Hypnotherapy is an alternative therapy using hypnosis when an individual is ready to remove personal roadblocks and make positive changes in their life. The therapist uses guided relaxation and suggestion techniques to help the client reach a state of deep relaxation, known as a trance. While in this state, the therapist can help the client explore their inner thoughts and feelings, and make changes to their behaviour, thought patterns and processes.
Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective way to manage many physical and mental health issues. Its many benefits include helping to relieve anxiety and depression, manage pain, improve sleep, and increase self-confidence. It is also beneficial for
weight loss in conjunction with a food and exercise plan. Despite the evidence that hypnosis is safe, there is still fear around myths and misunderstandings. Some notable ones:
- Hypnosis is a form of mind control that can make people do things against their will.
- Hypnotherapy is only effective for certain people or conditions and does not work for everyone.
- Hypnosis is a mysterious or mystical practice that requires special abilities or supernatural powers.
- Hypnosis is only helpful for treating psychological problems and has no value in treating physical health issues.
- Hypnotherapy is a quick fix or a magical solution that can solve problems instantly, without any effort or commitment from the patient.
In reality, hypnotherapy is a safe, evidence-based practice that can be beneficial for a wide range of people and conditions. It is not mind control, it does not require special abilities, and is not a quick fix. Instead, it is a therapeutic approach that can help patients make positive changes in their lives by tapping into the power of their minds.
There are different approaches to hypnotherapy. Ericksonian and traditional are the most common; both methods help overcome psychological and emotional challenges.
Traditional hypnotherapy is a more directive form of hypnosis in which the therapist provides direct suggestions to the client while in a hypnotic state. The therapist guides the client’s subconscious mind to achieve specific goals, such as reducing anxiety, improving self-confidence, or quitting smoking. This approach utilises the idea that the subconscious mind is directly influenced and controlled through hypnosis, and the therapist is the one who holds power in the therapeutic relationship.
Ericksonian hypnotherapy is a more indirect form of hypnosis that relies on metaphors, stories, and more subtle forms of communication to help the client access their subconscious mind. Milton Erickson, a psychiatrist and hypnotherapist, developed this method. Rather than providing direct suggestions, Ericksonian hypnotherapy uses language and imagery to help clients access their inner resources and make positive changes.
In Ericksonian hypnotherapy, the therapist works with the client to co-create a hypnotic experience tailored to their individual needs and goals. The therapist may use metaphors and stories to guide the client’s subconscious towards positive change while encouraging them to take an active role in the therapeutic process. This approach is more client-centred and empowering, as it helps individuals tap into their inner wisdom and resources to achieve behaviour change, relieve symptoms, promote personal growth, enhance creativity, and increase self-awareness.
I have used both methods in my practice and now only use the Ericksonian method. Personalising the session to suit the client’s needs has been a decisive change. I no longer rely on scripts, and the clients’ results have been life-changing. Areas of success have been performance anxiety, general anxiety, mild depression, and changing habits regarding alcohol consumption and overeating.
In summary, traditional hypnotherapy relies on direct suggestions and aims to achieve specific outcomes. Ericksonian hypnotherapy takes a more flexible and collaborative approach to hypnosis, emphasising the client’s unique experiences and dreams.
Ericksonian hypnotherapy is the method used in my clinic.
