Clinical Hypnosis
Myths about Hypnosis
Many people’s ideas or experiences of hypnosis are based on stage acts of hypnosis. They need to realize that people who perform stage hypnosis screen their volunteers to select those who are cooperative and have possible exhibitionist tendencies and are highly responsive to suggestions in hypnosis. Stage hypnosis is exclusively for entertainment purposes and very different from therapeutic hypnosis. This unfortunately creates myths about hypnosis.
People believe that being hypnotized will make them lose control so that they can be made to do anything the hypnotist desires. This is a myth because hypnotic state is not a weakness.
During the state of hypnosis, you are not under the control of the hypnotist. Hypnosis cannot be imposed upon you but its something you do for yourself
Technically, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The role of the hypnotherapist is that of a guide and facilitator. When you are in a trance, a part of the mind is watching out for you. It will not allow you to do anything that is not in your best interest.
What is Hypnosis?
Our mind can be roughly divided in two parts: The conscious mind and the unconscious mind. In hypnosis, as the conscious mind relaxes, its censors relax. Therefore the unconscious mind is more accessible, which has intuitive knowledge of underlying reasons for our behaviors. We then work with the unconscious mind to bring about changes in feelings and behaviors.
We all experience trance in our day-to-day lives without realizing it. When we become absorbed in thought - like in reading a book or watching a movie – we kind of forget what is happening around us. Sometimes we stare into space deep in thoughts not paying attention to anything. In common day language, we call it “ zoned out” these states of focused attention are experientially similar to hypnosis.
What does Clinical Hypnosis do?
1. Encourages the use of imagination -
Hypnosis encourages the use of imagination. Mental imagery is very powerful when you are concentrating intensely on it. For example, if you imagine that your pain looks like twisted red ropes, hypnosis can help you change this imagery into blue flattened out ropes. By changing the image of the pain, you can lessen the severity of the pain: a healthier image.
2. Presents ideas or suggestions to the client -
Another basic method used in hypnosis is to present ideas or suggestions. When you present suggestions or ideas to a person in a state of hypnosis and those suggestions are compatible with what that person desires, then it has a very powerful impact because the person is in a highly receptive state of mind.
3. Explore the unconscious -
Finally, we can use hypnosis to explore the unconscious so that we can better understand the deeper levels of motivation or the past events that cause the symptoms.
When Will Hypnosis Be Beneficial?
98% of the general population is hypnotizable. Some individuals are more hypnotizable than others, which may allow them to benefit more readily from hypnosis. Hypnosis will be effective when the patient is highly motivated to overcome a problem and when the hypnotherapist is well trained in both hypnosis and in general principles of psychotherapy. It is important to keep in mind that hypnosis is a tool. There is nothing magical about hypnosis, and therefore like any other therapeutic modality: it may not work equally well for everyone, just like any other clinical method. For this reason, we emphasize that we are not "hypnotists", but health care professionals who use hypnosis along with other tools of our profession.
How to select a qualified Hypnotherapist?
You need to be careful in selecting a qualified hypnotherapist. Most states do not regulate the use of hypnosis in therapy. There may be people who are trained only in hypnosis but they do not have the medical, psychological, dental, or professional health care training. Lay hypnotists may claim to have received 200+ hours of training, but without the necessary background and license, they are not properly trained to help with complicated issues. A licensed professional typically has seven to nine years of college education. In addition, they have supervised experience, internship and/or residency program training. Their training in hypnosis is in addition to their general training in the field of psychology, counseling, dentistry, or social work. it is very important that you find out about the background training and education of hypnotherapist to help differentiate them from a lay hypnotist.
So what are the questions I need to ask to find a qualified hypnotherapist?
Ask if the person has a license to practice in their state. License is not the same as certification. If they don’t have the legitimate license in their respective field, be in social work, psychology, or dentistry; find out about their degree. A lay hypnotist is not the same as hypnotherapist. Check out the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis or the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (which are the only nationally recognized organizations for licensed health care professionals using hypnosis). You can also contact a state or local component section of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.
For further information, contact the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis website: www.asch.net