Clinical hypnotherapy is the combination of hypnosis and psychotherapy performed by a professional who is trained like a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Psychoologist or Mental Health Worker, as well as a Medical Practitioner. The practice of hypnosis used for therapeutic purposes is to enter a state of relaxation in which your therapist talks to the subconscious side of your brain. He or she makes suggestions that are relevant to the specific symptoms such as anxiety, pain, or addiction. Imagine the hypnosis process as an “connector” connecting your subconscious mind with your conscious mind. This is often known as being in the state of trance. Through the process of regaining memories, experiences and suppressed emotions, we are able to more effectively identify the source of destructive behavior/habits that might otherwise take several weeks to discover. This is why a lot of doctors and other health professionals are turning to the power of Hampton Hill hypnotherapy to speed up results for their clients.
What are the advantages of hypnotherapy for clinical use?
1. Acute and chronic pain is less severe.
An Clinical Hypnotherapy study from 2009, comparing results from 13 studies that analysed the results of hypnosis used to treat pain, discovered that in the majority of cases hypnosis therapy consistently resulted in significant reductions in the severity of chronic pain-related problems. (Elkins, Jensen & Patterson 20019) Chronic pain refers to the presence of pain that lasts for at minimum 6 months or more and can result in a great deal of distress and suffering. Clinical hypnotherapy that included practitioner-led instruction (during sessions) and self-hypnosis training to the client (outside of the session) aids in the reduction of the pain that is associated with arthritis, physical disability, fibromyalgia lower back pain, and even cancer. The method of hypnosis used for helping patients involved enhancing the patient’s ability and competence in managing stress and pain by imagining the sensations of competing in the affected area.
2. A decrease in anxiety and signs of depression
With one-in-seven Australians suffering from depression during their lives as well as one-fourth of them suffering from anxiousness (Beyond Blue 2020), mental health issues are fast becoming Australia’s biggest health concern. Hypnotherapy for clinical purposes can assist those who are suffering from depression and anxiety by enhancing their physical and emotional control, decreasing self-consciousness and directing attention to specific areas (Stanford 2016,). In hypnotherapy Our Clinical Hypnotherapist will lead you to a calm state and suggest coping strategies that can help you deal with the symptoms of depression and anxiety. By using phrases such as “when you start to worry or feel anxious then you should pause for a moment, breathe deeply and count three times” your mind will be taught how to better react, instead of reacting to stressful circumstances or feelings. In the trance-like state that you experience in hypnotherapy your mind is much more open suggestions than it is normally.
3. The management of fears, phobias or phobias
A very well-known uses of Clinical Hypnotherapy is to manage the effects of fears and phobias. A phobia is “a constant and intense anxiety about the expectation of coming into contact with the presence of a particular object or circumstance” such as flying, spiders or large crowds…etc (Fredette El-Baalbaki, Neron and Palardy 2012). For those suffering from it, it can create a feeling of fear or anxiety that is that is accompanied by physical symptoms like sweating, heavy breathing , and an increase in heart rate. A study conducted in 2008 of California, USA, found all patients who were treated with hypnotherapy for particular fears such as fear of snakes or driving as well as heights, were able to experience an average 56.46 percentage reduction in symptoms compared to their baseline scores (Alliant International University San Diego). A 1993 study by the American Psychological Association found that “both rare and common phobias can be successfully dealt with by the use of hypnosis” generally using images-based therapy and suggestions for desensitisation.
4. Addiction and abuse of substances
Clinical hypnotherapy is an effective, drug-free solution to the problem of addiction and abuse of substances for people who are struggling with addiction issues, such as gambling, alcohol, drugs or food addiction, sexual activity, or various other problems. When you are in a state of hypnosis it is easier to inclined to suggestions and less reluctant to look into deeply emotional traumas and past events that could have contributed to or triggered your addiction. Clinical Hypnotherapy could also offer an optimistic view of your addiction, giving you the confidence and the willpower to let go of your harmful habits. In a study from 2017 conducted done by Sawni & Breuner, clinical Hypnotherapy was found to increase participants’ willpower to fight cravings and urges to eat. The study also showed that hypnosis has the ability to “potentially significantly alter the neurophysiological systems capable of rewiring specific patterns and rewiring” within the brain. This is especially beneficial for treating habits and addictions.
When considering the use of clinical hypnotherapy to treat alcohol or drug addiction It is important to speak with your physician before deciding whether it’s right for you.
5. Relationship and self-esteem issues
One of the less well-known uses of clinical Hypnotherapy is its effectiveness in improving relationships with others and self-esteem. Hypnotherapy is described as an “psychological and mental process of healing (that is able to be utilized) to attain desired outcomes such as changing your current thoughts or behaviors” (Kircsh 1995) These thoughts or behaviors are often based on negative beliefs, attitudes and expectations we have about our relationship with others and ourselves; that can hinder our development and/or achievement. Through allowing you to go deeper into your emotions and thoughts during hypnosis you will be able to recognize patterns in your behaviour that may contribute to negative results. Through the use of suggestive techniques our hypnotherapist will start to change your way of speaking to yourself, be aware of the person you are, deal with situations, interact with people and view life’s events in a new way.