What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?

Clinical hypnotherapy is the professional application of hypnosis to treat a specific mental health problem or symptom.  It involves a deep state of relaxation which allows for increased focus and self awareness.  While in this hypnotic state the individual is able to access information and resources housed within the subconscious mind.  Many individuals are able to find immediate and long lasting relief through hypnosis.  In recent years hypnotherapy has become widely recognized as an effective tool in the treatment of a number of problems, including all forms of eating, mood and anxiety/panic disorders. 

How does it help?

Clinical hypnotherapy helps in a number of ways.  First, it offers symptom reduction and behavioral redirection through positive, specific suggestion.  Next, hypnotic exploration can reveal destructive, underlying belief systems that remain out of a person's awareness.  When these are identified, new patterns of behavior and thought can be established.  Further insight and healing are promoted by the examination of earlier life experiences and the resolution of previous traumas.  Finally, hypnotherapy can offer the release of negative, harmful emotions, which affect the quality of an individual's life.

What does it involve?

Hypnotherapy is done within a comfortable office setting.  It involves only the therapist and client.  Sessions last approximately 50 minutes.  At the beginning of each meeting, the therapist and client work together to establish session goals.  Once a deep, relaxed state is achieved, the therapist guides the client through the hypnotic experience.  The client remains in a heightened state of awareness throughout the entire session, actively engaging in the process.  At no time is control or memory of the experience lost.  Hypnotherapy is a safe and efficient way to help bring about therapeutic change.  It should always be used in conjunction with other treatment methods and administered by a licensed mental health professional.