Can Anyone Do Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is an trance-like state that produces intense suggestibility and heightened imagination. It can be used as an effective therapeutic method to reduce stress and anxiety, increase focus or help you quit smoking or lose weight.

Risks

Despite the growing interest in hypnosis, many people are concerned about its safety and effectiveness. Fortunately, hypnosis is rarely dangerous or causes side effects. Hypnosis is safe when performed by a trained health care provider certified in clinical hypnosis. These professionals can determine if hypnosis is the right therapy for your condition.

How You Prepare

If you want to be successful in hypnosis, it’s important that you have the right mental and physical preparation. That includes finding a good hypnotherapist. It also helps to meditate before your session so you’re in the correct mindset to go into a trance state. Meditation can help you relax and be receptive to suggestions that will improve your health and well-being. Your hypnotherapist will guide you through a process called relaxation and focus, which is designed to ease your openness to suggestions. During this stage, your therapist may use imagery and carefully chosen language to suggest changes in perception, sensation, emotion, memory or behavior.

What You Can Expect

Hypnosis is a safe, controlled state of mind and body that can be used for many therapeutic purposes. The most common goals for hypnotherapy are self-improvement, including smoking cessation, weight loss and anxiety relief. Hypnosis can also be a highly effective tool for changing unwanted behaviors and feelings. It can also help people overcome physical problems like sleeplessness, menopausal hot flashes and headaches. In a clinical setting, hypnosis can also be used to relieve pain and ease symptoms of depression. However, it is important to speak with a doctor before using hypnosis for any mental health condition or chronic illness.

Results

Researchers have shown that hypnosis can improve brain function, especially activity in two areas of the brain that are involved in processing behavior. This may make people more responsive to suggestions such as avoiding sugary foods or not smoking. Hypnosis has also been shown to help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. It can help cancer patients handle their symptoms better, as well as minimize the discomfort of surgery and recover more quickly post-surgery.

Is Hypnosis Right For You?

Should you try hypnosis therapy? The answer really depends on your situation and goals. Health care providers typically recommend hypnosis for behavioral and emotional conditions such as giving up smoking, losing weight or improving memory. It is generally safe for most people to undergo hypnosis therapy, according to the American Psychological Association. However, if you have a serious mental illness, such as depression or bipolar disorder, you should talk with your health care provider about whether hypnosis is the best treatment option for you.