What is Hypnosis?
Perhaps you’ve heard of hypnosis being used for a number of problems such as pain management, smoking cessation, and weight management. Maybe you have thought of trying hypnosis but were afraid you might lose your will or be controlled by the hypnotist like you’ve seen in stage hypnosis. Although while in the hypnotic state you tend to be much more responsive to suggestion, you are not without will or under anyone else’s control during that time – this was put to the test on the Discovery Channel’s Mythbusters TV show (click here to view).
The hypnotic state is a naturally occurring phenomenon in many animal species. Although it is a naturally occurring phenomenon it must be induced either naturally as when you are about to enter sleep or by a trained hypnotist as during a hypnosis session.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Basically, hypnotherapy is the art and science of inducing the hypnotic state for a therapeutic purpose – as in stopping a smoking addiction or busting a phobia.
The hypnotherapy field includes many disciplines such as shamanism, medicine, psychotherapy/psychology, philosophy, education, neuro-linguistics, biofeedback, and esoteric work. Each practitioner offers therapeutic options according to his/her training. The common thread is hypnotherapy – intentionally inducing a hypnotic state for therapeutic purposes.
What can I use hypnotherapy for?
Hypnotherapy has been used successfully for the following purposes:
| Stop Smoking | Self-Control | Appearance |
| Success/Achievement | Personal Organization | Weight Management |
| Interpersonal Skills | Become Persuasive | Relationships |
| Situational Stress | Optimism | Spirituality |
| Facilitate Wellness | Sleep Improvement | Goal-Setting |
| Self-Confidence | Medical Issues | Irrational Fears/Phobias |
| Attraction | Occupational Issues | Sports Performance |
| Wellness | Relaxation | Job Satisfaction |
| Academic Performance |