The thought of hypnosis often conjures up the idea of one walking around in a sleep-like trance while under the control of a smooth-talking hypnotist. In reality, hypnosis is simply a more focused state of consciousness whereby the subject is more susceptible to suggestion.
The American Society for Clinical Hypnosis defines it as, "a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention." Commonly used in the treatment of anxiety, hypnosis has proven particularly effective in targeting and resolving emotional issues at the root.
Hypnosis for Anxiety Relief
According to the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis, hypnotherapists generally use hypnosis in one of three ways:
- Encouraging the use of positive mental imagery;
- Presenting new ideas to the patient; and
- Exploring underlying motivations and/or experiences.
With this in mind, the hypnotherapist will first initiate a discussion with the patient about the issues at hand. Next, s/he will gently ease the patient into hypnosis through the use of guided imagery. When the patient reaches a state of hypnosis, s/he will become intensely focused, highly relaxed and particularly susceptible to learning. The hypnotherapist will then work with the patient's unconscious mind to modify perceptions, behaviors and emotions. And herein lies the power of hypnosis.
"Once in the hypnotic state," says Alan B. Densky, NGH certified hypnotherapist. He added, "we can interact with our unconscious mind, which is the seat of our emotions. And one can more easily admit new points of view and ideas which will help us to eliminate anxiety, or even prevent anxiety from occurring in the first place."
Hypnosis is most effective when repeated over the course of six to eight sessions.
What Hypnosis is Not
Hypnosis is not sleep. And a person undergoing hypnosis does not lose control. Just the opposite, in fact. "One of the interesting ironies about hypnosis is that old fantasy that it takes away control,” says Dr. David Spiegel, professor and associate chair of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine in a 2004 Newsweek article. “It's actually a way of enhancing people's control, of teaching them how to control aspects of their body's function and sensation that they thought they couldn't."
Another common myth is that hypnosis will cause amnesia. This is not so. The vast majority of patients will go into a light to medium hypnotic state and therefore remember everything that occurred during the session.
Hypnosis is Considered a Legitimate Medical Approach
Though often misunderstood, hypnosis is widely accepted in the medical community. The Mayo Clinic offers hypnosis as psychological and medical therapy. And many hospitals are using hypnosis in the treatment of specific ailments including, irritable bowel syndrome, post-operative recovery, pain management, and more. In fact, according to a Wall Street Journal article titled, Altered States: Hypnosis in Mainstream Medicine, author Michael Waldholz writes, “a Harvard researcher reports that hypnosis quickened the typical healing time of bone fractures by several weeks.”
For those who are looking to control anxiety symptoms and make positive changes, hypnosis is considered a safe and effective way to achieve long-term relief.
More Information
Natural and Homeopathic Anxiety Remedies
Sources:
Alan B. Densky, "Hypnotherapy Can Eliminate Anxiety And Stress So You Can Relax," on ArticleBase.com. Retrieved April 10, 2010.
David Noonan, "Altered States: Hypnosis can help with problems from anxiety to pain. How it works, and what it does in the brain," in Newsweek. September 27, 2004.
Michael Waldholz, "Altered States: Hypnosis in Mainstream Medicine," in The Wall Street Journal. October 7, 2003 edition.
The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis: "Information for the Public," on asch.com. Retrieved on April 9, 2010.
Stephanie Young - I am a freelance writer with 15+ years of communications experience. I am also the mother of two who, like most people, has lived through ...
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