What is clinical hypnotherapy?

 

The difference between Clinical Hypnotherapy and Stage Hypnosis

Hypnosis can generally be categorised into two main groups: therapy and entertainment. When most people think of hypnosis, they either envision a stage hypnotist making individuals cluck like chickens or act like dogs, or they think of a hypnotherapist who helps people eliminate unwanted behaviours and achieve their goals through hypnosis.

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In almost every aspect, hypnotherapy is vastly different from stage hypnosis. A therapist's mannerisms, speech, and overall attitude, clinical training, and the outcomes are driven by the desire of the client.

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The goal of a stage hypnotist, on the other hand, is to entertain the audience—often at the expense of the volunteers on stage. In contrast, a hypnotherapist strives to create a completely therapeutic environment and usually informs clients that they will remain in a state of altered awareness and retain control throughout the process.

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Clinical hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses hypnosis to help individuals address various physical and psychological issues. This process involves guiding a person into a state of deep relaxation and heightened focus, enabling access to the subconscious mind and facilitating positive change through suggestions and mental imagery.

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Clinical hypnotherapy combines hypnosis techniques with therapeutic strategies to help individuals manage symptoms or address specific conditions.

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It works by the hypnotherapist leading the client into a relaxed state, a trance state, making their subconscious mind more open to suggestions. In this trance-like state, the client can access their subconscious mind, leading to changes in behaviour, thoughts, and feelings.

 

History of Clinical Hypnosis

The history of hypnosis is a captivating journey that spans centuries, deeply rooted in ancient spiritual practices and shaped by influential figures throughout time. From its origins in ancient civilisations to its modern therapeutic applications, hypnosis has evolved, intertwining traditional wisdom with scientific exploration.

 

The Birth of Modern Clinical Hypnotherapy: Milton H. Erickson

One of the most influential figures in the field of hypnotherapy is Dr. Milton H. Erickson (1901-1980). Erickson revolutionised the practice by incorporating indirect suggestion and utilising the unique characteristics of each individual’s subconscious mind. His approach, known as Ericksonian hypnosis, emphasises the importance of tailoring therapeutic interventions to the specific needs and experiences of the client. Erickson's work has greatly influenced modern clinical hypnotherapy and psychotherapy.

 

Recognition and Integration into Modern Medicine

Throughout the 20th century, hypnotherapy began to gain recognition as a legitimate therapeutic tool. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, initially used hypnosis in his practice but later transitioned to other techniques. However, Freud's exploration of the subconscious mind and the emphasis he placed on the power of the unconscious indirectly contributed to the development of modern hypnotherapy.

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In recent decades, hypnotherapy has gained credibility and acceptance within the medical and psychological communities. It is increasingly integrated into various treatment approaches, including pain management, anxiety disorders, addiction treatment, and behaviour modification. Clinical hypnotherapy is now recognized as a valuable complement to traditional medical and psychological interventions.

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Some may think that hypnotherapy is merely hocus pocus or a kind of magic trick, but this is not true. Clinical hypnotherapy is an evidence-based therapy, supported by over 70,000 research references worldwide. Furthermore, hypnotherapy is not a magic pill or a quick fix; it requires that the client be committed to change and prepared to make the effort to turn that change into reality.

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