While definitions can vary, the American Psychological Association describes hypnosis as a cooperative interaction in which the participant responds to the suggestions of the hypnotist. The reason why people seek out hypnosis is for many reasons but, it can be boiled down to some form of emotional dependency. Hypnosis has become well-known thanks to popular acts where people are prompted to perform unusual or ridiculous actions, but, it has also been clinically proven to provide medical and therapeutic benefits, most notably in the reduction of pain and anxiety and in working through relationship issues.
Working through relationship issues with hypnotherapy starts with understanding why we are emotionally dependent and why we are experiencing anxiety. Emotional dependency hypnosis helps gentle change and transform negative stories into positive ones. It’s why I’m known as a hypnotist for anxiety.
Talk to me about your issue, often an initial traumatic event occurred. Get rid of that and viola your issues shift. Schedule a free online consultation, it will immediately make you feel better!
What is Hypnosis? The Research
While our understanding of the nature hypnosis is complex and contested, it is rapidly evolving. [1–6] In practice it can be useful to think of hypnosis as an altered state of consciousness, and hypnotherapy as a treatment modality utilizing hypnosis to achieve a therapeutic goal. [1]
The state of hypnosis is a natural mental state. [4] For example: When engaged in imaginary play children are often in a state of self-hypnosis; when bored in a classroom students sometimes use self-hypnosis to imagine themselves engaged in an activity elsewhere; and mental rehearsal of a performance is often done in a state of self-hypnosis.
There are many popular misconceptions regarding hypnosis: [4,5] Hypnotherapy does not involve one person controlling another’s mind, inducing sleep, inducing forced amnesia, or causing individuals to do things against their will. The stage hypnotist, who appears to be controlling his subjects, first enlists their cooperation by asking for
What Symptoms or Conditions Is Hypnosis Commonly Used For?
What is Hypnosis? The following are just a few of the applications for that have been demonstrated to work through research:
- The treatment of chronic pain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- The treatment and reduction of pain during childbirth
- The reduction of the symptoms of dementia
- Hypnotherapy may be helpful for certain symptoms of ADHD
- The reduction of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
- Control of pain during dental procedures
- Elimination or reduction of skin conditions including warts and psoriasis
- Alleviation of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Can you be Hypnotized ?
While many people think that they cannot be hypnotized, research has shown that a large number of people are more hypnotizable than they believe.
- Fifteen percent of people are very responsive to hypnosis.
- Children tend to be more susceptible to hypnosis.
- Approximately ten percent of adults are considered difficult or impossible to hypnotize.
- People who can become easily absorbed in fantasies are much more responsive to hypnosis.
Emotional Dependency do you have it?
If you are interested in knowing if you are emotionally dependent and being hypnotized, take this test. It is important to remember to approach the experience with an open mind. Research has suggested that individuals who view hypnosis in a positive light tend to respond better.
Talk to me about your issue, often an initial traumatic event occurred. Get rid of that and viola your issues shift. Schedule a free online consultation, it will immediately make you feel better!
References:
- Olness K, Kohen DP. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy with children. 3rd. New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 1996. [Google Scholar]
- Hammond DC, ed . Handbook of hypnotic suggestion and metaphors. New York, NY: WW Norton & Company; 1990. [Google Scholar]
- Lynn SJ, Rhue JW, eds . Theories of hypnosis: current models and perspectives. New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 1991. [Google Scholar]
- Udolf R. Handbook of hypnosis for professionals. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson; 1987.[Google Scholar]
- Waxman D. Hartland’s medical and dental hypnosis. 3rd. London, England: Bailliere Tindall; 1989.[Google Scholar]
- Margolis CG. Hypnotic trance. The old and the new. Primary Care. 1997;24:809–823. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Kreskin . The secrets of the amazing kreskin. 2nd. Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Books; 1991.[Google Scholar]