Hypnosis refers to both a therapeutic technique and a modified state of consciousness. In this sheet, you will discover its principles, the different types of hypnosis, its benefits, how a hypnotherapist works during a hypnosis session, as well as the dangers and controversies surrounding this practice.

The term “hypnosis” comes from the Greek word “hupnoein” which means to fall asleep. Hypnosis refers to an altered state of consciousness also called a “trance”, during which the individual is between the state of wakefulness and sleep. This state is natural and experienced every day: when we read a good book, when we watch a film that transports us, when we look closely at a traffic light, when we temporarily lose track of time behind the wheel of a car. or, quite simply, when you are “in the moon”. Hypnosis therapy aims to make available to the subject the untapped resources of his brain and to activate his powers of self-healing with the help of suggestions made during this altered state of consciousness.

The principles of hypnotherapy

Most psychological theories consider that many personal and relationship problems have their source in the subconscious. This is where hundreds of thousands of data are stored that control much of our lives. Family or cultural diktats, for example, may have been so assimilated by the unconscious that they give rise to “learned behaviors” so integrated that they guide our life choices for years without our being really “aware of it”. “.

The hypnotherapist therefore invites the subject’s unconscious to get rid of his harmful ideas and replace them with more accurate ideas or which correspond better to his values. In hypnosis, the subject’s motivation is paramount. Without it, mental suggestions will have no effect.

The different types of hypnosis

All types of hypnosis are induction systems that convey social images and myths. They do not differ very much.

• Classic hypnosis: Classical hypnosis dates from 1841 and works with direct suggestions (“spiders are harmless beasts”, for example) which are the same for all subjects with the same goal. Authoritarian and direct, classical hypnosis is the most used. Its usefulness is recognized for a number of behavioral problems, such as phobias, and for modifying the way you feel.

• Ericksonienne Hypnosis: Developed in the mid-20th century by the American psychiatrist and psychologist Milton Erickson, Eriksonian hypnosis includes classical hypnosis but does not work in a linear fashion. For its creator, a psychophysical structure is far too complex for anyone to be able to decide how to deal with a symptom. He therefore proposed to solicit the creativity of the unconscious and invite it to express what could be changed to make a certain situation less difficult. This type of hypnosis follows the “erratic” path of the unconscious. She draws on several communication techniques in order to provoke a dialogue between the latter and the conscious: metaphors, reframing, activation of dreams, indirect or compound suggestions, sensory alteration, etc.
• Humanist hypnosis: this form of hypnosis does not use direct suggestions and aims to allow the individual to access their unconscious, but also their higher consciousness. Here, the therapist is a guide who helps the patient to navigate and to give meaning to his troubles.

• The new hypnosis: the term “New Hypnosis” was coined in 1979 by Daniel Azaoz. This form of hypnosis uses some tools of Ericksonian hypnosis, classic, as well as some elements from NLP.

• Show / street hypnosis: As the name suggests, this type of hypnosis is used for performing and has no therapeutic, just recreational purpose.

Hypnosis is effective in many problems, we will present below those which have been the subject of scientific studies.

Hypnosis to lose weight

One study showed the positive effects of hypnosis on weight loss in obese individuals. Indeed, the hypnotic suggestions had made it possible to modify their eating habits, which was at the origin of the weight loss, but also to improve their body image.

Hypnosis to cure stress

By tackling the underlying cause of stress and modifying one’s perceptions, hypnosis makes it possible to reassess one’s automatisms and worldview with little effort, making it easy to learn to cope with normal stresses. and to free oneself from unnecessary stress.

Hypnosis to quit smoking

Many studies have shown that 6 months after a session, the smoking cessation rate is between 30% and 40%. A more recent study has shown that hypnosis sessions are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in treating cigarette addiction.

Hypnosis to facilitate pregnancy and childbirth

During pregnancy, hypnosis can help to gradually reduce anxiety about childbirth and thus create a climate of confidence favorable to labor and childbirth. It also allows to modify and improve the bodily perceptions of the pregnant woman.

