Medical Hypnosis is the process of learning how to use your mind and your thoughts to better handle emotional stress (anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessions), uncomfortable physical symptoms (pain, nausea) or to help you change a habit or behavior (smoking, aggression, eating patterns). Medical Hypnosis is a technique or procedure used in the context of a self-improvement process involving combinations of different techniques to achieve the goals set by the patient.
Medical hypnosis should be made only by health professionals trained and licensed (eg psychiatrists) that have been specifically trained to use hypnosis and working practices within their professional field.
How will I feel during hypnosis?
Most people describe their experience of hypnosis as a pleasant experience during which they have great focus and feel deep in the hypnotic experience.
Depending on the goals of the session you may feel more alert, more relaxed or just comfortable and with peace of mind.
Although a hypnosis session may differ depending on the needs of each patient sessions typically have two basic phases:
1) The induction phase. During this phase the therapist helps you relax and helps you focus and concentrate on what you want to accomplish during the hypnosis session.
2) The application stage. During this phase the therapist provides you with suggestions. For example, if you are experiencing anxiety, you can suggest that during and following the hypnosis session you will feel calmer and more comfortable with feelings of anxiety. If you are experiencing pain, your therapist may suggest that after the hypnosis session you will not experience pain or that you can better manage any pain you feel. The suggestions are the key to hypnosis because they are targeted to treat your specific symptoms or difficulty.
What conditions can be treated with hypnosis?
Medical hypnosis has been shown to be clinically effective for a variety of conditions including:
Anxiety and phobias
Depression
Stress Management
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Dissociative Disorders
Obsessions and compulsions
Stop smoking
Weight Management
Changing unwanted habits
Gastrointestinal disorders
Hemophilia
Skin conditions
Childbirth without fear
Pain
Medical and dental procedures
Recovering from a surgery
Treatment of nausea and vomiting
What results I can expect from hypnosis?
Medical hypnosis has proven to be of great benefit to improve symptoms and overcome difficulties. It may even be curative in many cases.
Myths and facts about medical hypnosis:
Many people have concerns and myths about hypnosis based on lack of information. The following are common concerns about hypnosis and the reality of hypnosis.
Myth: The hypnotized person is under the control of the therapist and can be forced to say or do what the therapist wants.
Reality: This is false. No matter how deep the process of hypnosis you are always in control during the session. Hypnosis can not force you to do or say anything that causes you discomfort or you do not want to do or say.
Myth: Hypnosis is something that is done to people, instead of something I can do on my own.
Reality: This is false. Hypnosis is a skill you can learn. It is a tool you use to feel better.
Myth: I can become trapped in hypnosis and I can not "out" at any time.
Reality: This is false. Hypnosis can end at any time you want.
Myth: People have benefit from hypnosis are gullible or weak willed.
Reality: This is false. Multiple scientific studies have revealed that about 90% of people can benefit from hypnosis. Moreover, being hypnotized and choosing to respond to hypnotic suggestions means only that you have the ability to use hypnosis effectively. This does not mean a person is gullible or weak willed.
Myth: During hypnosis I am unconscious.
Reality: This is false. During hypnosis you are always aware. A person in hypnosis is not asleep or unconscious. Although a person in hypnosis can feel a deep state of relaxation, your mind is active and actively participating in the hypnosis session.
The information in this blog is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician about any health concerns you have.
As always your opinions are important. Share them so that others benefit from your experiences and perspectives.
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