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The following article is written by our resident specialist in clinical hypnosis, Gayatri Kainth.
John, a bright University student in his 20s visited a psychologist because of his experience with continuous anxiety for the previous two to three years. While having a conversation with John, one got a sense that he was on edge, nervous and tense. He shared having a difficult time sleeping and concentrating and increased feelings of irritability, fatigue, and other physical symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. As a result, he found it difficult to focus on studies and to engage in day-to-day activities.
During treatment sessions with hypnosis, John practiced relaxation techniques and visualized himself calming down in stressful situations. He also boosted his self esteem through ego strengthening. He shared that the exercises were helping him become more relaxed and get control of his life. He shared feeling “normal” again.
Cathy, a 35-year-old female, discovered during a therapy session that she was being held back in life by an inner voice which told her that she was not good enough because of things she had done in her past. Self-sabotaging thoughts like these played through her mind constantly.
“Look at your past! you have made wrong choices throughout your life. You are a failure, and there is no way you can just move on and build yourself a successful future!”
During hypnosis treatment, Cathy re-experienced her past behaviours from a more compassionate place. She accepted the idea that she can move on and can make effective choices to live a future that she wants. Through deeply experiencing this idea, Cathy owned her past decisions and choices and relieved herself of the negative emotions that had been holding her back.
In a stressful work environment, Tom’s snacking supported him to function well and deal with constant stress. Being overweight took a noticeable toll on his self confidence and physical health. During hypnosis, he was supported to envision adopting a healthier eating and exercise routine. In the process he also gained insight into how unhealthy eating started for him.
With the help of treatment sessions, Tom recognized alternative healthier sources of nourishment for his body, physical health and emotional well being.
Hypnosis is a natural state of deep relaxation, concentration and focused attention, using verbal cues, repetition and imagery, guided by a trained clinician or hypnotherapist. By engaging the subconscious mind, positive thoughts, emotions and behaviours can be reinforced.
Under hypnosis, an intense level of concentration and deep state of focus allows an individual to ignore ordinary distractions and be more open to guided suggestions to make changes. Guidance from the trained hypnosis professional during this state can help the client modify or make desired changes to thoughts, perception and feelings.
The first stage, Induction, initiates relaxation. In this state the person focuses their attention and ignores distractions.
The second stage, Deepening, is a continuation of the first stage, with the goal to deepen the attention and relaxation.
The third stage is Suggestions. In this state, with guidance and discussion with the therapist, the client implements changes in experience, behaviour or perception.
The fourth stage is Emergence where the client comes out of the hypnotic state.
Hypnosis is usually integrated with other psychotherapies and treatments and is part of a broad treatment plan that can be discussed with your professional. The length of treatment varies depending on the nature and severity of the issue. Clinical hypnosis may help treat several medical conditions in which psychological factors influence physical symptoms. Common mental and physical health conditions suitable for hypnosis treatment include stress, anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), phobias, smoking cessation, obesity, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pain control and headaches (migraine and tension).
Hypnosis is not the same as sleeping. The client is an active participant who remains responsive and aware of their environment. During the hypnotic state, people often talk with the therapist and can ask and answer questions.
No, there is no loss of control during the process. Hypnosis allows clients to be more focused and less distractible. One remains aware of who they are, where they are and may or may not remember what happened during a hypnosis session (depending on the level of
deepening).
The hypnotherapist guides the process of hypnosis. The individual can’t be made to do anything against their will. The individual does not lose control over their behaviour. Hypnosis makes it easier to experience suggestions but doesn’t force you to have certain experiences.
No one stays hypnotized indefinitely. The client always comes out of the trance within a short time. During hypnosis, the client can choose to ignore suggestions at any time.
Scientific evidence supporting the benefits of hypnosis has been limited but is growing. The research on hypnosis for treating anxiety, stress, pain management, irritable bowel syndrome, post traumatic stress disorder and habits such as nail biting, skin picking or hair pulling have shown strong evidence.
Hypnosis as a therapeutic tool is used with other tools of Psychology. It can be of major benefit to some clients, helpful with many other, but it may not always be effective, just like any other clinical method.
Each person differs in their ability to be hypnotized. A person’s fears or concerns about hypnosis may interfere with their ability to be hypnotized.
People describe the experience of hypnosis in different ways. Some describe it as a deep, relaxed state; some experience it as if they are “zoned in” or in a trance-like state; and some explain it as a state of calmness. Most clients share that their senses become more alert and aware.
A highly motivated person is most likely to benefit from hypnosis. Like any other treatment, hypnosis may be helpful for certain conditions or for certain people.
Hypnosis is contraindicated with certain mental health concerns such as psychosis and for individuals currently abusing drugs. To find out more, please discuss such concerns with your professional.
Hypnosis is usually integrated with other treatment modalities as part of a broader treatment
plan. All insurance plans that cover psychological services will cover your treatment by a
registered psychologist practicing hypnosis. Please contact your health insurance provider to ask
if hypnotherapy as a stand-alone treatment is a covered benefit.
When selecting a professional, choose a health care provider who is properly trained, licensed, and credentialed. This means that the individual has graduate training and holds a currently valid license in a health care field, such as psychology, medicine, dentistry, psychiatry, physiotherapy, social work, or nursing. It is also recommended to inquire about the training and experience of any practitioner of hypnosis you intend to consult.
Perhaps you have a concern that I haven’t mentioned in this article. Please feel free to reach out to me (Gayatri Kainth) if you have a concern, question, query or you feel that you can be helped with hypnosis. Please use our contact form here.
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