This section is designed to inform you of the basics of hypnotherapy. Click on one of the topics below to jump to that section.
What qualifies someone to perform hypnosis
A trance is a "subtle natural shift in awareness, which we experience naturally from time to time throughout the day". Different circumstances in which we enter trance states include while reading, watching a movie, daydreaming, and meditating. Basically, trance states are ways used to label the degree in which our awareness shifts. There are four different trance states, each with different qualifications. Hypnotherapy is conducted in the Hypnoid (Light) or Alert(Moderate) trance states. The following text lists each state with the symptoms one must have to be in them.
HYPNOID STATE - The
lightest trance state
In this state, a person is:
ALERT STATE- The medium
trance state
In this state, a person is:
SOMNAMLISTIC- The Heavy
trance state
In this state, a person is:
COMATOSE- The Deepest
trance state
In this state, a person is:
As stated earlier when most people thing of hypnosis they thing of a shiny golden medallion being swung back and fourth and a person's eyes getting closer and closer to closing. In fact this is a legitimate way of inducing hypnosis called Eye Fixation. Very few people respond to this method of hypnosis and it hasn't been used much since the 1800's. A second way of inducing hypnosis is by progressive relaxation. This method consists of a series of instructions in which a person imagines themselves in a safe place or in solitude and then awaken and feel rejuvenated.
Once hypnosis is induced a hypnotherapist may use one of three methods to help the patient. The first method is called the Directive or Paternal Process. In this method the therapist has a predetermined set of suggestions and questions to use while the patient is in trance. This method is only used when the therapist is aware of the problem. The second method is appropriately named the Secret Process. In this method the hypnotherapist asks yes or no questions to the patient about a subject/problem that the hypnotherapist is unaware of. The third method is called the Alchemical Process. In this process the hypnotherapist and patient interact and converse, it is much less one sided like the previous two processes. The subject also comes up with his/her own solutions to their problem through the aid of the hypnotherapist. These techniques are explained in more detail in the hypnotherapy session section.
Throughout this section the word hypnotherapist will be used over and over again. This section is here to tell you a little bit about this profession and how one trains to become a hypnotherapist. To be qualified to practice hypnotherapy one must become certified. The main certification organization is called the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). This organization is the largest and has over 9,500 thousand members worldwide and is the most recognized organization for hypnotherapists. To become certified one must complete between 150 and 200 hours of classes in an endorsed program. After this is done the prospective hypnotherapist must complete a written test and a practical test where he/she must demonstrate the knowledge and techniques learned. After passing both exams the hypnotherapist must agree to the code of ethics of the ACHE and complete 30 hours of courses every two years in order to maintain certification.
HYPNOTHERAPY
SESSIONS- What goes on in the office.
When you visit an hypnotherapist, you do not just tell him a problem you have and then he hypnotizes you and you leave hours later cured. The process often consists of several sessions that build up to the hypnosis session. First off the hypnotherapist interviews the patient to find out general information about medical history, family, lifestyle and whatever else deemed necessary. Next he proceeds to ask questions about the specific issue/problem that the subject is trying to deal with. The hypnotherapist will ask basic questions such as when the problem occurs, if it occurs stronger or weaker at certain times, what effects it has on the patient and how he/she would like the issue/problem to be resolved. During theses questions the hypnotherapist is looking for motives that cause the patient to have the problem and any secondary motive that could contribute to it. For example if a person wants to stop spanking their child as punishment they may come in and say they do so because of a wild temper. After further questioning the therapist discovers that the patient was often hit by his father as a child and so one could assume the father is acting this way because that his how he was raised. After discussing motives the hypnotherapist comes up with realistic goals to help the patient deal with the problem. While discussing the goals the hypnotherapist also makes several observations about the subject. The hypnotherapist will observe the patients breath patterns, tone of voice, gestures and movements and eventually mimic them in an attempt to create rapport. Rapport is a term used to describe the desired relationship between patient and therapist. It consists of mimicking physical traits as well as discovering any common interests and make them known. If done correctly, the therapist will feel more like a good friend than a doctor. Also, after the hypnotherapist feels they understand the problem they will open the floor to the patient to ask any questions he/she has about hypnotherapy or hypnosis. During this time the hypnotherapist tries to put any concerns they have at ease to make them comfortable with the process.
After the Interview, the subject is put into a trance. This normally takes 15-30 minutes and there are a variety of methods that were discussed in detail in the Hypnosis 101 section. Once in trance, the intervention process begins, this process is unique to the Alchemical Hypnosis process. It involves interaction between the patient and hypnotherapist. The hypnotherapist serves as a guide who can open up new places and images in the subject while they learn to interact with these new items. The next stage is the suggestion stage and depending on the type of hypnosis it can take one of three forms. In an Alchemical session the subject is the one that comes up with the suggestions based on the new information he/she has taken in from the intervention process. At this point in the session the hypnotherapist is merely a bystander and reacts very little if any with the patient. After the suggestion process it is time to test out the suggestions while still in trance. In the mental rehearsal stage one would be able to imagine themselves in the situation that has given them a problem and use the suggestions received earlier to combat the issue. If this stage is successful it means the hypnosis reached a deep enough section of the brain and now the patient is ready to return from trance. There are several methods that can awaken a patient which include counting backwards from 10 each time raising your voice and telling them on one they will awaken or before they are put in to trance you have them respond to a word or sound that will cause them to awaken. If the subject does not use the new suggestions in the rehearsal process the hynotherpist could attempt new suggestions or return them from trance and try again in another session, I have read of both occurrences and it depends on the hypnotherapist what will happen.