Is hypnotherapy truly effective for managing chronic pain or illness?

 

Yes, hypnotherapy has been studied and practiced for well over a century. Hypnotherapy has been scientifically proven to be effective in managing chronic pain and illness and it’s a valuable tool that can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from chronic conditions. Here are some key points from research done on the efficacy and applications of hypnosis:

 

1. Efficacy of Hypnotherapy: Hypnosis interventions consistently produce significant decreases in pain associated with a variety of chronic-pain problems. It has been found to be more effective than non-hypnotic interventions such as attention, physical therapy, and education.

2. Wide Range of Applications: The efficacy of hypnosis in reducing pain was consistently confirmed for a wide variety of different chronic-pain conditions, including cancer, low-back pain, arthritis pain, sickle cell disease, temporomandibular pain, and disability-related pain.

3. Non-Addictive Method: Hypnotherapy is a non-addictive method of pain management. This is particularly important given the current opioid crisis, where many people become addicted to pain medication. Hypnotherapy offers a safe and effective alternative.

4. Neurophysiological Evidence: Clinical outcome studies on acute and chronic pain as well as neurophysiological studies in the laboratory have demonstrated that hypnosis is effective over and above placebo treatments and that it has measurable effects on activity in brain areas known to be involved in processing pain.

5. Self-Hypnosis: Most of the hypnosis interventions for chronic pain include instructions in self-hypnosis. This means that patients can continue to use the techniques they learn even after the therapy sessions end, providing long-term relief.
    

What exactly happens during a hypnotherapy session, and will I still be in control?

 

A hypnotherapy session typically begins with a conversation about your problem and what you would like your end goal to be. The hypnotherapist then guides you into a relaxed state of hypnosis. This state is characterised by heightened focus and concentration. Hypnotherapy creates a safe and supportive environment to create lasting positive changes in the way you think, feel and behave.

 

Contrary to some misconceptions, you remain in control during hypnotherapy. It is not possible for anyone to force you to do anything against your your will, even under hypnosis. You will be tuned in to the work we are doing and so you may find your thoughts drift or you become less aware of your surroundings, but you will always be in charge of your own actions, behavious and words. In fact hypnotherapy helps you to gain more control over your mind and thoughts through greater self-awareness.

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Research has demonstrated that changes made at the subconscious level are more likely to stick than mere ‘positive thinking’ at the conscious level. Hypnotherapy can help to reprogram the subconscious mind through a range of different methods.

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What if I've had a negative experience with hypnotherapy in the past?

 

I am always happy to discuss any previous experiences you have had and I will do my best to accommodate or modify where needed. Making sure you feel safe and comfortable is my top priority.

 

Is hypnotherapy safe, especially if I have underlying health conditions or take medications?

 

Hypnotherapy is generally considered safe when practiced by a trained and certified professional. It is non-invasive and does not require any drugs. Hypnotherapy has been proven to be benefical for a variety of heath conditions and for pain. However, it is important that prior to our first session you disclose any mental health disorders or diagnosed medical problems including ones that require medication. In some cases we may not be able to work together if you are taking certain medications. Please reach out via email or phone if you have any further questions about what medications mean we cannot work together.

 

I am also able to work alongside your primary health care provider and I do always recommend that anyone I see has had a recent check up in the past 6 months and has told their general practitioner that we are working together. Hypnotherapy can in most cases be used in conjunction with traditional treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and medications prescribed by your GP or specialist, however, it’s important to keep me informed about any medications you’re taking, as this can influence the approach to your treatment.

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Why should I consider hypnotherapy when conventional medicine is available?

 

Hypnotherapy can be used as a primary form of treatment or it can be used in conjunction with western medicine or natural medicine. I am always happy to work alongside your primary health care provider and I do recommend that anyone I see has had a recent check up in the past 6 months and has told their primary health care provider that we are working together. Hypnotherapy can in most cases be used in conjunction with traditional treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and medications prescribed by a GP, specialist or naturopath, however, it’s important to keep me informed about any medications you’re taking, as this can influence the approach to your treatment.

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How much time will I need to commit to hypnotherapy sessions, and can they be scheduled flexibly?

 

It will mostly depend on your specific case and current circumstances, however I have seen significant results with clients in as little as 1-3 sessions. These sessions are spaced out with one session per week. I also will give you additional resources such as take home audios, an ebook on up-to-date information on pain science and activities you can do to improve your pain prior to the first session so that you are able to get results even before we have commenced your treatment. I am a results driven therapist so I will work with you until you have reached your goal.

 

Can I trust the qualifications and expertise of the hypnotherapist?

 

It is essential to ensure you are working with a reputable practitioner who is trained and certified in hypnotherapy. I have a diploma in clinical hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, I am trauma informed and I am a member of the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapy (ASCH). 

 

Do I have to address underlying emotional or psychological issues during hypnotherapy?

 

Yes and no. The great thing about hypnotherapy is that unlike conventional therapy such as CBT, hypnotherapy doesn't require you to talk about past events or trauma in detail. At the beginning of our first session together we will briefly discuss your current circumstances and the problem you are coming to me for, however, hypnotherapy mostly focuses on where you want to be and on the goal you want to achieve e.g. reducing or eliminating chronic pain, allergies, illness. However, the work that we do together could lead to a release of trauma or emotion from the mind and/or body which could result in a reduction in symptoms or feeling like a weight has lifted.

 

What makes your sessions different from other hypnotherapists, coaches or therapists?

 

I am not your typical hypnotherapist. When we work together I will use a combination of methods to help you with your chronic pain or illness. I have extensive knowledge on pain neuroscience and will use this information in combination with hypnotherapy, EMDR, EFT and The Hummingbird Method to achieve rapid results with you. What we do will be a combination of finding out what you are comfortable doing and my expertise on what I believe will work best for your current circumstances.