Does It Really Work? – The Science Behind Hypnosis

You’re getting sleepy… very sleepy…

…and when you wake up you will cluck like a chicken.

This is what many people think of when they think of hypnosis. But hypnosis is much more than a funny party trick.

Hypnotherapy has been used for centuries. In fact, in ancient times priests and shamans used altered stated of consciousness as a way to bring about healing. Today, therapists use guided hypnosis, or a trance-like state, to help their clients make changes or regain control in certain areas of their life.

How Hypnosis Works

Hypnotherapy is used to treat everything from substance abuse, phobias, anxiety disorders and sexual dysfunction. It is also used for pain management.

The therapist first guides their client into a calm and relaxed state. The client is awake the entire time, simply very relaxed. This relaxed state allows the client to access and “speak” directly with their subconscious mind, the part of the mind that controls most of our habits and behavior.

When a relaxed state is reached, the therapist will assist the client in thinking about experiences and situations in positive ways. This is essentially feeding the subconscious new information that will help the client begin to experience new patterns of thought and behavior.

Finding the Right Therapist

Not all therapists are qualified to use hypnosis as an adjunct therapy. If you believe hypnosis could help you with a particular problem or issue you are having, look for a hypnotherapist who’s a member of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) or the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.

Beyond qualifications, it’s also very important to find a hypnotherapist with whom you feel comfortable with. It’s a good idea to speak with each therapist on the phone before committing to a session. This will help you get a sense of their personality and whether they might be a good fit.

Final Thoughts

Hypnosis can work for just about anyone, as long as they are open to the idea and have chosen a therapist they trust. Roughly 70% of the population is open to suggestion and can benefit from hypnosis. Young children are particularly good candidates.

If you or someone you know has tried other forms of therapy without success and are interested in hypnosis, please get in touch with me. I would be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help you.