Hypnosis is not a therapy in itself. Rather, a therapy is conducted in hypnosis, which is known as
hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is a state of relaxation and concentration at one with the state of
heightened awareness induced by suggestion. It is a natural trance state, like daydreaming,
when the mind is relaxed and focused, where time passes very quickly, accompanied by good
feelings of deep relaxation of mind and body.
Hypnotherapy is a treatment that is based on the premise that the mind and body do not work
in isolation. By sending the patient into a hypnotic state, the therapist aims to trigger the body's
mental and physical self-healing processes that lie in the subconscious.
Anybody can be sent into a hypnotic state; it is not a sign of gullibility or suggestibility on the
part of the patient. Hypnosis induces a state of relaxation and concentration that practitioners
claim is a natural manifestation of the mind at work.
When undergoing hypnotherapy, patients are conscious and aware, but are open to the power
of suggestion. They cannot be induced to do anything against their will.
Everyone is capable of sleep and trance experiences such as daydreaming and can therefore be
hypnotised. Hypnosis is a natural phenomenon and even animals are capable of experiencing
hypnosis spontaneously.
There are some exceptions, such as young children, people with mental difficulties or those
with extremely sub-normal intelligence. Psychotic patients are not advised to undergo
hypnosis.
Yes. The word hypnosis derives from Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, but most people
experiencing hypnosis are far from actually sleeping. The predominant feeling of most people is
that it cannot have worked and they did not go under.
People experiencing hypnosis may appear to others to be asleep, but they can think, talk, open
their eyes and respond to suggestion freely. When under hypnosis, people are usually aware of
their surroundings and can hear everything going on around them, including the
hypnotherapist's voice.
All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, meaning that the hypnotherapist is only a guide or catalyst to elicit the trance experience in the client. The power of hypnosis resides in the client, not in the hypnotherapist.
Scientists are not really sure how it works. The autonomic nervous system controls all the
automatic functions of the body while we are asleep and it has been proven that words and
suggestion can affect the central nervous system while we are awake.
Distracting the conscious mind causes a dissociation of the conscious and unconscious mind
and is the first step in inducing hypnosis. There are many differing techniques a hypnotherapist
can use to put a client into hypnosis.
By talking to their clients in a soothing voice and getting them to visualise relaxing and
monotonous situations, practitioners are able to send their clients into a state of very deep
relaxation where they will still be aware of their surroundings but are very much more sensitive
to suggestion.
Once the patient has closed their eyes, the hypnotherapist deepens the trance by suggesting to
the conscious mind to daydream or relax. While the conscious mind is inactive the subject is
likely to respond to all suggestions literally. Positive suggestions are then introduced and
absorbed by the conscious mind.
When in this state, the patient's subconscious can be 'reprogrammed' to deal with certain
feelings in a different way and as such, hypnotherapy is not only very effective in the treatment
of phobias, addictions, but it can also reduce stress and alleviate pain.
Practitioners and researchers claim success rates of 90% and higher for professionally
conducted hypnotherapy, that is followed up with a treatment plan and self-hypnosis tapes.
A research project in the UK found that 92% of those who had attended a hypnotherapist
would recommend the experience to others. The Irish Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy and
Psychotherapy claim an 80% success rate in treating clients for smoking.
Hypnotherapy is useful for treating a variety of complaints, both physical and mental. Used in
conjunction with other therapies, such as psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy can help patients to
overcome certain psychological complaints, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder,
depression, phobias, and neuroses.
It is particularly useful for overcoming phobias, and ceasing problematic habitual behaviour, like
stammering, snoring, smoking, teeth grinding, sleepwalking or nail biting.
It can also help alleviate some of the symptoms of physical complaints like allergies, travel
sickness, insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome. Used in conjunction with conventional
medical treatment, hypnotherapy has demonstrated positive benefits in the treatment of
cancer.
Hypnotherapy is also useful in providing general health benefits, such as improving posture and
digestion, reducing dependence on sleeping pills or tranquillisers, and helping to eradicate
stress.
Hypnotherapy is not generally advisable for mentally disturbed or psychotic patients. Some
psychiatric professionals do use hypnotherapy in conjunction with orthodox treatments for
patients with such conditions, but always within an institutional environment where other
forms of treatment are also available.
Patients suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar conditions, suicidal tendencies, senility, alcohol
or drug psychosis, pathological personalities or manic depression are generally advised not to
undergo hypnotherapy.
While hypnotherapy is useful in alleviating mild cases of depression, it is contra-indicated for
manic depression and bipolar conditions. It is also contraindicated in some cases of epilepsy.
The Irish Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy consider that any organic
symptomology should not be treated by hypnotherapy until a doctor has made a diagnosis and
recommended hypnotherapy as a course of treatment.
Every hypnotherapist has their own way of approaching different symptoms, depending on their training and experience. On average between six and eight sessions might be expected for most ailments, whereas one session may be sufficient to cease smoking.
Hypnotherapists practice throughout the country. When seeking a hypnotherapist, it is
important to check their credentials and ability to treat you professionally and competently. It
is suggested that you consult your GP or alternative medicine practitioner, who may be able to
recommend a suitable therapist.
It is also a good idea to interview your hypnotherapist in an introductory consultation about
their training, experience and methods of treatment. Ask them how they deal with symptom
substitution, and ensure that any treatment received will be followed up with a self-hypnosis
audiocassette, that can reinforce the treatment afterwards.
Avoid at all costs any hypnotherapist who puts you into a trance and then plays a pre-recorded
hypnotherapy tape and leaves to work with someone else. Hypnotherapy is a communication
between the therapist and the client and using pre-recorded material is far from ideal.
Avoid hypnotherapy with anyone using hypnosis for entertainment or public amusement. They
often do not have the training to deal with psychosomatic symptoms.
Any therapist who suggests that you come off prescribed medication or cease medical
treatment that you are currently engaged in is to be avoided at all costs.
Hypnotherapists, their methods, and the rates in which they achieve success vary by case. Hypnotherapy is a trust-based exercise that demands a great deal of immersion on the part of the patient. The best course of action would typically be to interview several candidates and see which one you feel most connected to. Allow yourself to be receptive to their thoughts, ideas, and descriptions as they attempt to explain what they do and how it can help you.
After serving the Indian Army for 21 years Aman entered the corporate world for a new beginning. Having experienced all facets of the corporate be it manufacturing, it/ites, running own venture et all. and the people associated with it. There was a realization regarding how cut off is today's human from the real world. To understand the human psychic and the human brain he did MA in Psychology, became a certified coach and a master trainer and facilitator.He realised that the mind was all powerful and hence did Past Life Regression Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Reiki and Prana Healing.
