Information of interest

BENEFITS OF HYPNOSIS

During this current era, hypnosis is becoming increasingly viewed as a legitimate therapeutic tool for use in medicine, dentistry and psychotherapy.

 Hypnosis can be applied to a wide range of issues such as phobias, performance, motivation, wart removal, bed wetting, nail biting etc.. Additionally, where psychological intervention is indicated, Hypnosis is also appropriate for addressing many clinical issues. These include: anxiety disorders, clinical depression, borderline conditions, post traumatic stress disorder, multiple personality, psychosomatic disorders, pain management, eating disorders, smoking, obesity, and more (Kirsch, Lynn & Rhue, n.d).

 When entering the hypnotized state, concentration is intensified on a focal point, such as a specific thought, memory, feeling, sensation or object. This focus is maintained to the exclusion of distractions. Within the trance state, one is more open than usual to suggestions. Words, ideas, metaphor and stories may be utilized as the stimulus for positive change (e.g. improving health and well-being).

 Scientific studies concerning the effectiveness of hypnosis within psychotherapy show significant results in comparison to non-hypnosis trials (Smith, Glass & Miller, 1980).

Evidence to the effectiveness of hypnosis is revealed in case study comparisons by Barrios (1970) highlighting recovery rates of:

·        38% for Psychoanalysis (average of 600 sessions),

·        72% for Behaviour Therapy (average of 22 sessions),  

·        93% for Hypnotherapy (average of 6 sessions).

A typical consultation lasts from 60 to 90 minutes, with the number of sessions ranging from one to a series of several. Exiting out of therapeutic trance may be likened to exiting from a good nights sleep. While the therapist usually guides the client slowly back to conscious awareness, it is possible for the hypnotized individual to exit their trance without this assistance. Thereafter, one can immediately resume daily activities feeling refreshed and alert.

References

Barrios, A. (1970). Hypnotherapy: A reappraisal. In Psychotherapy, research, theory and practice, 7 (pp. 2-7), (publisher details unknown).

Smith, M.L., Glass, G.V., & Miller, T.I. (1980). The benefits of psychotherapy. Baltimore, MD:John Hopkins University Press.

Kirsch, I., Lynn, S, J., & Rhue, J.W. (n.d.). Introduction to clinical hypnosis. In ClinicalHandbook of Hypnosis, (publisher details unknown).

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