded guides or sounds to help induce the hypnotic state
- Self-Hypnosis- simply put, when a person is able to help themselves into a hypnotic state as a form of self-care or help to relax themselves
- Hypnotherapy- the use of hypnosis in psychotherapy by licensed physicians or therapists to treat certain mental health or health conditions
Uses and Benefits to Hypnotherapy
The benefits to hypnotherapy as a form of health and mental health treatment are just about endless. Because the power of suggestion is so strong with hypnotherapy, some of the top benefits and uses of hypnotherapy are to help break nasty habits such as smoking. Hypnotherapy can even be used to help you change your eating habits or stop drinking alcohol, the possibilities are truly endless and that is what is so amazing about hypnotherapy. Another commonly treated issue with hypnotherapy is anxiety and depression, hypnotherapy helps immediately release any stress your body may be under through its deep relaxation. Over 50,000 thoughts come to our mind during the day, and if the majority of these are negative, anxiety and depression can be at an all time high. Through hypnotherapy we can reframe these negative thoughts and use them to empower us. On the contrary, hypnosis can be used to assist in the positive reframing of the mind, like helping you find success and reaching your goals you may have possibly had mental blocks over. Those who struggle with insomnia or other sleep-related issues may find that hypnotherapy is a great aid in helping them sleep better, while it will not put you to sleep, it will aid in making the process more smooth and easy for the struggling sleeper.
Reach Out for Help
The benefits to hypnotherapy are really endless, and each experience is unique to every individual. If you find yourself struggling whether it be physically, mentally, or emotionally and you think that hypnotherapy may be right for you, reach out. Therapists specializing in hypnotherapy will work with you to heal from the inside out. Chriselda Santos, a licensed psychotherapist and certified life coach, specializes in providing compassionate relationship counseling. She is determined to help her patients build healthier connections and work through confusing times. For more information, or to book an appointment, https://lifebalancetherapy.org
