Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
Dr Linda Wilson MBBS,B.Med.Sci, UTAS, Clinical Hypnotherapist
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed state that is often referred to as an altered state of consciousness where an individual is more open to suggestion, increased motivation and self-exploration. This is a natural state of disassociating from the environment and a deep focus or concentration on inner thoughts and images of the mind.
What happens in Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a treatment technique used by mental health professionals or doctors practicing hypnosis to treat a client's problem or concern. In this state there is more access to the subconscious mind where memory, habits, and emotions are stored allowing the hypnotherapist to help a client achieve positive and long lasting changes in their lives.
What are the benefits of Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is the process of attaining a deep relaxation or induced trance that allows for an entry into the workings of your subconscious mind. There you can find both answers and memories that have been hidden from view and are holding you back from developing yourself fully and from healing certain psychic or emotional wounds. By accessing the subconscious mind, you can uncover the root cause of a problem that is recurring in your life and eradicate it completely. You will gain a full understanding of who you are and how you have been shaped by beliefs and experiences of your life. You will have an opportunity to "reprogram" or change sabotaging or destructive habits/beliefs and transform them into positive attitudes, healthy behaviours and affirmations for the future.
Besides hypnosis, altered states of consciousness can be achieved through meditation, deep breathing and relaxation, guided imagery, and holotropic breath work. These are all techniques designed to bypass the ego or the subjective consciousness which guides our everyday life and perception. Using altered states of awareness as part of the therapy allows you to experience many different levels of self-understanding. In higher states of consciousness, healing and transformation is processed on a deeper level where learning is accelerated through powerful insights and concrete behavioural or emotional changes. consciousness.
What can hypnotherapy treat?
Hypnosis is a treatment modality that has been used to treat the widest range of human concerns. Here is the list of the more common issues hypnotherapy can explore and treat:
Depression, Grief and Loss
Anxiety, Phobias, Panic Attacks, PTSD
Relationship Issues & Sexual Dysfunction
Stress and Chronic Pain
Eating Disorders & Addictions
Weight Loss
Myths and Facts about Hypnosis
Myth - Being hypnotized means losing control. Fact - A person in a hypnotic state has full control and does not have to accept or act upon any suggestion that is contrary to their belief system. Myth - Not everyone can be hypnotized. Fact - The state of hypnosis is a natural state similar to daydreaming or meditation and can be achieved by anyone interested in being hypnotized. There is no right or wrong way to feel while under hypnosis and the depth as well as the experience itself varies widely. Myth - Hypnosis is dangerous. Fact - Hypnosis is in no way dangerous or harmful either physically or psychologically as evidenced by its acceptance as a therapeutic technique and its widespread use by the medical and mental health professionals. Myth - Some people can't come out of hypnosis. Fact - There has never been a documented case of someone remaining under hypnosis. In fact, coming out of hypnosis is refreshing and relaxing to most individuals who often compare this feeling to waking up from a deep or restful sleep.
Myth - People who get hypnotized don't remember anything that happened to them.
Fact - People who are hypnotized remember everything as if recalling a dream, they just had. The reason that hypnosis is used therapeutically is that positive suggestions or experiences that occur while under hypnosis are processed in the subconscious yet remembered in the conscious.
Dr Linda Wilson is the clinical Hypnotherapist at Gore Street Medical. If you would like to make an appointment with Dr Wilson, please call Reception on (03) 6224 6717.