The founder of modern hypnotherapy Milton H. Erickson was one of the first to discover that in the subconscious of a person many potentials slumber, with which he can help himself. This is exactly what is done in classical hypnotherapy as it is known today. Together with a therapist, clients manage to eliminate various ailments, diseases and problems with the help of hypnosis.
5 facts about hypnotherapy
- Hypnosis relaxes you and your body similar to daydreaming
- In a state of trance, you get in touch with your unconscious mind
- You are not at any time during hypnosis without will, but remain in control at all times
- The therapy awakens your own resources and potentials instead of "implanting" something into you
- Hypnosis as a form of therapy is clearly distinguished from show and stage hypnosis.
Hypnosis as a form of therapy
Hypnosis is an extremely exciting and dynamic form of therapy in which you as the client always play the leading role and can and should actively participate. As a form of therapy, hypnosis therapy has become increasingly important over the years and is now scientifically recognized. Often hypnosis is known more as show hypnosis on stages, but hypnosis as a form of therapy sharply distinguishes itself.
Hypnotherapy uses the process of deep relaxation to reach the unconscious mind of the client. Issues, problems and mental illnesses hidden by the conscious mind on a daily basis can be discovered and worked on. Hypnotherapy is therefore about addressing the cause, not merely the symptom. The conscious mind is always active throughout hypnosis. The point here is to focus on emerging feelings, inner images and sensations.
The unconscious is active, the conscious moves into the background. As difficult as it is to describe the state of hypnosis, it can be said that hypnosis is an "altered state of consciousness" which, unlike the waking state, gets to the root of a problem.
The hypnotherapist has the role of a companion during the therapy. He or she leads the hypnosis and asks specific questions, similar to classical psychotherapy. In this way, he or she indicates the direction in which the client can find a potential answer and thus the solution to his or her suffering.
This is where hypnotherapy helps
Hypnotherapy can help with a variety of psychological complaints, diseases or issues. As with many alternative healing methods, hypnotherapy should be preceded or accompanied by a visit to the doctor. Hypnotherapy cannot help with purely physical ailments. Here, hypnotherapy can be useful, among other things:
- Depression
- Smoking cessation
- Chronic pain
- Fears and worries
- Burnout
- Chronic stress or any type of stress
- Addictions such as alcohol, nicotine, gambling, sex, or drugs
- Phobias
- Compulsions
- Low self-esteem
- Sleep problems.
Citation
- (26.08.2019): Hypnose: Hilfe bei Angst und Schmerzen. In: NDR. (Zuletzt abgerufen am 25.08.22). https://www.ndr.de/ratgeber/gesundheit/Hypnose-in-der-Medizin-Was-passiert-genau,hypnose102.html.
- Revenstorf, D. (2015). Einführung. In: Revenstorf, D., Peter, B. (eds) Hypnose in Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Medizin. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-54577-1\_1.
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