Hypnotherapy: A Balanced and Effective Vehicle for Change

To many people, the word “hypnosis” still conjures images of people quacking like a duck or believing they are Arnold Schwarzenegger, making a fool of themselves on stage.

It often comes as a surprise that this method of affecting positive, permanent life changes has been around for thousands of years, and is actually endorsed by the American Medical Association. 

While traditional talk therapy may take years to be effective, hypnotherapy can often help the client change unwanted behavior in only a few sessions.

It is a simple, non-invasive and relaxing process using guided imagery, visualization and metaphor to communicate with the subconscious mind.

And no, hypnotists cannot make anyone do anything they don’t want to do!

Hypnotherapy uses a trance state to “distract” the conscious mind, allowing the practitioner to give direction or clarification to the subconscious.

Trance is a natural state of mind that we all experience daily.

Crying over a book, movie or TV show is a form of trance, as is “highway hypnosis,” where one loses track of time while driving, perhaps missing your freeway exit.

It is not unlike the state of mind one encounters while day dreaming.

The client is fully aware, and in complete control the entire time.

Hypnotherapy has statistically been shown in clinical trials to have the highest success rate in smoking cessation.

Losing weight, pain management, sexual dysfunction and combating fears and phobias are just a few of the areas in which hypnotherapy is quite effective.

Many medical conditions, particularly IBS, respond very well to a combination of hypnotherapy and traditional medical treatment.

Anyone can be hypnotized, assuming they have a desire for change, a reasonable level of intelligence, and the ability to concentrate.

Practicing self-hypnosis (or using a commercially available hypnosis CD or mp3) as a follow up to professional treatment increases the effectiveness and level of success greatly.

Each state has its own qualification criteria for hypnotherapy, but most do not require any kind of licensing.

Look for a Certified Hypnotherapist through the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists http://www.natboard.com/, or through the recommendation of a trusted friend or associate.

Do not be afraid to ask questions to be sure your chosen practitioner has the qualifications and experience to help with your particular issue.

Check out this pretty cool self-hypnosis video that helps you to relax, take a deep breath and let go negative things in life and concentrate on positive and happy.

Now just relax, enjoy the journey and live happy and worry-free!

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