Hypnotherapy, A Powerful Modality

Hypnotherapy, A Powerful Modality

Hypnosis is a powerful clinical modality, it is therapy that provides quick and effective resolution of life’s problems through therapy. Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process between the client and therapists, working together to achieve the outcome, the changes, the goals client needs.

Socrates (Greek philosopher) said “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom”. Many of past and present clinicians who study and practice hypnosis, seeking to deepen their understanding of the complex phenomenon of hypnosis resonate with these wise words.

After long discussion and research the American Psychological Association (2015) advanced the following, as attempt formal definition of hypnosis. “A state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion”.

Alfred A. Barrios, PhD reviewed the overall lasting success of various psychological approaches. His study revealed following success rates:

• Hypnotherapy — 93% success rate after six sessions;
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy — 72% success rate after 22 sessions
• Psychotherapy — 38% success rate after 600 sessions.”

(Source: Psychotherapy: Theory Research and Practice, Volume 7, Number 1)

Types of Hypnosis

There are a number of different types, including stage, clinical, etc. Following are main types currently practice by clinical staff.

Traditional or Suggestion Hypnosis

Is the most common hypnotherapy, it utilitises a relaxed state, It relies on suggestions and commands that are given to you when you’re in a hypnotic state, which then affect your behaviour, thoughts, or feelings about something.

Ericksonian Hypnosis

As developed by Milton Erickson’s (spanning over 50 years) it sparked a fundamental shift in modern psychotherapy and revolutionised the practice of hypnotherapy. Ericksonian hypnosis recognized as an highly effective type of therapy. It allows the clients to identify or resonate with their own strengths, abilities and resources that can assist in resolving the issues the seek to change. He developed the art skillful communications combined with observation and expectancy. He understood that the client’s resourcefulness is the key to solving their own problem, and the role of the therapist is to help them find the way to it.

Cognitive Behavioral Hypnosis (CBH)

Draws heavily on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), using a variety of hypnotherapy techniques to create a positive change in your thoughts or behaviour, it shares many similarities as other types of hypnosis. This form of hypnotherapy uses different psychological tools and factors such as imagination, conceptualisation, and suggestion to help you understand whatever issue you’re facing.

Self-Hypnosis

Helps you to achieve a change or personal goal through the internalisation of suggestions. With self-hypnosis the client is normally guided through the process of self-hypnosis by the therapists for 2 sessions. Client learns how to relax their mind and body. Once they achieve body relaxation they then explore methods of mental relaxation, possibly utilizing “hypnotic” trigger words body, imagine a door in front of you and mentally walk through it. This door leads to a relaxing, calming place. It can be anywhere you choose, such as a secluded beach of an enchanted forest. Try and use as many sense as you can. Smell the air, listen to any background sounds, and even feel the ground beneath your feet. Self-hypnosis is very suited to clients experiencing acute pain or in palliative care, allowing the client to “distract” themselves from pain or discomfort.