Hypnotherapy - an overview
Hypnotherapy, is the means by which healing can take place in an individual, by accessing and changing subconscious beliefs formed around memories, feelings or experiences in early childhood, traumatic events or past lives using hypnosis.
By inducing a person into an altered state of consciousness or trance, the brain wave frequency slows down from a beta state of our normal daily functioning, to a theta or delta state, achieving a heightened awareness where there is openness to suggestibility. Once in the theta state, the therapist, will access the subconscious mind where these events are recorded and stored. The conscious mind is still attentive, but not analysing or closing down any memories that may feel unsafe.
Through Hypnotherapy, repressed memory or programmes are bought into conscious awareness, allowing a new concept to be stored in the subconscious mind, and healing to take place.
Historical development of Hypnotherapy
Inducing a state of ‘trance’ similar to a hypnotic state, has been used for thousands of years by the earliest civilisations. Indigenous tribal shamans and healers accessed trance through drumming and dance, as well as fasting, for prophecy, guidance and protection of their peoples.
The ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures used hypnotic type practices in their sleep temples to heal the sick and induce sleep. Hippocrates wrote about the power of suggestion to assist in healing, and in India, Yogis would enter ‘Samadhi’ on the path to enlightenment, performing mystifying feats of the mind over the body. (Hypnosis Centre 2024)
Hypnotherapy began to take shape in the 18th century when Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer, developed the theory of "animal magnetism" While his ideas were later discredited, his practice of inducing trance-like states, known as "mesmerism," influenced the development of hypnosis.
In the 19th century, Scottish surgeon James Braid coined the term "hypnotism" (from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep) and moved away from the mystical explanations of earlier practices. His work laid the foundation for the use of hypnosis in medicine, especially for pain relief during surgeries. (History of Hypnosis 2022)
In the early 20th century, American psychiatrist Milton Erickson refined hypnotherapy. He emphasised the importance of utilising an individual’s unique experiences and creative potential to foster therapeutic change. His methods laid the groundwork for modern clinical hypnosis, which is widely used today.
By mid-century, hypnotherapy gained recognition for treating anxiety, pain, and psychosomatic issues, and today it is widely accepted in psychological, medical and alternate fields of therapy. (Robertson D., 2022)
The Theoretical Basis of Hypnotherapy
Theoretically, Hypnotherapy works on the concept of the mind having two different states: the conscious mind and the subconscious or unconscious mind. The conscious mind analyses data experienced through the 5 senses, and is concerned with everyday thinking, decision making and reasoning; whereas the subconscious mind stores all the information gathered from previous experiences. It is associated with the body’s automatic processes; emotions, memories and behaviours. From the age of 0-7years old, the subconscious mind is compiling data from its environment - beliefs are formed from emotional response. Thoughts and ideas become the foundation from which that life adapts. ‘Rules’ are formed and consequences are registered when these rules are broken. The subconscious mind records the voices, temperaments and behaviours of those nurturing or moulding the behaviour of the child.
Hypnotherapy involves guiding a person into an altered state of consciousness, causing the analytical conscious mind to temporarily step aside, to access the unconscious mind. The therapist can then communicate directly with the subconscious mind to encourage positive changes using suggestive techniques such as metaphor and visualisation. Hypnotherapy can assist the individual to change their perception of events or conditioning, and heal behavioural patterns and emotional trauma within this altered state of consciousness.
Some benefits and uses of Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy has been effectively used for healing a wide range of psychological, emotional and physical health issues. Most commonly used for behaviour modification, such as giving up smoking, weight management, nail biting, overcoming addictions and addressing fears and phobias, by associating the habit with negative sensations or attitudes. (Bedosky. L., 2023)
Both acute and chronic pain has been managed with hypnotherapy, reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia, migraines, back pain, and even pain after
surgery. Because hypnotherapy induces a deeply relaxed state of consciousness, it also assists in calming the nervous system, reducing stress, anxiety and panic attacks. Used as a relaxation technique, it reduces physical and emotional symptoms of tension. People can also find relief with sleep disorders such as insomnia. (Fritscher. L., 2023)
In the field of sports, academics and even business productivity, hypnotherapy is used to enhance performance. Using techniques such as visualisation and mental rehearsal, hypnotherapy can improve focus confidence and achievement.
Hypnotherapy has been used effectively in trauma therapy, particularly for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Hypnotic techniques can help clients revisit traumatic memories in a controlled environment, process unresolved emotions, and reframe negative thought patterns associated with trauma. (NeuroLaunch 2023)
Contra-indications
Even though hypnotherapy is relatively safe and beneficial for most people, there are certain precautions that need to be taken. Because hypnotherapy takes you into an altered state of consciousness, it is not recommended for people under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Hypnotherapy may exacerbate symptoms in people with severe mental disorders such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia. People with cognitive impairment such as dementia or developmental delays may not be able to fully engage with the process, and people with a history of seizures or epilepsy should generally avoid hypnotherapy as it has the potential to trigger seizures. Certain medical conditions can also cause adverse reactions, so discussing this with a medical professional is advisable before undergoing hypnotherapy. Some individuals actively struggling with substance abuse, may need appropriate treatment for their addiction before engaging with hypnotherapy. (Perin R., 2023)
In conclusion, hypnotherapy is a valuable therapeutic tool that uses the power of the subconscious mind to promote healing, behaviour change, and emotional well-being in areas such as anxiety, stress, pain management and addiction. While hypnotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person, it can provide a holistic path toward personal growth and recovery.
References
Bedosky. L., 2023. 5 Potential Health Benefits of Hypnotherapy. Everyday Health [online] https://www.everydayhealth.com/integrative-health/potential-health- benefits-of-hypnotherapy/ [accessed 15 November 2024]
Fritscher. L., 2023. Hypnotherapy: How you can benefit from hypnosis with therapy. Very Well Mind [online] https://www.verywellmind.com/hypnotherapy-2671993 [accessed 22 October 2024]
History of Hypnosis 2022., History of hypnosis James Braid, [online] History of Hypnosis https://historyofhypnosis.org/james-braid/ [accessed 12 November 2024]
Hypnosis Centre 2024 Cultural Histories of Hypnosis: Ancient Practices Around the World, Hypnosiscenter [online] https://hypnosiscenter.info/cultural-histories-of- hypnosis-ancient-practices-around-the-world/ [accessed 15 November 2024]
NeuroLaunch 2023, Trauma Hypnotherapy: A guide to healing and recovery, Neuro Launch, [online] https://neurolaunch.com/hypnotherapy-for-trauma/ [accessed 22 Oct 2024]
Perin R., 2023, Contraindicators for Hypnosis: Limitations of Safe and Effective Practice The Hypnotechs Blog, [online] https://blog.hypnotechs.com/posts/ hypnosis-contraindicators [accessed 15 November 2024]
Robertson D., 2022, Beginners guide to the history of hypnosis UK Hypnosis [online] https://www.ukhypnosis.com/2019/07/25/beginners-guide-to-the-history- of-hypnosis-timeline/ [accessed 15 November 2024]