Hypnotherapy

What is hypnosis therapy?

The term hypnosis is derived from the Greek word “hypnos”, which means “sleep”. However, hypnosis is not simply the state of sleep, but rather a mental state that lies between sleep and waking consciousness. This state of consciousness, also known as “trance”, enables a more focused perception and sensations.

However, creativity and imagination are also greatly enhanced, which means that past situations can be better evoked in the mind’s eye and ideas or thoughts can be viewed in a more focused way. This is also referred to as channelled perception. The described state is reached by all people every day, for example when they get up in the morning or work in a concentrated way.

The goal of hypnotherapy is to promote and intensify this everyday trance, which leads to physical and mental calming. These effects can be proven by technical procedures. For example, the electroencephalogram (EEG) shows typical alpha waves (8-14 Hz), muscle tone decreases and blood pressure and heart rate drop. The hypnosis therapy can be clearly differentiated from other forms of hypnosis. In addition, it is known that hypnosis can only have an effect if the person to be treated believes in the method and is open to it, otherwise one does not allow to get into a state of “trance”.

Indications for a hypnosis therapy

The range of indications for hypnosis therapy is very broad and includes not only psychological and psychosomatic diseases but also the therapy of chronic pain. Psychological illnesses are mainly affective disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders. Another large field of application of hypnosis therapy is addiction therapy.

Numerous studies could prove an effect of this therapy on gambling and drug addiction. Especially a positive effect on smoking cessation was found. But also psychosomatic illnesses like an irritable bowel are accessible to a hypnosis therapy.

Besides the hypnosis therapy finds its place in newer therapy strategies against chronic pain or headaches ever more frequently. Reports further indicate that the use of hypnosis can also be effective for functional complaints. These include swallowing disorders or speech disorders, such as stuttering.