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The Uses of Clinical Hypnosis in Psychotherapy

By Kathy Hayes-Bloch, MSW, LCSW
 

Introduction
What Is Hypnosis?
What Can Be Expected In the First Appointment?

 

Introduction

Hypnosis has been around for many years. It has been used clinically since the work of Sigmund Freud. Later, Milton Erickson advanced uses of hypnotherapy to treat many patients who were thought to be treatment resistant. The use of stage hypnosis in the entertainment arena and poorly trained lay hypnotists has led to many misconceptions about the process of hypnosis and to the belief that hypnosis is at best ineffective or at worst suspect. However, as the psychotherapeutic field has become more aware of the body-mind connection in resolving emotional issues, hypnosis has reemerged as a valuable tool in the clinician’s tool box. The use of hypnosis in a professional clinical setting allows the patient to access inner resources in trance that are not always available in the waking state. Channeling the patients conscious and unconscious resources in this way can lead to rapid change and enhanced healing.

What Is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis can be defined as the induction of an altered state of consciousness. During hypnosis the patient experiences a deep state of relaxation in which their conscious and unconscious mind is focused and receptive to therapeutic suggestion and to finding internal solutions to problems that are not easily accessed in the waking state. While the patient is in a deep state of relaxation and internally focused, are not asleep, and are usually in control of themselves and not under the control of the therapist.

Almost everyone has experienced an altered state at some time in their life. An altered state of awareness or trance state is experienced, for example, when one goes on a long drive but is unaware of every turn and stop along the way.  While a patient’s ability to use hypnosis varies, eighty percent of the general population has enough hypnotic ability to use hypnosis effectively. In some clinical circles it is noted that everyone can use hypnosis as long as the therapist finds the right words to reach the patient effectively.

Hypnosis can be used for almost any symptom for which one might seek counseling. Most people are familiar with the use of hypnosis to alter habits, such as for smoking cessation or weight loss. However, hypnotic techniques are often effective in treating depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), single incident trauma, excessive fears and phobias, and chronic pain. Hypnosis can also be used to enhance peak performance, improve the ability to manage stress effectively, and as an important adjunctive support to traditional medical treatment for cancer and other chronic medical conditions.

What Can Be Expected in the First Appointment?

Typically, the first appointment involves a thorough assessment of the issues by the therapist. This includes the history of the problem and any solutions and or previous treatment that might have been attempted to address the problem. This allows the therapist to formulate hypnotic techniques that will be most effective for the patient.

While people often come to hypnosis for similar issues, the approach varies depending on the individual. There should be ample time for the patient to ask questions about the process of treatment and the training of the therapist. Then if the patient feels comfortable, the therapist will begin hypnosis to assess the patient’s hypnotic talent. Once this has been established, a treatment plan will be discussed. If appropriate the patient might be taught self hypnosis techniques to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment between appointments. It is important that the patient feel a sense of rapport with the therapist; if this has not been established, it is likely that the treatment will not be effective. The number of sessions will vary depending on the focus of the treatment.

It is of utmost importance that a patient who wants to use hypnosis seeks out a trained professional who is licensed and has the experience to treat any issue that would normally require psychotherapy. If someone is not licensed to treat problems with hypnosis, they should not be using this technique. The quality of hypnosis training varies and success is often dictated in part by the training of the hypnotherapist. There are reputable organizations that only certify professionals who have clinical degrees and have in addition completed many hours of training in hypnosis. To find a qualified hypnotherapist in your area contact NASW and ask for licensed professionals who are trained to use hypnosis.

Bibliography:

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