Hypnotherapy is therapy that is undertaken with a subject
in hypnosis.
The word "hypnosis" (from the Greek hypnos, "sleep") is an
abbreviation of James Braid's (1843) term "neuro-hypnotism",
meaning "sleep of the nervous system".A person who is
hypnotized displays certain unusual characteristics and
propensities, compared with a non-hypnotized subject, most notably
hyper-suggestibility, which some authorities have considered a
sine qua non of hypnosis. For example, Clark L. Hull, probably the
first major empirical researcher in the field, wrote, If a subject
after submitting to the hypnotic procedure shows no genuine
increase in susceptibility to any suggestions whatever, there
seems no point in calling him hypnotised.
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Hypnotherapy is often applied in order to modify a subject's
behavior, emotional content, and attitudes, as well as a wide
range of conditions including dysfunctional habits, anxiety,
stress-related illness, pain management, and personal development.
How does hypnosis work?
When something new happens to us, we remember it and learn a
particular behavior in response to that circumstance. Memories
stored in our brains hold the original physical and emotional
reactions that occurred when the given memory was first formed.
Each time similar events occur again, the physical and emotional
reactions attached to the memory are repeated. These reactions may
be inappropriate or unhealthy. In some forms of hypnotherapy, the
trained therapist guides you to remember the event that led to the
first reaction, separate the memory from the learned behavior, and
reconstruct the event with new, healthier associations.
During hypnosis, a person's body relaxes while their thoughts
become more focused and attentive. Like other relaxation
techniques, hypnosis decreases blood pressure and heart rate, and
alters certain types of brain wave activity. In this relaxed
state, a person will feel very at ease physically yet fully awake
mentally. In this state of deep concentration people are highly
responsive to suggestion. If you are trying to quit smoking, for
example, a therapist's suggestion may successfully convince you
that in the future you will have a strong dislike for the taste of
cigarettes.
There are several stages of hypnosis. The process begins with
reframing the problem; becoming relaxed, then absorbed (deeply
engaged in the words or images presented by a hypnotherapist);
dissociating (letting go of critical thoughts); responding
(complying whole-heartedly to a hypnotherapist's suggestions);
returning to usual awareness; and reflecting on the experience.
Uses and Benefits
Hypnosis is used in a variety of settings -- from emergency
rooms to dental offices to outpatient clinics -- to relieve
conditions with an emotional or psychological component. Clinical
studies suggest that hypnosis may improve immune function,
increase relaxation, decrease stress, and ease feelings of
anxiety.
Hypnotherapy is effective in reducing the fear and anxiety that
accompany pain and uncomfortable medical or dental procedures. For
example, when used during an operation, hypnosis may improve
recovery time and decrease anxiety as well as pain following the
surgery. Clinical trials on burn patients suggest that hypnosis
decreases pain (enough to replace pain medication) and speeds
healing. Generally, clinical studies indicate that using hypnosis
can lessen your need for medication, improve your mental and
physical condition before an operation, and reduce the time it
takes to recover. Dentists also use hypnotherapy to control
gagging and bleeding.
A hypnotherapist can teach you self-regulation skills. For
instance, someone with arthritis may be told that they can turn
down pain like the volume on a radio. Hypnotherapy can also be an
effective tool for managing chronic illness. Self-hypnosis can
enhance a sense of control, which is often eroded by chronic
illness. Children may benefit the most from hypnosis, probably
because they are most easily hypnotized.
Clinical studies on children in emergency treatment centers show
that hypnotherapy reduces fear, anxiety, and discomfort and
improves self-control and cooperation with medical personnel.
Other problems or conditions that respond well to hypnotherapy
include:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (namely, Crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis)
- Sleep disorders, including insomnia
- Addictions
- Warts
- Bedwetting
- Fibromyalgia
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Phobias
- Labor and delivery
- Fractures
- Skin disorders [such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema (atopic
dermatitis)]
- Migraine headaches
- Stress
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Cancer-related pain
- Weight loss
- Eating disorders, namely anorexia and bulimia
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
Are there any risks associated with hypnotherapy?
Before considering hypnotherapy, you must obtain a proper
diagnosis from a physician to understand what is being treated.
This is especially true if your condition is psychological in
nature (for example, a phobia or anxiety), in which case it is
important to first be evaluated by a psychiatrist. Without an
accurate diagnosis, it is possible that hypnotherapy may
exacerbate your symptoms. Also, very rarely, hypnotherapy leads to
the development of "false memories" fabricated by the unconscious
mind; these are called confabulations. |
