Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy involves the process of hypnosis whereby a person is brought into the level of the subconscious mind in order to change unhealthy patterns and more easily achieve goals.  It is based on the Greek word ‘hupnos’ meaning sleep and Latin ‘therapeia’ meaning healing.

When fully awake the brain waves are active and a person is fully alert.  The next more relaxed state is the Alpha state where a person is relaxed, yet still receptive and focused.  The next stage before a person passes into sleep is the Theta state.   A hypnotherapist will guide a client to the Alpha and possibly to the Theta state.  For the client, fear and anxiety is lessened, intuition and inspiration are heightened and learning is very effective.  A client is better equipped to clarify an issue, to change past experiences, to explore beliefs, to change behaviours and to be more receptive to new ways to improve health and wellbeing.

Modern Hypnotherapy then unlike traditional hypnosis is more of an interactive process between therapist client.  The client is not passively receiving instructions from the therapist but is actively engaged in a therapeutic relationship with therapist.  This approach can be traced back to Dr. Milton Erickson, an American psychologist. At the age of 17 Dr. Erickson was stricken with severe polio and completely paralyzed.  He became aware of non-verbal communication and body memories of his own body muscular activity.   His focus on such memories enabled him to regain movement and was the beginning of his research in hypnotic  language.  He founded the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis.  In Canada, the Canadian Hypnotherapy Association was initiated in 1977.

A typical session includes a consultation of a client’s background history, as well as the specific goals and issues for the session.  A visit usually lasts about an hour and the therapist will provide information about how hypnosis works and what to expect. 

Hypnotherapy can be of benefit but is not limited to the following areas:  quitting smoking, coping with pain, anxiety with medical visits or procedures, body weight issues, and eating disorders.