Hypnosis is a natural state of increased focus and absorption into our thoughts and feelings that often creates a pleasant state of deep relaxation, or a focus similar to meditation or daydreaming. Hypnosis is used to bypass the barriers of the analytical conscious mind to assist the client’s unconscious mind in finding their own resources to resolve an issue.
Traditional hypnosis, still practised by the many hypnotherapists in Australia, involves therapists reading from scripts with direct suggestions. This scripted approach is inflexible and so does not allow for the different scenarios or personalities presented by each client.
A more advanced modern hypnosis, developed by Milton H Erickson in the 1950s, uses a permissive, metaphor based conversational approach involving complex language patterns so that each client’s respective needs are handled individually. In addition I have also been trained in Clinical Hypnotherapy by the International Institute of NLP and Clinical Hypnotherapy (AU) to hypnotise anyone who wants to be hypnotised, (not just the usual 45% of the population).
NO! This is absolutely not true! The client remains completely in control and fully aware. If something does not fit with a client’s core beliefs or values in everyday life then it will also not be accepted by the client when in hypnosis. Stage Hypnosis is different to Clinical Hypnosis.
The experience of being hypnotized is different for each client, but it has been likened to a deep state of relaxation, similar to when we are about to drift off to sleep. You retain the choice of free will at all times. Some people are more imaginative or creative in hypnosis. For the same reason, the client can benefit from insights being created that they would not be aware of outside of hypnosis.
Hypnosis will need a doctor’s referral for clients with bipolar disorder, schizo-affective disorder and personality disorder. Hypnosis is not suitable for clients with schizophrenia, epilepsy or dissociative identity disorder.
Hypnotherapy can complement traditional medicine wonderfully well. Hypnosis is not suitable for someone who is on psychotropic medication. Some SSRI Antidepressants may, in some people, limit the feeling of hypnosis but the effect will be the same.
Provided you, as a client are committed, then you can be hypnotised. The depth to which you experience hypnosis can vary each time but depth is not necessary for the therapy to work. As mentioned, it is another form of relaxation which is something that we all have the capacity to do.
No. Hypnotherapy is not covered by Medicare. Check with your own Health Care fund if you can claim for hypnosis. Clinical Hypnosis practices do not have a provider number.