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Understanding
Clinical Hypnotherapy
What is Hypnosis
or Trance?
Hypnosis is a method of communication that induces a trance or a
trance-like state. Hypnosis can be conducted by one individual
addressing another, or it may be conducted with the self
(self-hypnosis). Trance is a naturally occurring state in which one's
attention is narrowly focused and relatively free of distractions. The
attention may be focused either internally (on thoughts---internal
self-talk or images or both) or externally (on a task, a book, or a
movie, for example). The focus of attention is so narrow that other
stimuli in the environment are ignored or blocked out of conscious
awareness for a time. Examples of trance states are daydreaming and
some forms of meditation.
As an adjunct to psychotherapy, hypnosis can help clients enter a
relaxed, comfortable, trance state for obtaining specific therapeutic
outcomes. With clinical hypnosis, the therapist can make suggestions
designed to help the client formulate specific internal processes
(feelings, memories, images and internal self-talk) that will lead to
mutually-agreed-upon outcomes.
Hypnotic suggestions can influence behavior when the listener is
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(a) relaxed, receptive and open to the suggestions
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(b) experiences visual, auditory, and/or kinesthetic
representations of the suggestions
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(c) anticipates and envisions that these suggestions will result
in future outcomes.
These three criteria are facilitated through the use of
"hypnotic language patterns." Hypnotic language patterns
include: guided visualization, stories, guided memories, analogies,
ambiguous words or phrases, repetition, and statements about
association, meaning, and cause-effect.
Myths and
Misconceptions about Hypnosis
Hypnosis is not mind control or brainwashing. People change their
minds and actions throughout their lives. When such changes occur as
a result of exposure to specific information, it is because this
information has been presented through persuasion and influence. A
hypnotherapist uses communicative methods of persuasion and
influence; so do people who advertise and market goods and services;
so do teachers, politicians, lawyers, entertainers, parents, and
ministers.
During trance, you are not immobilized. You know exactly where you
are the entire time. You can adjust your position, scratch, sneeze,
or cough. You can open your eyes and bring yourself out of trance at
any time you wish. During trance, you can still hear sounds around
you, like a phone ringing. You can alert yourself and respond to any
situation that needs your immediate attention. You remain oriented
as to person, place, and time. You can even hold a conversation in
trance.
Trance is not sleep, although some people get so relaxed in trance
that they may fall asleep. This is no problem because some part of
the mind continues to listen to the voice of the hypnotherapist. In
trance, sleeping subjects can still follow instructions such as
moving a finger, taking a deep breath, or awakening themselves when
they are told to do so.
There is no "right" way to experience trance. One person
may experience it as a deep, heavy restful feeling, while another
may experience it as a light, floating sensation. Some people hear
every word spoken by the therapist, while others allow their minds
to drift to other thoughts. Some experience vivid imagery, while
others do not. Some people remember the suggestions they hear, and
some do not. Every person's experience of hypnosis is unique.
Hypnosis cannot cause anyone to do something against their will or
that contradicts their values. First, a hypnotherapist is ethically
required to make only those suggestions that support agreed-upon
outcomes. Second, clients are not receptive to suggestions that go
against their morals or values---because receptivity is one of the
ingredients of success in hypnosis.
Remember: hypnosis cannot solve every problem. Even with hypnosis,
it may still be necessary for you to do some conscientious planning
and research about the types of changes you want to achieve. You
must still take action to get results. Hypnosis is not a cure-all.
Hypnosis can be effective in many cases, but there are no guarantees
that hypnosis will work for you.
Risks and Precautions
Hypnosis carries very few risks. Hypnosis may be contraindicated for
individuals with certain medical problems, or who are actively
abusing drugs or alcohol, or who are delusional or hallucinatory.
Hypnosis should not be used for physical problems, such as pain,
unless the client has first consulted a physician to determine
underlying physical causes.
Formal hypnotic methods are not recommended for small children,
because children lack the necessary attention span. More interactive
treatment methods can be used, however, such as art therapy, play
therapy, storytelling, and guided visualization, during which
helpful suggestions can be made to the child.
Hypnosis is often requested for the purpose of uncovering childhood
memories. Hypnosis may or may not work in this regard. When memories
do surface, the client may have a "false memory" and there
is no guarantee that such memories are accurate or based on reality.
Such memories may be uncomfortable and distressing, but not always.
Sometimes after trancework, the client may feel somewhat
disoriented. The therapist and the client can work together to make
sure the client is fully alert and energized sufficiently to leave
the therapist's office and continue the day's activity. In very rare
cases, after a hypnotic session, and client may experience mildly
disturbing thoughts or feelings. If this happens, the client should
call the therapist immediately for a follow-up session.
Ericksonian Hypnosis
The kind of hypnotherapy most frequently practiced in psychotherapy
today is "Ericksonian Hypnosis," named after the late
Milton H. Erickson, M.D. From the 1930's to the 1980's Dr. Erickson
was very influential in bringing the use of clinical hypnosis into
the fields of medicine and psychotherapy. He taught and practiced a
kind of hypnosis that was gentle, permissive, and respectful of the
client. He established the National Association for Clinical
Hypnosis and published the first professional journals and
monographs on the therapeutic uses of hypnosis. The Ericksonian
Foundation continues his work. Hundreds of books and articles have
been written about Dr. Erickson and his methods. Dr. Erickson has
been regarded as the leading hypnotherapist in the world.
Applications of
Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis has many applications in therapeutic settings. Among them
are:
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Building Confidence
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Relaxation During Childbirth
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Treating Phobias, Fears and Anxiety
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Sleep Disorders and Disturbances
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Interpersonal Problems
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Depression
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Sexual Difficulties
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Psychosomatic Complaints
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Post Trauma Relief
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Pain Management
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Stress Management
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Habit Control
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Academic Performance
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Athletic Performance
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Help with Life Transitions
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Preparation for Medical/Dental Procedures
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Blocks to Motivation and Creativity
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Treatment of Grief and Loss
Credentialing of
Hypnotherapists
A hypnotherapist is a
licensed or certified mental health professional who has obtained
specialized, post graduate training and certification in the use of
clinical hypnosis within the context of counseling, psychotherapy,
or other medical specialty.
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