HYPNOTHERAPY

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Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness in which our perception, memory,

physical sensations, orientation in space and time, attention, emotions, and thinking

all change. In trance states certain experiences - unavailable for normal states of consciousness - become more readily accessible.

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic discipline that makes purposeful and instrumental

use of the potentials of various trance states.

However, hypnosis is a natural phenomenon and, in and of itself, has no curative

effect whatsoever. Rather, it is the therapeutic interventions and processes taking

place under hypnosis that can bring about changes in a person's life.

Lasting therapeutic changes always require the active participation of the client.

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Common myths

 

Contrary to common belief, the person under hypnosis is not unconscious, does not become vulnerable, and cannot be lured into anything that contradicts his/her moral values.
Hypnosis cannot be forced on anyone against their own will since it is always the

subject who takes himself or herself into a hypnotic trance.

During the therapeutic interactions in hypnosis, patients are always aware of themselves, of everything they feel, see and say while they respond to the therapist’s facilitating questions.

Thus, the term hypnotherapy is practically an umbrella term. It refers to all methods

that rely on hypnosis or other altered states of consciousness for therapeutic

exploration and processing.

 

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Two main forms of hypnotherapy

 

In relaxational hypnosis, the patient generally sits back comfortably with their eyes closed while staying in active communication with the therapist.

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In active-alert hypnosis, the client is pedaling on a stationary bicycle (ergometer) while the therapeutic interventions – generally using spontaneus and guided imagery – are taking place.

 

Other forms of hypnotherapy include hypnoanalytic therapy, brief solution-focused hypnotherapy, Ericksonian hypnosis, thematic hypnotherapies (e.g. weight loss,

smoking cessation, sexual dysfunctions, pain reduction, etc.).

Naturally, altered states of consciousness can also be induced in a number of other

ways as well, e.g. through rhythm, music, movement, dancing, drumming, various breathing techniques etc.

What really matters is not the type of induction but what happens during this inner “journey”, and what experiences the individual creates while exploring and communicating with deeper layers of Self.