Hypnotherapy
- also called therapeutic or clinical hypnosis – is a scientifically recognized
treatment method that has been used for over 3000 years. It uses guided
relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a
heightened state of awareness, which is called trance. A person's attention is
so focused while in this state that anything going on around them is
temporarily blocked out or ignored. In this naturally occurring state, a person
may focus his or her attention - with the help of a trained hypnotherapist - on
specific thoughts, goals, or tasks. This state
of deep relaxation allows us to communicate with our subconscious minds and
make changes.
Many of our behaviour patterns are hidden in our subconscious minds. These deep-rooted imprints can be based on earlier experiences, learned behaviour patterns and coping mechanisms that are no longer necessary or relevant to us. Through the active cooperation of the client (an important prerequisite for successful therapy and hypnosis), new skills can be acquired, or existing skills can be revived and anchored. Core beliefs or negative behaviour patterns can be transformed or let go of completely thus freeing us from unwanted behaviour.
Points to remember
about common misconceptions and risks of hypnotherapy
You are ALWAYS in control!
Hypnosis is NOT anaesthesia!
It is NOT mind control or
brainwashing.
Hypnotherapy is not a dangerous
procedure at all. We all pass through this stage every time we go to sleep. A
therapist cannot make a person do something they might consider embarrassing or
that the person does not want to do. You only take on the suggestions you want
or that would benefit you. You always wake up from hypnosis feeling as you
would when waking up from a night’s sleep.
Hypnosis only works if you say
YES to it.
How does
hypnotherapy work and what does it do?
Hypnosis helps you to use the power of your mind to make positive changes. It can be used as a standalone method or in conjunction with therapy and counselling. The hypnotic state (trance) allows people to enter a deep state of relaxation in which they can explore different thoughts, goals and future tasks. These can be things like stopping smoking, releasing anxiety and phobias, becoming more self-confident, passing exams, giving birth without fear, as well as, letting go of painful thoughts, feelings, and memories that might be hidden from our conscious minds but that are causing us different mental and physical problems. Hypnosis can also enable people to perceive things differently, such as blocking an awareness of pain on a physical level or experiencing familiar feelings, relationships, and situations from a different perspective.
The hypnotist can use various
methods to induce trance. The main goal at this stage is to allow the client to
become fully relaxed and drift into a state of trance. Once in this state, the
person becomes more open to specific suggestions and ideas that could benefit them,
such as allowing a lowering of pain or enabling them to let go of things that
might be blocking them.
Before and/or after the session, the
therapist will review what you can do to help you reach your goals and enhance
your personal well-being, and will also address anything you might have
experienced during hypnosis.
Difference between "regular hypnosis" and clinical hypnosis
The difference between "regular hypnosis" and clinical hypnosis lies in the purpose. Regular hypnosis is aimed at relaxation and well-being, while clinical hypnosis treats medical or psychological problems such as pain, anxiety, stop smoking, etc.
Hypnotherapy can help with:
What a Hypnosis session could look like
Introduction phase
Before starting hypnosis itself, the first session begins with a detailed preliminary talk to discuss the subject you wish to address, and your goals and expectations.
This initial talk will explain in detail what hypnosis is, how it feels and what results can be expected. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have in this regard. An important prerequisite for a successful hypnosis therapy session is the will to change, mutual trust, openness, as well as a positive and anxiety-free attitude towards this efficient therapy method.
Induction phase
After the open preliminary talk, I will lead you into a pleasant trance, in other words a relaxed, expanded and focused state of consciousness. Hypnotic trance is not such an unusual state as many may think and has absolutely nothing to do with magic or spells. The consciousness, in which we often find ourselves during the day, recedes into the background and the subconscious comes to the fore. Attention is directed inwards and concentration is increased. One feels comfortable and calm, like just before falling asleep.
Deepening phase
The mind becomes calmer and the body is loosened and relaxed. This state can be compared to daydreaming, meditation, or dozing. Subjectively, the hypnotic trance state is usually experienced by the client as deep relaxation. Mostly the sense of time is lost, the environment becomes unimportant, although one perceives almost everything. The attention is focused on my voice as well as on the person’s inner images, ideas, and feelings. You will hear my voice accompanying you throughout the whole session. We remain in contact with each other during the whole session. Trance is not a sleeping state, as some people might think.
Therapy phase
Through the changed state of consciousness, it is possible to communicate directly with the subconscious and to find and process imprints from the past. With the help of the most modern hypnosis techniques and targeted suggestions, I will go into the subject with you, work on the desired changes and anchor them in such a way that they can also positively influence the day consciousness. Undesirable beliefs can be specifically programmed and changed. Using positive suggestions, self-confidence is strengthened, the wish or the desired goal is internalised, and positive feelings are encouraged.
Wakening phase
After ending the hypnosis, we can discuss how you experienced the hypnosis therapy. You will also receive individual tips for positive behaviour to allow the hypnosis to have the best possible outcome.
