Hypnotherapy
See also :
Hypnosis is not a therapy in itself. Rather, a therapy is conducted in hypnosis, which is known as hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is a state of relaxation and concentration at one with the state of heightened awareness induced by suggestion. It is a natural trance state, like daydreaming, when the mind is relaxed and focused, where time passes very quickly, accompanied by good feelings of deep relaxation of mind and body.
Hypnotherapy is a treatment that is based on the premise that the mind and body do not work in isolation. By sending the patient into a hypnotic state, the therapist aims to trigger the body's mental and physical self-healing processes that lie in the subconscious.
Anybody can be sent into a hypnotic state; it is not a sign of gullibility or suggestibility on the part of the patient. Hypnosis induces a state of relaxation and concentration that practitioners claim is a natural manifestation of the mind at work.
When undergoing hypnotherapy, patients are conscious and aware, but are open to the power of suggestion. They cannot be induced to do anything against their will.
Special Precautions of Hypnotherapy
- Hypnotherapy is not generally advisable for mentally disturbed or psychotic patients. Some psychiatric professionals do use hypnotherapy in conjunction with orthodox treatments for patients with such conditions, but always within an institutional environment where other forms of treatment are also available.
- Patients suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar conditions, suicidal tendencies, senility, alcohol or drug psychosis, pathological personalities or manic are generally advised not to undergo hypnotherapy.
- While hypnotherapy is useful in alleviating mild cases of , it is contra-indicated for manic and bipolar conditions. It is also contraindicated in some cases of epilepsy.
- The Irish Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy consider that any organic symptomology should not be treated by hypnotherapy until a doctor has made a diagnosis and recommended hypnotherapy as a course of treatment.
Benefits of Hypnotherapy
Well known in the community as being effective for giving up smoking and for weight management, Clinical Hypnotherapy is also powerful in many areas of life in which people experience symptoms of pain, stress, anxiety and tension – some examples are listed below:
- Pain management
- Stop smoking
- Fears and phobias
- Stress management
- Improved memory
- Gambling addiction
- Sporting performance
- Academic performance
- Exam nerves
- Sexual problems
- Performance anxiety
- Gaining self-confidence
- Improving motivation
- Overcoming grief
- Overcoming insomnia
- Pre-menstrual tension
- Nail biting
- Bed wetting
