Hypnosis therapy: Will it work for you?

Hypnosis therapy is becoming an increasingly popular alternative treatment for a variety of problems. How do you know if it is the cure for what ails you?

Hypnosis is not new. There are accounts of hypnosis being used as far back as ancient times. It was first studied scientifically by Franz Mesmer, from whose name we get the term “mesmerize”, in the 1700s. Since then, countless scientists, including pioneering psychologist Sigmund Freud, have been studying hypnosis therapy’s potential to cure various ailments.

Today, hypnosis therapy is used to treat a number of conditions, with varying success. It has been used to treat depression, anxiety, weight gain, warts, high blood pressure and other ills. Patients often use hypnosis before visiting the dentist in order to get over their fear of “the chair.”

Being under hypnosis simply means that your brain is functioning at a different level of alertness than usual and is therefore more receptive to new commands and ideas. We often call this different level of alertness a trance. While it sounds mysterious, it isn’t really: If you’ve ever been so caught up in a book or a video game that you don’t even notice what’s going on around you, you’ve been in a trance.

Most people don’t realize that there are many techniques used in hypnosis therapy. Each therapist uses different techniques, each ultimately combining trance induction (the stereotypical “You are getting sleepyÖ”) with counseling techniques designed to get to the root of the problem. Some therapists attempt to help their subjects deal with past memories while others try to help them think of situations in a new light.

While many people learn to hypnotize themselves quite effectively, it can be helpful to visit a professional hypnotherapist. Professionals may specialize in traditional hypnosis, in which they act as an authority and tell their subjects what to do while under hypnosis. Otherwise, they may specialize in Ericksonian hypnosis, in which the therapist uses suggestions, rather than commands, to their subject. Each type of hypnosis has its advantages and disadvantages: Traditional hypnosis generally takes less time to learn but some feel that it is less effective on people who tend to be analytical. Ericksonian hypnosis takes a lot longer to learn but may be more effective.

If you go online, you can find a great deal of information online and a variety of products and services. It can be difficult to wade through all the information to choose which are best for you. If you want to consult a hypnotherapist, it is best to choose one who is state licensed.

If you don’t feel you have the time or the money to visit a hypnotherapist, you may want to try self-hypnosis. Programs available vary widely in price and quality. Your best bet is to find product reviews and choose the one that best suits your budget and your needs.

Hypnosis therapy can be very effective, especially if it is used in combination with other healing techniques. Hypnosis trains your mind to relax and to think about situations in new ways, helping you to break old harmful patterns. If you find yourself stuck in the same old situation, give hypnosis a try. You may find your situation really is a case of mind over matter.

You can put anyone under your spell - use hypnosis on others and get them to do what you want.