Clinical hypnotherapy

What is Clinical Hypnosis

Hypnosis (or hypnotherapy) is a technique designed to induce an altered state of consciousness (a dream-like state with deep relaxation) which results in focussed attention and an enhanced ability to respond to suggestion. Hypnotherapy is used to address and/or challenge problematic beliefs, thoughts and behaviours.

Hypnotherapy has been practised by many cultures in various forms for thousands of years. In popular culture, hypnosis is often portrayed as a mysterious process aimed to control a person, using swirling patterns or a swinging pocket watch. Today, hypnosis is recognised by the scientific community as an effective tool. Like all therapeutic techniques, hypnotherapy is used alongside other therapies and strategies, to effectively treat psychological concerns.

How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis works by deliberately inducing a relaxed state of awareness. The brain has various levels of consciousness, or awareness, ranging from fully alert to drowsy to fully asleep. Hypnotic states can occur naturally, for example: daydreaming; being absorbed in a pleasant task and losing track of time; and doing a repetitive task, while thinking about something else, and being unable to remember performing the task.

Clinical hypnosis deliberately induces this kind of relaxed state of awareness. Once the mind is in a relaxed state, therapeutic suggestions can be powerful in challenging attitudes, perceptions and behaviours. The way that this occurs is yet to be fully understood. Some theories suggest that hypnosis promotes particular brain wave activity that allows the mind absorb and adopt new ideas, while others suggest that hypnosis accesses the ‘unconscious mind’, which is more open to new ideas than the rational ‘conscious mind’.

Techniques used to deliberately induce this hypnotic state include, but are not limited to: an experienced hypnosis practitioner, hypnosis audiotapes, imaginative techniques, and relaxation techniques.

What can hypnosis be helpful for?

Research has found that hypnosis can be effective for conditions or concerns such as:

• Anger management
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Smoking
• Issues in the workplace
• Pain management
• Insomnia
• Sleepwalking
• Trichotillomania
• Childbirth
• Phobias
• Stress
• IBS

About hypnotherapy

• Clinical hypnosis is safe. You cannot be forced into a hypnotic state.
• Hypnotherapy is a regulated and accepted therapeutic technique within the scientific and health care community.
• Hypnotherapy, like all therapeutic techniques, is not suitable or effective for everyone with every concern.

Seeking clinical hypnosis

Many individuals are now seeking hypnotherapy as a psychological technique to treat problematic thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours. At Psychology Melbourne, we do have some psychologists who are able to provide clinical hypnosis. Psychology Melbourne's team of psychologists also employ other forms of evidence-based psychotherapy that have been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of psychological concerns.

Our practice also employs evidence-based systems that have been proved to produce better outcomes. We offer an initial matching session and conduct regular progress checks to provide real results for our clients. Our surveys consistently report a higher than average level of satisfaction.

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