What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a procedure that creates access to the inner world via the subconscious. Hypnosis is not magic, even if hypnotists sometimes present it that way in shows.
For a long time, it was assumed that hypnotic trance was a state similar to sleep. However, modern brain research has shown that people under hypnosis are awake and alert. Trance is therefore more a state of deep relaxation in which the client focuses their attention on something specific.
In hypnotherapy, the therapist can make use of this state. Using the subconscious, he activates the patient’s personal strengths and coping strategies that they do not use in everyday life. Hypnosis can therefore be used to help solve physical or psychological problems.
Hypnosis is used on its own or in combination with other methods (e.g. behavioral therapy or depth psychology methods).
To ensure that the therapist is trustworthy, they should have a certificate from a reputable hypnosis organization. This certificate guarantees that the therapist has completed solid hypnosis training.
Clarify in advance whether your health insurance or private health insurance will contribute to the hypnotherapy costs.
When do you undergo hypnosis?
Hypnosis is also a popular method for pain management and support during medical procedures.
Hypnosis – when is it not advisable or only advisable with caution?
Hypnotherapy is not suitable for people who are currently experiencing an acute psychosis or suffering from psychotic states (mania, schizophrenic episode). Caution is also advised for traumatized persons.
Hypnosis can also be hazardous to health if the client – known as the hypnotist – suffers from cardiovascular problems or low blood pressure. This is because blood pressure drops during the hypnotic trance. In people with epilepsy, deep relaxation can promote a seizure.
If a client is taking medication, the doctor treating them should be consulted before hypnotherapy. Hypnosis must not be carried out under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What do you do during hypnosis?
Before a hypnosis session, the hypnotist and client get to know each other and have a preliminary discussion. The hypnotist must be aware of the client’s fears, anxieties and physical limitations so that no unpleasant situations arise for the client during hypnosis.
As soon as the hypnotized person is in a trance, the therapist tries to mobilize the patient’s resources with the help of suggestions. To do this, the hypnotist instructs the hypnotized person to perform certain tasks (e.g. certain movements) or to have certain thoughts (e.g. to imagine something specific).
For smoking cessation, for example, the hypnotist could give the thought: “I choose to be a non-smoker”. Due to the strong focus on one thought, for example, the perception of other things disappears.
In the reorientation phase, the therapist gently withdraws the trance by directing the patient’s perception from the inside out. This process usually takes a few minutes.
The total duration of hypnotherapy depends on the agreed treatment goal, the type and duration of the illness and the client’s ability to cope.
What are the risks of hypnosis?
Hypnosis is still very controversial. Some people fear hypnosis because they think they will lose control of themselves. Others consider hypnosis to be a hoax or a delusion.
Hypnosis only works for people who are willing to accept it, and even then it does not work for everyone. Some people are easier to hypnotize than others. And some people cannot be put into a hypnotized state at all.
However, hypnotizing also involves risks. The hypnotist must be careful with the client’s subconscious. Inappropriate suggestions can have negative effects for the client. By traveling into the past, for example, the hypnotist can bring back traumatic memories of the client. Re-experiencing the trauma (re-traumatization) can cause psychological damage without psychotherapeutic support.
Another point is that the hypnotist has a certain position of power in their role. It is therefore important that they act ethically and do not endanger the health of the hypnotized person.
The hypnotized person can also suffer physical harm if the hypnotist does not take care of them. As the hypnotized person is not fully conscious during the trance, the hypnotist must prevent falls and injuries during hypnosis.
What should I be aware of after hypnosis?
Also plan a time buffer after the session. Hypnosis experiences can feel very intense. You may need some time afterwards to fully come back to yourself. This may also be necessary because you may fall asleep during the deep relaxation of the trance. As after getting up in the morning, you may then need a short time to return to everyday life.
You should also take time after hypnosis to process what you have experienced. If you are working on therapeutic goals, give the suggestions the opportunity to take effect.
The power of hypnosis also lies in the fact that the self-critical and negative thoughts that accompany many of us on a daily basis are temporarily switched off. After hypnosis, many people feel energized and motivated. Enjoy this state and leave doubting thoughts outside for as long as possible. Hypnotherapy has the best effect when you allow yourself to become fully involved in hypnosis.