Hypnotic Techniques

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a technique that allows the person to enter a modified state of consciousness, that goes under the name of 'hypnotic trance' .Hypnosis generally consists of three phases. First, the induction phase, in which the operator induces a state of trance in the person by using the breath, or by evoking certain sensations, emotions and mental associations. Second, the suggestion phase; after establishing the trance, the person is in a state of complete relaxation, in which he accesses all parts of his conscious and unconscious mind; at this point, the operator can make suggestions, which aim to: unveil inner resources, reduce or solve specific problems that hinder psychophysical well-being , change dysfunctional behavioral patterns, or reduce daily stress. Third, the awakening phase, in which the person is brought back to the normal state of consciousness, and the operator can also make post-hypnotic suggestions or ratify the trance state, which aims at improving future inductions.

What is self-hypnosis?

Self-hypnosis is a state of hypnotic trance generated by the subject itself, without the help of an external operator. This self-induction process is learned during the hypnotic sessions, and through instructions provided directly by the operator. This allows to further reinforce the results obtained within the hypnotic sessions, and allows the person to reach a state of deep relaxation when desired, and to favor the arising of new points of view, new solutions, and new behaviors, emotions and sensations; it, therefore, allows for greater creativity and mental elasticity, which breaks the limitations imposed by dysfunctional symptoms or behavioral patterns. Of note, self-hypnotic abilities improve thanks to yoga, meditation and mindfulness, because of their focus on breathing and making contact with oneself.

What is hypnosis for in clinical psychology?

Hypnosis helps in the treatment of various psychological symptoms, such as anxiety (panic attacks), depression, eating problems, psychosomatic problems, sexual problems, tics, stuttering, nail biting, chronic pain, hypochondria; in addition, it is used in quitting-smoke therapy, which helps the person to make an aversive conditioning to smoking. In addition, in the clinical setting, hypnosis can be applied to addictions of various forms, such gambling, alcoholism, and psychoactive substances addicition.

Benefits of Hypnosis

Stimulate calm and mental clarity
Access to one's emotions and feelings
Awaken the person's latent energies or resources
Help to adopt more functional behaviors
Increase psychophysical well-being

Notes

The hypnotic sessions will be carried out only if preceded by an initial psychological path of at least 4 sessions in which the professional carefully examines whether hypnosis can be an appropriate tool for that given person. In addition, before carrying out the hypnotic session, the person will be provided with a hypno-questionnaire, which will help the professional to orient itself for the hypnotic sessions.