Why Hypnosis:  

Hypnotherapy -- or hypnosis -- is a type of nonstandard or "complementary and alternative medicine" treatment. It uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness that is sometimes called a trance. The person's attention is so focused while in this state that anything going on around the person is temporarily blocked out or ignored. In this naturally occurring state, a person may focus their attention -- with the help of a trained therapist -- on specific thoughts or tasks.

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How Does Hypnosis Work?
Hypnosis is usually considered an aid to psychotherapy (counseling or therapy), because the hypnotic state allows people to explore painful thoughts, feelings, and memories they might have hidden from their conscious minds. In addition, hypnosis enables people to perceive some things differently, such as blocking an awareness of pain.

Analysis: This approach uses the relaxed state to explore a possible psychological root cause of a disorder or symptom, such as a traumatic past event that a person has hidden in their unconscious memory. Once the trauma is revealed, it can be addressed in talk-therapy.
 

What Are the Benefits of Hypnosis?
The hypnotic state allows a person to be more open to discussion and suggestion. It can improve the success of other treatments for many conditions, including:

Phobias, fears, and anxiety
Sleep disorders
Depression
Stress
Post-trauma anxiety
Grief and loss

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Results
Hypnosis can be effective in helping people cope with pain, stress and anxiety.

Keep in mind, though, that health care providers typically suggest other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, for those conditions before or along with hypnosis. Hypnosis may be effective as part of a larger treatment plan for quitting smoking or losing weight.

Hypnosis isn't right for everyone. Not all people are able to enter a state of hypnosis fully enough for it to work well. In general, the more quickly and easily people reach a state of relaxation and calm during a session, the more likely it is that they will benefit from hypnosis.
 

 

Contrary to what you might see in movies or during a hypnotist stage act, people don't lose control over their behavior during hypnosis. They usually remain aware during a session and remember what happens. 

Over time, you may be able to practice self-hypnosis. During self-hypnosis, you reach a state of relaxation and calm without a health care provider's guidance. This skill can be helpful in many situations, such as before surgery or other medical procedures.

Hypnosis Risks:
Hypnosis done by a trained health care provider is a safe, complementary and alternative medical treatment.

Be aware, however, that hypnosis may not be safe for some people with severe mental illness.

Harmful reactions to hypnosis are rare, but they may include:

Dizziness.
Headache.
Nausea.
Drowsiness.
Anxiety or distress.
Sleep problems.

 

Questions to ask any care provider.

Choose a health care provider who is certified to perform hypnosis.

Learn about any provider you're considering.

Ask questions, such as:

Do you have specialized training in hypnosis?
Are you licensed in your specialty?
How much training have you had in hypnosis?
How long have you done hypnosis?
What are your fees?

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How you prepare
You don't need any special preparation for hypnosis. It's a good idea to wear comfortable clothing to help you relax. Make sure you're well rested. That way, you're less likely to fall asleep during the session,

as it is meant to be relaxing. Hydration is also a key factor before and after a session.