Hypnosis, also referred to as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion, is a trance-like state in which you have heightened focus and concentration. Hypnosis is usually done with the help of a therapist using verbal repetition and mental images. When you’re under hypnosis, you usually feel calm and relaxed, and are more open to suggestions. Sabeen Roshan tells us more.
Today, hypnosis has become an increasingly popular self-improvement tool. It is regularly used in behavior modification therapy such as weight control, sports improvement, stress release, memory enhancement, and the treatment of fears and phobias. Recently, some powerful new uses for hypnosis have come to light. One of the most publicized and popular is past-life regression. An impressive number of recently published hypnotic regressions have obtained verifiable information from past centuries, including specific names, dates, places, and events.
Modern hypnosis is regularly used to regress individuals to a previous physical life. During this process, the person can uncover, experience, and resolve a present problem, fear, or phobia by going to the source of he dilemma.
Hypnosis can be used to help you gain control over undesired behaviors or to help you cope better with anxiety or pain. It’s important to know that although you’re more open to suggestion during hypnosis, you don’t lose control over your behavior.
WHY AND HOW IT’S DONE
Hypnotherapy can be an effective method for coping with stress and anxiety. In particular, hypnosis can reduce stress and anxiety before a medical procedure, such as a breast biopsy, dental procedures etc.
Hypnosis has been studied for other conditions, including:
- Pain control. Hypnosis may help with pain due to burns, cancer, childbirth, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint problems, dental procedures and headaches.
- Hot flashes. Hypnosis may relieve symptoms of hot flashes associated with menopause.
- Behavior change. Hypnosis has been used with some success in the treatment of insomnia, bed-wetting, smoking, and overeating.
- Cancer treatment side effects. Hypnosis has been used to ease side effects related to chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
- Mental health conditions. Hypnosis may help treat symptoms of anxiety, phobias and post-traumatic stress.
- Hypnosis can be used to improve visualization, concentration, and meditative skills.
SOME RARE BUT POSSIBLE RISKS
Hypnosis conducted by a trained therapist or health care professional is considered a safe, complementary and alternative medical treatment. However, hypnosis may not be appropriate in people with severe mental illness.
Adverse reactions to hypnosis are rare, but may include:
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Anxiety or distress
- Creation of false memories
PRE-THERAPY & PRE-SESSION PREPARATION FOR CLIENTS
No special preparation to undergo hypnosis is required. But it’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothing to help you relax. Also, make sure that you’re well-rested so that you’re not inclined to fall asleep during the session. Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours prior to your next hypnotherapy session.
Choose a therapist or health care professional who is certified to perform hypnosis. Seek a recommendation from someone you trust. Learn about any therapist you’re considering. Start by asking questions:
- Do you have training in a field such as psychology, medicine, social work or dentistry?
- Are you licensed to practice in your city/country?
- How long have you been in practice?
- What are your fees, and does insurance cover your services?
Prior to starting the therapy, your therapist will explain the process of hypnosis and review your treatment goals. Usually, Multiple goals are not treated simultaneously. If there are many issues that you want to address though hypnotherapy, it is advisable that some thought is given to the most pressing problem. Discuss with your therapist all the problems and, also seek their advice on how to go about it.
Contrary to how hypnosis is sometimes portrayed in movies or on television, you don’t lose control over your behavior while under hypnosis. Also, you generally remain aware of and remember what happens during hypnosis.
CONCLUSION
While hypnosis can be effective in helping people cope with pain, stress and anxiety and resolve many psychosomatic issues, cognitive behavioral therapy is usually considered the first line treatment for many of these conditions. Hypnosis may also be used as part of a comprehensive program in conjunction with other treatments such as for smoking cessation or losing weight.
Hypnosis has provided dramatic benefits for thousands of people. Now modern hypnosis can be effective in several different areas and is used commonly even in hospitals in the west.
One of the most effective ways to dissolve our self-accepted limits and fear is to confront them directly. Hypnosis gives us the unique ability to access our subconscious mind and resolve our fears, our self-imposed limiting beliefs and those seemingly never-ending problems that have become a perennial part of our lives. In addition, we can reprogram our subconscious mind for success in any endeavor and for any area in our life.
DUBAI BASED PERSONAL GROWTH AUTHOR, HYPNOTHERAPIST, MIND SCIENCES AND ENERGY MEDICINE PRACTITIONER and CONSCIOUS MANIFESTATION TRAINER.