Zoe Clews & Associates
The Difference between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
A lot of people lack the knowledge of what hypnosis and hypnotherapy really are. Even though hypnotherapy and hypnosis are popular terms nowadays, a lot of people seem confused as to what each of them means. More importantly, it is good to point out that there is a difference between the two. To find out more on the matter, you should consult this guide answering some of the more essential questions. Let’s begin.
What is hypnosis?
In essence, hypnosis is guiding someone in a state of trance. There are different definitions as to what the trance state is, but most of them refer to it as a state of deep mental relaxation, as well as being extremely focused. Another thing about the state of hypnosis is that a person becomes more prone to suggestions. While all this may sound very complex, in reality, the hypnotic state is nothing extraordinary. In fact, you probably enter a trance state regularly, zoning out while you are on the bus for work or getting lost in thoughts as you listen to music. The difference is that hypnosis is a state, which someone else induces.
What are some myths about hypnosis?
Hypnosis is not a form of mind control. It is surprising how many believe this is the exact case, whereas this is an entirely media-driven myth. When under hypnosis, you remain fully aware and conscious, and you retain your ability to guide your actions. Even the part about planting suggestions in your mind is nothing new, since movies, books, music and advertisements you see constantly do it.
What is hypnotherapy?
If hypnosis is the tool, hypnotherapy is the use of this tool. Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as a form of therapy to accomplish the goals of resolving an issue. In that sense, practising hypnotherapy means using hypnosis as a way to help a person overcome their physical or mental condition. It turns out the hypnotic trance is a flexible tool for this purpose, and it serves to help people quit smoking, prevent overeating, relieve chronic pain or the symptoms of IBS, for instance. Furthermore, research shows hypnotherapy is also a fine method for addressing anxiety, addiction, depression and PTSD.
How does hypnotherapy work?
The subconscious mind of a person is where most of their memories, emotions, thoughts and experiences reside. During hypnotherapy, the subconscious becomes accessible. Thanks to the guidance of the hypnotherapist, a person can pull up the memories and experiences buried deep in their subconscious, which could be causing the mental health problems. In other words, it is possible to create new conclusions about the old memories and choices of the past, essentially changing habits. This is particularly useful for shaking common addictions like smoking.
Is hypnotherapy effective?
A lot of experts believe that hypnotherapy holds great potential and is in fact a better alternative to conventional therapy methods. Enough studies point out to the fact that hypnotic procedures are beneficial to many of the problems of psychotherapy, psychiatry and medicine. There is also proof from brain imagining technology showing that there are physical manifestations of the therapy in the parts of the brain responsible for change and insight. Therefore, it is a good idea to consider hypnotherapy for treating various conditions, as it holds great potential.
Knowing more about hypnosis and hypnotherapy means that you can better take advantage of treatment for your problem. With the powerful aid of the hypnosis tool, an expert can help you overcome a significant problem.
