Clinical hypnosis (or “hypnotherapy”) refers to a specific state of awareness used to assist clients in reaching their goals or alleviating distress. It is one technique among many that can be helpful for some clients at certain points in therapy.
Many have heard of people using clinical hypnosis to stop smoking or deal with a phobia; however, it is also used to treat things like anxiety and stress. In other environments, such as medical practices or hospitals, it is used by doctors to treat things like headaches and as an alternative to chemical anesthesia.
There are some common misconceptions about this type of treatment, mainly due to confusion between hypnotherapy and stage hypnotism for entertainment purposes. In hypnotherapy, you don’t do or say things contrary to your personal values. You’re also not under the control of the therapist. In actuality, the therapist is there to help guide you in focusing your thinking and attention so that healing can take place.
Some clients are surprised to learn that hypnotherapy can happen in virtual therapy sessions, but in fact this modality is both safe and effective. Research into hypnotherapy delivered via teletherapy skyrocketed after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it shows that it can produce comparable results to traditional, in-person sessions. Studies have found no significant differences in treatment outcomes, indicating that clients can experience the same therapeutic benefits, such as reduced symptoms of anxiety, improved pain management, and enhanced relaxation, through virtual hypnosis sessions. With the convenience and accessibility of telemental health, clients can receive this evidence-based care from the comfort and privacy of their own homes.
I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment throughout the hypnotherapy process, ensuring that your experience is both beneficial and empowering.
For more information about clinical hypnosis and hypnotherapy, you can visit the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), through which I received my training.
I’m always happy to discuss how hypnotherapy might be useful for both current and future clients. Please feel free to get in touch if you’d like to schedule some time to chat.
