HYPNOTHERAPY

Inducing a trance in a client is an ancient method of healing that has been practised in many cultures, but it is a therapy that is deeply mistrusted. This is partly because healers who have used hypnosis have often appeared to be in touch with supernatural agencies, and partly because hypnosis connotes something less than hard science to most people. Modern hypnotherapy dates from the eighteenth century, when Anton Mesmer began to experiment with the use of hypnosis as a method of healing. It was not until the second half of the twentieth century, however, that doctors accepted that hypnosis can be useful as a therapy.

What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis can be regarded as a state of profound relaxation, both mental and physical, in which the subject is detached from reality. This state happens to almost everyone when they lose a sense of time, for example while reading or even walking along a familiar road. The conscious mind drifts off, leaving the subconscious mind in charge of safety. In hypnosis, a person learns how to elicit aid from their own unconscious to produce positive change. Scientific assessment of hypnosis has included the use of electroencephalographs (EEGs) and these have shown that hypnosis seems to lie between being fully alert and sleep. As the trance deepens, the pattern of the EEG changes to one that is nearer to that recorded during sleep.

Creative Arts Therapies
Creative arts therapies include the use of dance, music, art and other practical activities to stimulate self-expression. These therapies are based on the belief that emotions and emotional memories are stored in the body and that they can be safely expressed by taking part in the creative arts. In this way the causes of abnormal behaviour can be understood. Therapists are also trained to recognize clues that will enable the resolution of the problem by means of psychotherapy. Ailments that may benefit include anxiety, depression, migraines and digestive problems,as well as disorders of sleep, eating and addiction. These therapies are safe, but it is essential that you choose a therapist who is registered and holds appropriate qualifications.

Visualization
Visualization is the formation of mental images that have meaning to the person undertaking this therapy. It is usually used in conjunction with relaxation techniques (see previous post) or hypnotherapy. Once the habit of visualizing a relaxing and happy place has been established, the image can easily be recalled during times of stress. However, visualization can also be used to recall incidents in the past, to create images of beneficial lifestyle changes that could be adopted, or to increase a feeling of relaxation by imagining the systems of the body all working in harmony.

Visualization can benefit various psychological problems, sleep disorders and problems with the heart, circulation and digestion. However, visualization can trigger physical reactions. If you suffer from respiratory problems do not attempt visualization without consulting your doctor first.

Is Hypnosis Safe?
Contrary to popular belief, the person being hypnotized remains aware of what is going on and can choose to terminate the hypnosis at any time. However, even when we are fully conscious we can sometimes be tricked by a persuasive person to do things that are against our best interests and this can also happen in hypnosis. For this reason, it is best to avoid being hypnotized by anyone who is not a fully qualified, professional practitioner.

Conditions that can be treated by a professional hypnotherapist include:

• States of anxiety, such as phobias, panic attacks and difficulties with relationships.
• Stress symptoms, such as blushing, impotence, comfort eating and headaches.
• Addictions, such as those to alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
• Problems with a lack of self-confidence and moods such as sadness and anger.
• Chronic pain

This list is not intended to be comprehensive. It is best to make a preliminary enquiry about your own condition, or ask your doctor's advice.

Cautions
For most people hypnotherapy is safe when it is provided by a qualified practitioner. However, it should be avoided by anyone with history of epilepsy. A person with a history of severe emotional, physical or sexual trauma should approach hypnosis with great caution. For them it is essential to choose a therapist who has experience of treating these problems, and who is either a doctor or holds a recognized mental health qualification. If in doubt, consult your own doctor or psychiatrist for advice.

How Does Hypnotherapy Help?
A therapist may want to use hypnotherapy to achieve complete relaxation in order to further analytical therapy (see previous post), or to implant positive suggestions that link current feelings and problems with events from the past. Positive suggestions can be used to replace negative patterns of thinking and behaviour. This may be used to help with problems such as anxiety or smoking. Some therapists induce hypno-anaesthesia to control pain, such as during dental treatment.

Is Self-Hypnosis Worth Trying?
With practice, a light trance can be achieved by self-hypnosis. If you practise autogenic relaxation (see previous post), you can spend time, once you have achieved complete relaxation, to reinforce suggestions that you wand to make for yourself, such as believing that you can stop smoking. You may find a commercial self-hypnosis tape helpful, but it is often better to make your own tape tailored to your own needs. Self-hypnosis should not be practised when doing any task requires you to be alert.