Questions and Answers: Clinical Hypnosis

What is clinical hypnosis?

When hypnosis is used for treating a physical or psychological problem, we call the process clinical hypnosis. Hypnosis can be defined as an altered state of awareness, consciousness or perception. In simple terms, hypnosis is a highly relaxed state in which the patient's brain is focused and receptive to therapeutic suggestion.

Hypnosis under various names has been used for as long as records have been kept. Suggestive therapy is perhaps the oldest of the therapeutic methods. Modern clinical hypnosis is usually dated from about 1773. The term hypnosis was coined by James Braid, M.D., approximately 1841. The American Medical Association approved the use of clinical hypnosis as an appropriate therapeutic technique in 1958.

What type of problems are treated with clinical hypnosis?

Psychologist who are credentialed in the use of clinical hypnosis will use their training in the treatment of smoking and weight control, phobias, depression, anxiety, sexual problems, gastrointestinal problems (IBS), skin disorders, (warts, eczema, etc.), speech disorders, chronic pain, self-esteem, and memory/concentration improvement.

What training is required to practice clinical hypnosis?

In many states, the use of hypnosis for psychotherapeutic purposes is restricted to psychologists and other licensed health professionals. In Arkansas anyone with or without training can advertise and promote themselves as a practitioner of hypnosis.

Always ask before you begin therapy for the credentials and training of the practitioner. Psychologists using hypnosis should have postgraduate training in hypnosis, along with appropriate supervision in the uses of this technique. Membership in the major national professional hypnosis organizations (limited to psychologists, physicians, dentists and other licensed healthcare professionals) recommend a minimum of 60 clock hours of instruction and appropriate supervised training before being allowed to practice clinical hypnosis.

Will my health insurance pay for clinical hypnosis?

Clinical hypnosis is usually used in combination with other forms of treatment. Most insurance companies will cover some percentage of the cost of individual therapy. In most states, only treatment by independently practicing licensed professionals will be covered.

Can I learn to hypnotize myself?

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The psychologist acts as an agent or teacher to help you achieve this pleasant state. Some psychologists make tapes for their patients, to be used between sessions or in the place of repeated sessions. A good example is the use of hypnosis in the treatment of chronic pain. Tapes are frequently made for pain patients to be used by them as needed.

Misconceptions about Clinical Hypnosis

Loss of Consciousness
One of the major myths about hypnosis is that you will lose consciousness. Hypnosis is an altered level of consciousness, but you do not become unconscious. You will be aware of everything at all times and hear everything that the psychologist is saying.

Weakening Your Will
Your will is not weakened or changed in any way. You are in control and, if you wish for any reason to terminate the hypnotic state, you may do so simply by opening your eyes. You cannot be made to do anything against your will. "Stage" hypnotist would like the audience to think that they have control over their subjects; psychologists who use clinical hypnosis will make it clear that the patient has the basic control.

Spontaneous Talking
Patients do not spontaneously begin talking or revealing information they wish to keep secret. You can talk while under hypnosis and you and your psychologist may wish to use some talking procedure in order to assist you with your problem.

Sleep
Hypnosis is not sleep; you will not fall asleep. The hypnotic EEG Pattern is entirely different from the sleep EEG pattern.