Hypnotherapy
Background
Hypnotherapy starts with hypnosis which is the induction of a deeply relaxed state, with increased suggestability and suspension of critical faculties. Once in this state (hypnotic trance) you are given therapeutic suggestions to change behaviour or relieve symptoms.It may be the therapist suggests that smoking is unpleasant or that pain is more tolerable. Hypnotherapy is a method of making changes and additions to behavioural information which is stored in the individuals subconscious mind. This information, which is gathering through life experience from our early formative years right up to the present day, acts rather like computer software and has a very strong influence on our habitual behaviour. These 'programmes' which develop beneath the level of our awareness are intended to help us to survive better in our natural environment. They enable actions which need to be taken as a matter of urgency to come under the control of that part of our mind which is not slowed by conscious deliberation. Hence, if we touch something hot our protective programming will move that part of our body out of harms way immediately and no decision is required.
Another feature is that highly repetitive behaviour which initially needs conscious direction can eventually be handed over to the subconscious mind, freeing up the conscious faculties for other tasks. For example, how difficult was it when we first tried to walk as infants or drive a car as adults? Happily these new activities are soon taken over by the automatic part of out mind making the whole thing much easier.
A great many of the things we do in life depend for their success on using subconsciously formed habits and on the whole it is a very good facility. However, some repetitive behaviours which go on to set up these kind of automatic programmes can be found to be faulty at a later date and we only realise the great power of the subconscious mind when we attempt to consciously make changes to it. Smoking is a good example of this. The repeated activity of smoking sets up a subconscious smoking habit which persists long after the actual chemical which produces physical cravings has passed from the body's system. A habit like this, formed at a subconscious level is extremely difficult to overcome by willpower alone.
Hypnosis works by tackling the habit directly in the subconscious mind and by removing the triggers, which cause the impulse to smoke at their source. Hypnosis uses the ability of the mind to form strong habits, to quickly generate new, more successful and healthier life 'programmes'.
What can be treated ?
Hypnosis is used to treat behavioural disease and dysfunction, principally psychsomatic ailments. It is particularly useful in anxiety states, irrational fears, phobias and disorders with a strong psychological component such as asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, smoking and pain relief.
What does the treatment involve ?
Cooperation with the therapist is essential. You will first be put into a state of deep relaxation by imagining a pleasant experience. You will then be asked to visualise your problem and then try to fight it. You will then be woken from your trance like state.
Group hypnosis may be used in preparation for labour
Each session may last around 30 minutes. The length of treatment depends on the disorder and you might be taught self hypnosis to help between sessions. If the treatment has not been successful in 4 sessions it is unlikely to be helped.
Is it safe ?
Yes if hypnotised by a reputable therapist. Sometimes exacerbation of previous psychological problems may occur. It should be avoided in personality disorders, psychosis and severe depression.
What is the evidence ?
Overview - Vickers A, Zollman C, ABC of complementary medicine. Hypnosis and relaxation therapies. BMJ 1999;319:1346-1349
Anxiety - Stanton H. Using hypnotic success imagery to reduce test anxiety. Aust J Clin Exp Hypn. 1992;20(1):31-7
Asthma - Ewer TC, Stewart DE. Improvement in brochial hyper-responsiveness in patients with moderate asthma after treatment with a hypnotic technique: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Clinical Research Edition 1986;293(6555):1129-32
More info - www.ebandolier.com
How to find a qualified therapist
Medically qualified hypnotherapists
British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis
23 Broadfields Heights
53/58 Broadfields Ave
Edgware HA8 8PF
Tel: 020 8905 4342
British Society of Clinical Hypnosis
http://www.bsch.org.uk
Tel: 01262 403 103
Non medically qualified hypnotherapists
The UK Confederation of Hypnotherapy Organisations
Suite 401
302 Regent St
London W1R 6HH
Tel: 0116 212 0306
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