How can hypnosis help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in hypnosis. Hypnotherapists, who are also licensed therapists, can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies. Many people also find that hypnotherapists can be a tremendous asset to managing many conditions and behaviors, and the hassles of daily life. Hypnotherapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from hypnosis depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from hypnosis include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, and the amazing power that the mind has over the body.
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek hypnotherapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Reducing stress and other emotional pressures
- Improving medical issues where symptoms have not been helped by standard treatment.
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your life.
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do I really need hypnosis? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, hypnosis is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by getting assistance. Hypnotherapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome the challenges you face.
Why do people go for hypnosis and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for seeking hypnosis. Some may be having particular symptoms or are coping with stressful circumstances. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as anxiety, or medical conditions where medication has been only partially helpful. Hypnosis can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get you through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready and open to learn more about holistic treatment, or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking hypnosis are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make the changes that will create another opportunity to live a full and happier life.
What is hypnosis like?
Clinical Hypnosis is defined as a state of relaxation,when you are alert, and always in control. In this relaxed state,your conscious mind is relaxed, and your subconscious mind is activated. Through the use of suggestion, you can begin to see positive changes in your life. I utilize the term,"Clinical Hypnosis” to distinguish my work as clinically-based to assist you in finding relief from difficult issues.Clinical Hypnosis can assist with many issues from changing behaviors to some medical conditions, and unlike most things in life which require a lot of work and study, clinical hypnotherapy only invites relaxation and an open mind. You can expect to see changes happening in your life, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous hypnosis session. Depending on your specific needs, hypnosis can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your hypnotherapist (usually weekly).
The ultimate purpose of hypnosis is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. According to most hypnotherapy research, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. That means that the clinical hypnotherapist will guide you through the process, but you are the one who is open to what is needed to facilitate the changes you seek. People seeking Clinical Hypnosis are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and taking responsibility for their lives.
What about medication vs. hypnosis?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, hypnosis can address the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and hypnosis is the right course of action.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:
- Does my policy cover for an out of network provider?
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Does what we talk about in hypnosis sessions remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a therapist. Successful hypnosis requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every hypnotherapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your hypnotherapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your hypnotherapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require hypnotherapists (as I am a licensed MFT) to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.