Hypnotherapy - what science says
Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis to treat a wide range of conditions and issues. It is based on the idea that the mind can be induced into a "trance" like state in which it is more open to suggestion and change. The practice has been around for centuries, but it has only been in recent years that scientists have begun to understand the underlying mechanisms of clinical hypnosis and how it can be used in therapy.
The first thing to understand about hypnosis is that it is a natural state of mind. Everyone experiences moments of trance throughout the day, such as when they are daydreaming or lost in thought. Hypnosis is simply the induction of a deeper and more focused state. This is typically achieved using verbal suggestions and relaxation techniques.
Once a person is in a hypnotic state, they are more open to suggestions and can be guided to make positive changes in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Hypnotherapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and pain management.
One of the key mechanisms is the ability to bypass the critical part of the mind, which is responsible for filtering and evaluating incoming information. In a hypnotic state, the critical mind is bypassed, allowing the person to accept suggestions more easily and make changes to their beliefs and behaviours. Positive suggestions are the driving force for hypnotherapy and allow the imagination to be utilized as the driving force for therapeutic change.
Another important mechanism of hypnosis is the ability to access and influence the unconscious mind. The unconscious mind is responsible for many of our automatic behaviours and thoughts, and by accessing it, hypnotherapists can help people make changes to these automatic patterns.
Scientists have also found that clinical hypnosis can affect brain activity in specific regions. For example, studies have shown that it can increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in attention and decision-making, and decrease activity in the amygdala, which is involved in fear and anxiety.
Researchers at Harvard University studied the brains of 57 people during guided hypnosis and found that two areas of the brain responsible for processing and controlling physical activity showed greater activity during hypnosis. Similarly, your brain region which is responsible for your actions, and the area of awareness of these actions, seems to be disconnected during hypnosis. Their research shows that different parts of the brain are visible during hypnosis, with the areas most affected being those involved in motor control and consciousness. This suggests that the brain responds to hypnosis in a unique way that is stronger than the placebo effect. Like hypnosis, the placebo effect is driven by suggestion.
It is important to note that it is not a magic solution, and it does not work for everyone. It is important to have realistic expectations and to work with a qualified and experienced hypnotherapist. Also, it should not be used as a sole treatment for serious mental health conditions, and it should always be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy. But for pre-clinical neurosis issues it offers an effective treatment option for many people and can help with weight loss, sleep issues, smoking cessation, phobia, and low self-esteem.
Although one session helps some people, most therapists will tell you to start hypnotherapy with four or five sessions. After that stage, you can discuss how many more sessions are needed. You can also discuss whether any maintenance meetings are still required.
In conclusion, hypnotherapy is a promising and effective form of therapy that can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. It is based on the idea that the mind can be induced into a state of trance in which it is more open to suggestion and change. The underlying mechanisms of hypnosis are now better understood, and research continues to uncover new ways in which it can be used in therapy. However, it is important to remember that it is not a magic solution, and it should always be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy.
Here are some great articles which look into this more - makes for some very interesting reading
https://time.com/6171844/how-hypnosis-works/
https://www.healthline.com/health/is-hypnosis-real
https://www.onlinepsychologydegree.info/amazing-facts-about-the-science-of-hypnosis/
https://positivepsychology.com/hypnotherapy/