Hypnotherapy & Its Discontents
Hypnosis has a long and interesting history, and although it is widely practiced in the world today, there is still quite a bit of confusion when it comes to what people think about hypnosis. This is still a field that's mired in controversy and has an aura of mystery in spite of the fact that significant scientific and scholarly writing has been done to show the efficacy of trance when it comes to supporting individuals in their healing journeys. Whether you are trying to quit smoking, drinking or drugs, trying to lose weight, or trying to deal with traumas, hypnosis can offer significant support in your journey towards a better life.
Here are some common misconceptions about hypnosis.
Hypnosis is some kind of voodoo or esoteric practice.
- Hypnosis is based on scientific research and a good understanding of the brain, the conscious and subconscious mind. Research shows that hypnosis - even a light trance - can support client success, and there is nothing supernatural about it.
The hypnotherapist can hypnotize people against their will and make them "do things" or exercise power over them.
Hypnotherapists are usually therapists first, licensed and bound by ethics, and generally working under an association, such as the ACCT or the CPCA. Licensed therapists have a commitment to ethics, human dignity and empowerment, and will not work outside of these ethical bounds. What is more, people are not likely to do anything under hypnosis that they wouldn't do otherwise.
Interesting Facts:
People go in an out of hypnosis a few times per day! Daydreaming, losing yourself in a book, losing track of time while driving, are all examples of light hypnotic states.
A large proportion of the population - 90% to 95% of people can be hypnotized to some degree and the more you do it, the easier it will be for you to go into trance.
Hypnosis works best for bright, assertive, imaginative people who make the conscious decision to utilize this form of relaxation to achieve their goals. The assumption that only weak-willed people are good candidates for hypnosis is completely erroneous.
Hypnosis can offer solutions to problems in a much shorter time than any other form of therapy. It can offer relief from pain, anxiety, phobias, and can help people find the inner strength and motivation required to succeed in overcoming barriers and addictions.