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  HYPNOSIS AND HYPNOTHERAPY

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF HYPNOTHERAPY
Hypnosis is based upon the Greek term for sleep “hypnos.”  Hypnotists and hypnotherapists are trained to induce deep relaxation and an altered state of consciousness, or trance state, in their clients. Research shows that a person in this trance-like state is often more open to a particular image or idea therefore change of behavior and/or thought patterns can happen.  Not meaning that a practitioner can control another's mind and free will, rather, the use of hypnosis facilitates one’s own ability to control his state of awareness. By tapping into this state, one can positively affect their own bodily functions and psychological responses.

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS FOR WHICH HYPNOTHERAPY IS EFFECTIVE
Hypnotherapy has been shown effective for a range of disorders and conditions, most commonly known in assisting:

- Weight Loss
- Smoking Cessation
- Phobias
- Stress disorders
- Sleep walking, insomnia, and other sleep issues
- Chronic pain
- Eating disorders, anorexia, and bulimia
- Digestive issues
- Acne, eczema, psoriasis, warts, and other skin disorders
- Childbirth labor and delivery
- Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other bowel disorders

Hypnosis may be used in a variety of clinical settings such as emergency rooms, dental offices, and outpatient clinics to defuse conditions with an emotional or psychological component.  Hypnotherapy has been shown to be a valuable technique in lowering fear and anxiety associated with any sort of treatments.  It has also been shown that it shortens recovery time and lessens pain and anxiety.  . Scientific studies have shown the benefits of hypnosis in promoting relaxation, lowering stress levels, alleviating anxiety, and promoting healthy immune function.

This use of power of thought and the mind/body connection has even been shown to be able to assist patients in not using anesthesia or pain medication in surgery.  Scientific studies of burn patients have revealed that hypnosis may be used in place of pain medications and that those receiving hypnotherapy healed more quickly.  Thus, its benefits appear to include shorter healing time, a reduced requirement for pain medication, and higher states of wellbeing before and after operations. 

Children may also obtain substantial benefit from hypnotherapy.  Study has shown that hypnotherapy treatments helped over 80% of children significantly reduce or fully recover from anxiety disorders, bowel incontinence, sleep walking and nail biting. 

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF HYPNOTHERAPY
Throughout history, hypnotic trance states have been used by healers and during the ceremonies and rituals of many ancient cultures. However, modern origins of hypnosis may be traced to the work of Austrian physician Franz Mesmer.  During the eighteenth century he used magnets and other hypnotic methods to improve and treat conditions such as pain, paralysis, and headaches.  While he achieved a number of dramatic "cures," the medical community was unconvinced.  Mesmer was denounced as a fraud and his methods were considered unscientific. People have continued to have favorable results with the use of hypnosis, thus it has become a popular alternative treatment and is now used as a complementary therapy with or without the use of Western medicine.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF HYPNOTHERAPY
Studies state that the brain remembers new occurrences and may learn to respond to the occurrence with a specific behavior.  These memories are not only of the original happening, but also the physical and emotional reactions resulting from the occurrence.  As identical or similar events happen again the resulting physical and emotional responses occur, even though they may be not useful or negative.  Through hypnotherapy the practitioner can help an individual to recall the occurrence that generated the original reaction, divide the recollection from the reaction, and mentally rebuild the event with different, more functional associations.

The process of hypnosis involves a physical relaxation in conjunction with thought processes becoming more alert and focused.  Hypnosis can lessen blood pressure and heart rate while affecting the brain wave activity.  By creating this less stressful state, an individual is relaxed physically but completely focused mentally.  An individual in this state can be very responsive to new ideas and concepts.  For example, a practitioner working with a smoker may introduce the idea that future encounters with cigarettes will be unpleasing and distasteful.

How is it done?
WHAT IS A SESSION OF HYPNOTHERAPY LIKE?
During one’s first visit to a hypnosis practitioner, a medical history may be taken. The hypnotherapist may likely explain in detail what hypnosis is and how it works and answer any questions. The client and practitioner will discuss what condition the client would like to work on for the session.  Then the client will be encouraged to enter a state of deep relaxation.  This is done through a sequence of mental images and suggestions meant to alter behavior and relieve symptoms.

For example, those who fear flying may be given the suggestion that in the future they will be very relaxed when around airplanes or at airports.  The hypnotherapist will also teach the client the basics of self-hypnosis and may give them an audiotape or CD for home use. This recording empowers the client to attain additional benefits while at home and to reinforce the suggestions. 

There are several stages of hypnosis. The practitioner first restates the presenting problem, then the client becomes increasingly relaxed.  As the state of relaxation deepens he becomes deeply absorbed in the words and images presented by the therapist.  He is then gently encouraged to let go of critical thoughts.  The practitioner then carefully brings the client back to his regular state of awareness, and the two will discuss the client’s experience of the hypnotherapy session.

Hypnotherapy is also very useful for teaching individuals to self-regulate.  For example, someone with chronic back pain may be given the suggestion that he can reduce the pain similar to lessening the volume of a television.  It can also be most helpful for those living with chronic illness, as it helps the individual manage pain and retain a feeling over control of his own life.

Most sessions last approximately sixty minutes, and improvement is generally seen after four to ten sessions.  The hypnotherapist or hypnotist and client work together to determine and assess progress as the course of treatment continues.  Children also respond favorably to hypnotherapy treatment.  It is reported that nine to twelve year olds tend to respond after only one or two visits.

Who does it?
HYPNOTHERAPY PRACTITIONERS
Hypnosis is the term that describes the act of hypnotism.  There is no specific or consistent regulation that is necessary in this area or to call oneself a “hypnotist”.  Training can range from self-study to apprenticeship, on-line or home courses, or training or certification from an institution or college.  “Hypnotherapy” on the other hand constitutes “therapy” and is done generally by a mental health professional or therapist who has attained training or continued education in addition to their licensure. One term or the other does not necessarily connote more professionalism, training, or expertise in the area of hypnosis, simply the practitioner who practices it.