Hypnosis is about learning what you didn't know you knew & controlling what you didn't know you could.... using your mind... daydreaming on purpose... thinking to help yourself...learning how to work to control your mind....
WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?
Hypnosis is a very old healing modality, a safe, gentle, and effective way to heal, reduce stress, relieve pain, and effect changes in one's life. Hypnosis is a state of mind similar to experiencing a pleasant daydream. People in a hypnotic trance may look like they are asleep, but they are actually relaxed, concentrating and using their imagination.
If a hypnotherapist is involved they act as a coach or facilitator, guiding the person's daydream. The individual patient controls entering and exiting this relaxed state of consciousness. An individual can learn self-hypnosis so they can center that state of comfort and increased self-control at any time for their own benefit. Learning self-hypnosis is a valuable lifelong skill that is good for the body, mind and spirit.
When a properly trained and credentialed health care professional uses hypnosis as a part of treatment, it is called hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy is a practical way of helping people manage physical and psychological problems. The hypnotherapist uses relaxation, focused guided imagery, suggestions and therapeutic metaphors to build self-control over physical and emotional problems.
Contrary to how hypnosis may be portrayed in the movies and on television, they hypnotherapist does not control the individual's behaviour. Stage hypnotists take advantage of willing volunteers for the purpose of entertainment. This powerful and personal skill is a gift too valuable for just this purpose. Hypnosis is a state of intense self-control. The therapist may use helpful words to suggest ways to feel, understand, or behave, but they cannot control the person in hypnosis. Although hypnosis makes it easier for people to experience therapeutic suggestions, it does not force them to have these experiences.
ALL HYPNOSIS IS SELF-HYPNOSIS THAT CAN BE USED FOR ONE'S OWN BENEFIT
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF HYPNOTHERAPY?
When used correctly, there are no risks to hypnotherapy, nor any adverse effects. The technique increases one's ability to control symptoms. The brain is incredibly powerful, and contains priceless resources which can be mobilised for personal growth and healing. Hypnosis helps the individual to use their own imagination to tap into their inner strengths and resources. Hypnosis should on be used as part of a treatment plan for a specific problem after a careful evaluation by a trained health professional.
WHY USE HYPNOTHERAPY?
Hypnotherapy has been used successfully to treat
pain, anxiety, fears, phobias, pain, asthma, bedwetting, stool-withholding, nervous tics, smoking, obesity and many other problems. The value of hypnosis goes beyond it's abilities to help with these ailments. Increasing one's ability to control symptoms through hypnosis can strengthen confidence and mastery. Personal successes in self-hypnosis increases self-esteem. Self-hypnosis is a skill that increases with practice. The techniques can be used to meet new challenges throughout life.
Hypnotherapy may be the positive change you and your child have been searching for.
REPRINTED with permission from | Harry the Hypno-potamus: Metaphorical Tales for the Treatment of Children | by Linda Thomson - Crown House Publishing Limited, 2005