Hypnosis, or hypnotherapy as it is often called, encourages relaxation, deep concentration and focus. The person under hypnosis becomes intensely focused on the topic being discussed, and this allows them to explore thoughts, memories and experiences that have been painful to them. This often assists the individual in getting to the true root of their problems.

This Mental Health Guide discusses how hypnosis can help when going through your mental health therapy and rehabilitation.

How Hypnosis is Used in Psychotherapy

Suggestion therapy is the first way in which hypnotherapy can be beneficial. When in a hypnotic state, the person is open to suggestion at a very deep level. Consequently, the suggestions are very powerful and can change behavior. For this reason, hypnosis can be an effective way to stop smoking, overeating or other destructive behaviors.

These suggestions also help the individual receiving therapy to see themselves in a different, more positive light. Negative feelings can be altered to healthier, more truthful ones. In some cases, even sensations can be changed, and hypnosis has been effective in treating chronic pain.

The third way hypnosis helps is to find the root cause of emotional pain, distrust of others, irrational fear or other source of trauma. The treatment can help the individual explore their unconscious memory. It is important, however, that the hypnotherapist refrains from suggesting any potential past events during this type of treatment, so that the person does not manufacture false memories.

Benefits of Hypnosis

Because hypnosis makes a person more open to positive suggestions, it has been used as one aspect of successful treatment for many issues. These include fear, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depression, grief, loss, eating disorders and sleep disorders.

Cautions when Considering Hypnosis

Hypnotherapy is not recommended for those with psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For pain treatment, it should be used only in conjunction with the efforts of a medical doctor to control pain. Finally, it may be used alongside, but should not be a substitute, for well-established traditional treatments such as medication or surgery.

Is Hypnosis Brainwashing?

Hypnotherapy is not a form or brainwashing or mind control. The person being treated cannot be made to do anything they do not want to do. When used responsibly by certified mental health professionals, hypnosis can be one source of effective treatment for a range of mental health issues.