A hypnotherapist combines the knowledge and skill of a psychotherapist with hypnosis. By putting a patient in a state of hypnosis, the patient is in a more suggestible sub-conscious state, and the hypnotherapist is able to make suggestions that will modify their behavior when waking to their conscious state.
The Purpose of Using a Hypnotherapist
One of the areas in which hypnotherapy is beneficial to people is by changing habits that are unhealthy. Examples are smoking, overeating, drinking and a variety of bad habits that anyone may have. After placing a person under hypnosis, a hypnotherapist can use a variety of tactics to eliminate a habit. The suggestions are always positive and never harmful. This type of therapy can be very powerful and patients often are able to break their bad habit in as little as two or three sessions. This type of hypnotherapy is often called suggestive therapy.
Hypnotherapy for Analysis
A powerful way to help people with more serious behavioral problems is with an analytical approach to therapy. With this type of treatment a hypnotherapist will attempt to find the cause of the problem with the aid of hypnosis. Often a person will have a particular type of phobia that can be traced to an event earlier in their life. An example would be an adult that has a fear of being closed in without the possibility of escaping. Called claustrophobia, people with this anxiety disorder will have problems being inside tight spaces such as an elevator. This may be traced to an incident in childhood when the patient was trapped in a closed space such as a closet. This is only an example, but with several sessions, a hypnotherapist can find the root cause of today’s anxiety that traces back many years ago.
The Latest Development in Hypnotherapy
Referred to as cognitive hypnotherapy, this application is the leading edge in research and application for hypnotherapists. It combines suggestive hypnosis techniques with the concepts of positive psychology and similar schools of thought. Each individual can explore their strengths, and through the tool of hypnosis, they are able to develop their strengths and realize their potential. The purpose of this type of therapy is to achieve the specific goals that a person has for their life. This type of hypnotherapy can be seen as a tool for self-improvement.
Hypnosis and Safety Issues
Rest assured, hypnosis is safe and sane. Forget all that you have seen in the movies. When you undergo hypnosis, you are only slipping into a very relaxed state of mind and body. When you are in this state, you are more receptive to suggestions. These suggestions, however, are mild. Under hypnosis, you can never be told to do things that are against your core beliefs. In addition, a hypnotherapist operates within the same ethical parameters as all psychologists and psychotherapists.
Hypnotherapists have a strong record of success. It is estimated that four out of five people using the services of a hypnotherapist achieve results. Whether it is to eliminate a bad habit, get treatment for anxiety from deep-seated problems or simply to improve the chances at achieving personal goals, a hypnotherapist is a good choice for help.
You can further explore the topic of hypnotherapists and hypnotherapy at the following links:
http://www.hypnosis.edu/resident/hypnotherapist
http://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/content/industryfaqs.html