Hypnosis, also known as hypnotherapy, is a technique that helps guide a person into a relaxed, trance-like state with increased focus and concentration. Hypnosis is usually done with the help of a trained therapist who uses verbal repetition, a calm tone of voice, and guided imagery to help the mind enter a state of deep relaxation. A person under hypnosis may become more open to suggestions, which a therapist can use to support positive changes in thoughts, behaviors, or emotional responses.
Hypnosis can be used to help people gain better control over unwanted behaviors or cope more effectively with anxiety, stress, or pain. It’s important to know that although you may be more open to suggestions during hypnosis, you do not lose control over your own behavior.
How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
When under hypnosis, the therapist places your mind and body into a heightened state of learning, making you more susceptible to suggestions for self-improvement or behavior modification, as the American Psychological Association states. The therapist uses their voice to bypass your conscious mind and influence your subconscious directly. Even if you don’t necessarily remember what is said during a session, the therapist’s implanted suggestions can surface in your daily life and move you toward the behavior you want to achieve.
The method behind hypnotherapy takes advantage of distinct states of awareness, transitioning you from one to the other. Specifically, the human brain has two distinct levels of awareness: alpha (relaxed) and beta (alert). When a person is in an alpha state, they become more susceptible to hypnosis, but that's not their state of everyday functioning. To promote hypnosis, a professional guides you through a series of steps designed to relax your body, calm your mind, and focus your attention on specific thoughts or sensations. During each step of hypnotherapy, you might be asked to imagine certain scenes or recall experiences that are conducive to reaching an alpha state.
The method behind hypnosis is largely based on relaxation and focused attention. Once you reach this relaxed state, the therapist’s next steps will depend on your personal goals. They may help you explore certain memories, identify patterns of behavior, or focus on changes you would like to make. The process depends on your reason for seeking hypnotherapy.
The Benefits of Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis can be a helpful tool for people who want to better understand or change certain behaviors. It may be especially useful for those trying to cope with stressful situations or habits, such as procrastination, workplace anxiety, or addiction. Hypnotherapy may also support people working through fears, phobias, or other concerns without relying solely on medication or more invasive approaches.
Hypnotherapy may be used to support concerns such as:
Pain
Hypnotherapy has been studied as a supportive approach for pain management. Some healthcare professionals may recommend hypnotherapy as a complementary option for people who may benefit from relaxation, guided focus, and mental coping strategies.
Hypnotherapy may also be helpful for people experiencing chronic pain. It may be used to support the management of physical concerns such as:
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Digestive issues
- Injuries
Behavior Change
Hypnotherapy can be used to help people work toward behavior change. This may be helpful for those who want to become more productive at work, school, or in daily life. It may also support people who are trying to build new habits, develop new skills, or overcome habits that may be holding them back.
The deeper, more relaxed state of mind created during hypnosis may help people explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors at a deeper level. By working with these patterns, hypnotherapy may help support healthier behaviors over time.
Side Effects from Treating Cancer
Mainstream cancer treatments can be physically and emotionally difficult. Hypnotherapy can be used to help people deal with the emotional and physical effects of cancer, such as pain, stress, anxiety, and more. It can also be used to help people cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, like nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Mental Health Conditions
Hypnotherapy is often associated with mental health support. It may be used to help people manage symptoms related to stress, anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or panic attacks. It may also help some people develop healthier coping strategies and improve their ability to manage difficult thoughts or emotions.
Finding Hypnotherapy Near Me
Choosing a hypnotherapist can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s important to find a hypnotherapist who is familiar with current techniques, has a strong track record, and is certified or qualified to practice hypnotherapy.
If you're looking for a hypnosis practice online, Sofia Health can help you find one. We work with a broad network of providers who are willing and able to support your wellness goals.
Sources:
- CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians: "Hypnosis for Cancer Care: Over 200 Years Young."
- Cleveland Clinic: "Hypnotherapy."
- Hypnotherapy Directory: "Public Speaking."
- Mount Sinai: "Hypnotherapy."
- PennMedicine: "6 Surprising Health Benefits of Hypnotherapy."
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: "The False Memory Syndrome: Experimental Studies and Comparison to Confabulations."
- Psycom: "Hyped on Hypnosis: Inside the Mind with a Hypnotherapist."
- Science News: ''Brain Waves May Focus Attention and Keep Information Flowing."
- Verywell Mind: "The Benefits of Using Hypnotherapy in Addiction Treatment."
- Welldoing.org: "This Is What It's Like to Visit a Hypnotherapist."
- Wellness Institute Blog: "What Is the Difference Between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy? How Does Hypnotherapy Work?"
