Hypnosis

 

Hypnosis, also called hypnotherapy, is the practice of concentrating the mind in such a way that ordinary awareness is altered and the hypnotized person becomes unusually open to suggestion. Hypnosis differs from meditation in that its state of focused attention has a directed purpose. You can work with a certified hypnotherapist or on your own, also called self-hypnosis.

 

Most people enter into trance-like states naturally, as when absorbed in a book or a daydream. Under the guidance of a hypnotherapist, people experience a similar but deeper trance. The therapist encourages the person in a trance to make changes in behavior or perception through either a direct or a post-hypnotic suggestion. A direct hypnotic suggestion changes the hypnotized person’s behavior or perception while still in the trance. A post-hypnotic suggestion affects a person’s behavior or perception after the trance ends. For some people, one session with a hypnotherapist may be enough to learn self-hypnosis; others may need several sessions.

 

Evidence shows that hypnosis can alleviate chronic pain. Hypnosis also shows promise in reducing side effects of chemotherapy, reducing nausea and pain associated with surgery, and speeding recovery from surgery.

 

Hypnotism is generally considered a safe complementary therapy. A hypnotherapist does not control the person being hypnotized and cannot make them do anything they do not want to do. However, hypnosis may sometimes bring on strong feelings or make existing psychological problems worse. Buried or suppressed traumatic events may be recalled during a trance. If negative feelings occur, tell the hypnotherapist and speak to a licensed counselor or therapist about them. If upsetting memories occur during self-hypnosis, seek counseling.

 

Several organizations teach hypnosis or hypnotherapy. Each certifies practitioners after somewhat different training. There is no universal standard for training or licensing. Some hypnotherapists are trained only in hypnotherapy and practice only this with clients. Others may be licensed in a mental health profession and have additional training in hypnosis. Make sure your hypnotherapist is certified.

Hour-long hypnotherapy sessions range from $50 to $300. If trying self-hypnosis, the costs to you are the books or tapes you purchase and the time needed for regular practice. It’s best to continue self-hypnosis for 21 days, which, according to many practitioners, is the length of time it takes to change a pattern.