Hypnosis to treat irritable bowel syndrome

Some studies have shown that hypnosis significantly improves abdominal pain, bowel movements, abdominal distension, anxiety, and depression associated with this syndrome. In addition, it seems that these benefits persist in the medium term (2 years and more). In the longer term (5 years), the practice of hypnosis would contribute to an improvement in symptoms and to a reduction in the consumption of drugs.

How does a session with a hypnotherapist take place?

Each practitioner has set up his own method, his own protocols and his way of welcoming his client.

Generally, the first session begins with an interview with the consultant in order to define his needs, and to determine the approach and methods to be used. This very first session is usually longer than the following ones and each technique is tailored to the client’s needs. A typical session lasts 50 or 60 minutes. Most people start to see results after 4 encounters. Hypnosis is recognized as brief therapy. Ten meetings are generally sufficient, at least for well-defined problems. In children, generally easier to hypnotize, changes are often seen after only 1 or 2 visits.

How to choose your hypnotherapist?

Don’t just rely on word of mouth. It is useful to get information on the internet and take the time to read the opinions and information provided by the practitioner. These are important and allow you to get an idea of ​​her style and approach. You can also call the practitioner to discuss your needs and expectations. It is essential to go to a professional with excellent training in psychotherapy or health, depending on the case to be treated. He should ideally know the mechanisms of the problem in question, whatever it is (physical, psychological, relational, etc.). However, more than the techniques used by a given therapist, we believe that the quality of the relationship and the pleasure you will take in changing will be the most important factors to consider in choosing a practitioner.

Hypnotherapist, hypnotist, what are the differences?

The hypnotherapist is a specialist who uses hypnosis in order to treat and support his patient towards better well-being, while the hypnotist designates an individual who knows how to induce the state of hypnosis. While the first must have training and work in the field of health, the second evolves more in the entertainment sector. Even though they both use hypnosis, the end goal and the context are totally different.

As no regulation or body controls the practice of hypnosis, caution is required. It should be mentioned that during a hypnosis session, the individual remains aware of his actions and words.

Does it work ?

Numerous studies, many of which are recent, have evaluated the applications of hypnosis in medicine. However, it is sometimes difficult to determine how much of the benefits come from the hypnotic effect itself or from the general context of the interventions. In addition, the lack of consistency in the terms used (hypnosis, self-hypnosis, imagery, hypnotherapy, etc.) increases the difficulty of evaluating the scientific literature on hypnosis. Nowadays, hypnosis is taught in medical school and increasingly used in hospitals.

Contraindications

In psychotic subjects where the relationship to reality is altered, hypnosis should only be practiced by specialized doctors.

For the same reason, although the effectiveness of hypnosis in the treatment of addictions is proven; it is not recommended for subjects who have consumed drugs or alcohol shortly before the session.

In ancient traditions, healers or shamans have always used trance techniques as healing tools. In Western society, it is only since the XNUMXth century that the therapeutic potential of hypnosis has been experienced. It would have been “rediscovered” at this time by the Austrian doctor Anton Mesmer.

But it is to another doctor, the Briton James Braid (1837-1910), that one recognizes to have established a reliable medical use of it. After his death, the torch was taken up by the French, including neurologists Hyppolite Bernheim and Jean Charcot. As early as 1923, Milton Erikson began to study hypnosis and set up Eriksonian hypnosis, which is the form of hypnosis most practiced today. In 1955, the British Medical Society recognized hypnosis as a medical procedure. The American Medical Association did the same a few years later.

Getting to sleep, eating properly, managing stress, anger …

Through the practice of hypnosis – often associated with acupuncture and other techniques -, I have been helping you for more than 10 years to achieve real appeasement and find an energy that is deployed more day by day.

This energy that was previously used to compensate, manage, solve problems can be used wisely, for real personal development.

The transmission of techniques to make you autonomous and allow you to continue to move forward on your own is essential for me.

In addition, the work on the body is essential because this one never lies and reminds us regularly to order and we learn together to listen to it, to answer its physical needs, psychic emotional.