http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/hypnosis-weight-lossHypnotherapy

Certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists

What is hypnotherapy?

The term "hypnosis" comes from the Greek word hypnos, meaning "sleep." Hypnotherapists use exercises that bring about deep relaxation and an altered state of consciousness, also known as a trance, much like meditation.  A person in a deeply focused state is unusually responsive to an idea or image, but this does not mean that a hypnotist can control the person's mind and free will. On the contrary, hypnosis can actually teach people how to master their own states of awareness. By doing so they can affect their own bodily functions and psychological responses. 

How does hypnotherapy work?

When something happens to us, we remember it and learn a particular behavior in response to what happened. Each time something similar happens, our physical and emotional reactions attached to the memory are repeated. In some cases these reactions are unhealthy. In some forms of hypnotherapy, a trained therapist guides you to remember the event that led to the first reaction, separate the memory from the learned behavior, and replace unhealthy behaviors with new, healthier ones.

During hypnosis, your body relaxes and your thoughts become more focused. Like other relaxation techniques, hypnosis lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and changes certain types of brain wave activity. In this relaxed state, you will feel at ease physically yet fully awake mentally and may be highly responsive to suggestion. If you are trying to quit smoking, for example, a therapist's positive affirmations/ suggestions may help convince you that you will not like the taste of cigarettes in the future. Some people respond better to hypnotic suggestion than others.

There are several stages of hypnosis:

•Reframing the problem
•Becoming relaxed, then absorbed (deeply engaged in the words or images presented by a hypnotherapist)
•Dissociating (letting go of critical thoughts)
•Responding (complying with a hypnotherapist's suggestions)
•Returning to usual awareness
•Reflecting on the experience

Hypnotherapy can be used in two ways:

• Suggestion therapy — The hypnotic state makes the person better able to respond to suggestions. Hypnotherapy can help some people change certain behaviors, such as to stop smoking or stop nail-biting. It can also help people change perceptions and sensations, and is particularly useful in treating pain. 
• Analysis — This approach uses the relaxed state to find the root cause of a disorder or symptom, such as a traumatic past event that a person has hidden in his or her unconscious memory. Once the trauma is revealed, it can be addressed in psychotherapy.

What happens during a visit to the hypnotherapist?

During your first visit, you will be asked about your medical history and what brought you in -- what condition you would like to address. The hypnotherapist may explain to you what hypnosis is and how it works. While we play music and guide you through the relaxation, you allow yourself to relax. You will then be directed through relaxation techniques, using a series of mental images and suggestions intended to change behaviors and relieve symptoms. For example, people who have panic attacks may be given the suggestion that, in the future, they will be able to relax whenever they want. The hypnotherapist will also teach you the basics of self-hypnosis and give you an audiotape to use at home so you can reinforce what you learn during the session.

How many treatments will I need?

Each session lasts about an hour, and most people start to see results within 4 - 10 sessions. You and your hypnotherapist will monitor and evaluate your progress over time. Children (aged 9 - 12) are easily hypnotized and may respond after only one or two visits.

What illnesses or conditions respond well to hypnosis?

Hypnosis is used in a variety of settings -- from emergency rooms to dental offices to outpatient clinics. Clinical studies suggest that hypnosis may improve immune function, increase relaxation, decrease stress, and ease pain and feelings of anxiety.

Hypnotherapy can reduce the fear and anxiety that some people feel before medical or dental procedures. For example, hypnosis may improve recovery time and reduce anxiety as well as pain following surgery. Clinical trials on burn patients suggest that hypnosis decreases pain (enough to replace pain medication) and speeds healing. Generally, clinical studies show that using hypnosis may reduce your need for medication, improve your mental and physical condition before an operation, and reduce the time it takes to recover. Dentists also use hypnotherapy to control gagging and bleeding.

A hypnotherapist can teach you self-regulation skills. For instance, someone with arthritis may learn to turn down pain like the volume on a radio. Hypnotherapy can also be used to help manage chronic illness. Self-hypnosis can enhance a sense of control, which is often lacking when someone has a chronic illness.

Clinical studies on children in emergency treatment centers show that hypnotherapy reduces fear, anxiety, and discomfort.

What are the benefits of hypnotherapy?

The hypnotic state allows a person to be more open to discussion and suggestion.

It can improve the success of other treatments for many conditions, including:

• Phobias,
• fears, and anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• Depression
• Stress
• Post-trauma anxiety
• Grief and loss
• Bedwetting
• Addictions
• Weight Loss
• Eating Disorders
• and more!!!

It also might be used to help with pain control and to overcome habits, such as smoking or overeating. It also might be helpful for people whose symptoms are severe or who need crisis management.

As seen on Dr. Oz (weight loss) http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/hypnosis-weight-loss

What are the drawbacks of hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy might not be appropriate for a person who has psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, or for someone who is using drugs or alcohol. It should be used for pain control only after a doctor has evaluated the person for any physical diso rder that might require medical or surgical treatment.

Some therapists use hypnotherapy to recover repressed memories they believe are linked to the person’s mental disorder. However, hypnosis also poses a risk of creating false memories—usually as a result of unintended suggestions by the therapist. For this reason, the use of hypnosis for certain mental disorders, such as dissociative disorders, remains controversial.

Is hypnotherapy dangerous?

Hypnotherapy is not a dangerous procedure. It is not mind control or brainwashing. A therapist cannot make a person do something embarrassing or something the person doesn’t want to do. The greatest risk, as discussed above, is that false memories can be created.

Who performs hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is performed by a certified professional who is specially trained in this technique. Hypnotherapy can help you achieve a balance between your mind, body and spirit, and live a happier, more satisfying, and peaceful life. Hypnosis can help you literally create a better you!

Disclaimer:  Please note, while hypnosis has many beneficial effects, hypnosis is not a substitute for appropriate medical attention. Statements and products offered on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. When dealing with physical and/or mental illness or disease, always consult a qualified physician or therapist. Hypnosis recordings are not recommended for people suffering from mental disorders or illness.