Hypnotherapy
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is not what you have seen on television or in the movies. Hypnosis is a therapeutic tool that is used alone or along with other therapeutic approaches. Hypnosis helps people overcome problems, experience comfort during painful procedures, and handle stress more effectively.
Hypnosis is the process of learning how to relax deeply and focus your attention on memories, feelings, images and ideas. In learning this process, you shift to a higher level of concentration and attention, thereby achieving your designated goal. During hypnosis, you are more receptive to the suggestions and instructions of your therapist, but only if the suggestions are healthy for you.
Other Things You Should Know
There is no danger in using hypnosis as long as your therapist is thoroughly trained to use it. You should also be assured that your therapist can treat your problem with or without hypnosis. One way to tell if a person is qualified to use hypnosis is to seek someone certified by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. This organization trains those who have advanced degrees in their specialty, such as medicine, psychology or dentistry.
Hypnosis can speed up the therapeutic process so the cost in time and money can be less.
Some unfounded fears of hypnosis are that one can get stuck and not be able to come out of the trance. This has never happened. Nor do you lose your self-control during hypnosis. Actually, you gain self-control. You can also come out of a hypnotic state any time you desire, even without the direction of your therapist. It is very likely you can be hypnotized, since hypnosis is a naturally occurring state that each of us experiences every day when we daydream or become very absorbed in a book. You cannot be hypnotized unless you want to be and you will only take suggestions that make sense to you. Most people find that hypnosis is a very pleasant experience because it is very relaxing. Other ways you might experience hypnosis would be pleasant sensations of heaviness or lightness and you may lose track of time. Hypnosis is not sleep, but it can feel as though you have been asleep for awhile. Many people find this to be the main benefit of learning hypnosis. Self-hypnosis is the ultimate goal, and with it you can better use the resources of your mind so you can do what you want to do in life.
To Make an Appointment
You may make an appointment with Dr. Gale, by emailing him at dr [dot] gale [at] athenspsychotherapy [dot] com (dr.gale@athenspsychotherapy.com).