Clinical Hypnosis

What is Hypnosis?
Before describing hypnosis, I want to emphasize that  I am not a lay Hypnotist.  Rather, I have training in clinical hypnosis.  In general terms, my approach consists of using hypnosis as a tool to facilitate desired change.  The goal is to alter an individual's emotional, cognitive, and/or physical symptoms or behaviors that are connected with a condition, disorder, or illness.  And, realistically, like any other treatment modality or tool, there can be successes and there can be failures. 

Hypnosis is an experience that actually occurs everyday in our lives.  For example, hypnosis occurs naturally when your attention becomes focused and you become absorbed in an activity such as daydreaming, reading a book, or watching a movie.  Clinical Hypnosis works by gaining access to and using the power of the mind to influence physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of the self. 

Hypnosis was approved as a medical procedure in 1958 by the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) approved hypnosis in 1961. 

The licensed professional trained in clinical hypnosis begins with a verbal induction  that encourages the patient to let go of conscious awareness of their immediate surroundings and enter into the trance state.  Next, deepening techniques, such as deep muscle relaxation and imagery, further the deepening of the trance experience.  At this point, the mind enters into a state of heightened awareness where it is receptive to new and novel ideas.  At that time, agreed-upon suggestions are given that empower the patient to make the desired changes needed to reach realistic goals.   

Post-hypnotic suggestions are given that produce a goal-oriented behavior that is to occur after the patient or subject is re-alerted.  For example, during the trance the patient might be guided into a calm yet alert state.  At that point, the post-hypnotic suggestion could be given that any anxious feelings experienced from that point forward would automatically trigger to re-instate that calm, alert state.  Usually, the more this kind of post-hypnotic suggestion is practiced the better the result.

Hypnosis allows for communication with parts of the mind that are usually outside of conscious awareness.  Consequently, hypnosis can be effective treatment for unconscious conflict.  For example, a part of the self that consciously desires change may be in conflict with another part outside awareness (unconscious) that does not want to change (called unconscious motivation).  Once the conflict is identified, the clinician works to bring the patient's unconscious in agreement with conscious desires and treatment goals.

Hypnosis ends when the patient is alerted to re-orient back to the immediate surrounding and to an awake, alert state.  Some time is set aside for processing and discussing the trance experience.

Self-Hypnosis.
Initially, you will be skillfully led into trance, guided by my instruction.  Hypnosis also involves learning and applying the skill of self-hypnosis.  You will be required to practice self-hypnosis in between sessions.  As with learning any new skill, self-hypnosis improves with practice. 

Actually, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  As your clinician, I am there to guide the process.  However, the ability to enter a trance is totally the result of your willingness and capacity to enter such a state.

The most sure way of avoiding an unpleasant experience is to make certain that the clinician you choose has the proper credentials for treating your condition.  So, if you suffer from an eating disorder, for example, and would like to incorporate hypnosis into treatment, the clinician should have the credentials for treating eating disorders along with credentials for using hypnosis.

Always choose a professional licensed  mental health or healthcare clinician trained in clinical hypnosis with whom you can TRUST.  While no one can be hypnotized into doing something against their moral beliefs, a person entrusting another for help can be exploited. 

There are two factors to consider in selecting a hypnotherapist:  1) Look for the professional license to ensure the person you choose is in fact licensed to treat your disorder, problem, etc.  2) Look for the certification that the professional has the hypnosis training that is provided by a reputable hypnosis organization.

Choose someone who is guided not only by a professional ethics and licensing committee but also by a reputable hypnosis organization such as the Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) and the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis  (SCEH).    

Many fears associated with hypnosis are based upon myth.  You will find more information in the next page:  Hypnosis Myths.

If you are looking for sound psychotherapy and quality hypnosis for SMOKING CESSATION, call (314) 862-7250 or email lguhe@earthlink.net to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.