Possible Contraindications to Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a completely natural state of mind. However, there are some possible contraindications, and patients who fall into these categories should not be referred or recommended for hypnotherapy. For the majority of patients, though it is extremely beneficial and relaxing. 

Clinical hypnotherapy, is a state of deep relaxation, heightened focus and suggestibility. It is a state that heals the mind, body and emotion while enjoying a level of relaxation between sleep and wakefulness. Hypnosis is therefore, completely intertwined with personal development and can provide solutions to many problems in a completely safe way.

Contraindications for hypnotherapy include:

• Epilepsy – completely contraindicated
• Serious heart condition
• Persistent alcohol or drug abuse – completely contraindicated
  

  Contraindications for Hypnotherapy

• Psychosis – completely contraindicated
• Pregnancy
• Schizophrenia,
• Bipolar disorder,
• Severe psychiatric conditions

References

• Elkins G. Can Hypnotherapy Increase Well-Being? Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2022 Oct-Dec;70(4):325-327. 
• Na H, Ekanayake V, Padilla V, Elkins GR. Pilot Study of Hypnotic Relaxation Therapy for Well-Being (HRT-WB): A New Intervention to Enhance Well-Being and Positive Affect. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2022 Oct-Dec;70(4):328-349.
• McCann BS. Prevalence of Different Approaches to Clinical Hypnosis: Bridging Research and Practice. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2023 Apr-Jun;71(2):139-152. 

Hypnotherapy is a changed state of awareness and increased relaxation that allows for improved focus and concentration. It is an induced increase in parasympathetic tone  in order to create “a non-judgmental immersive experience”, as is noted by Dr. David Spiegel, a Stanford University psychiatrist. Clinical Hypnotherapy is usually induced with the guidance of a health care provider using verbal repetition and mental images. During hypnotherapy most people feel calm and relaxed.

Initially, you’ll usually have a talk with your therapist at Satory to discuss what you hope to achieve and agree what methods your therapist will use.

After this, the hypnotherapy may begin:

Relaxation During Hypnotherapy

The induction commences, which will lead you into a deeply relaxed state.
The therapist will use your agreed methods to help you towards your goals – for example, suggesting that you do not want to carry out a certain habit (e.g Quit Smoking).

Afterwards, the therapist will gradually bring you out of the relaxed-like state. Most people feel refreshed and relaxed.

You’re fully in control when under hypnosis and do not have to take on the therapist’s suggestions if you do not want to.

If necessary, you can bring yourself out of the hypnotic state at any time you wish.

Hypnosis does not work if you do not want to be hypnotised.

References

• Mamoune S, Mener E, Chapron A, Poimboeuf J. Hypnotherapy and insomnia: A narrative review of the literature. Complement Ther Med. 2022 May;65:102805.
• Krouwel M, Jolly K, Greenfield S. What the public think about hypnosis and hypnotherapy: A narrative review of literature covering opinions and attitudes of the general public 1996-2016. Complement Ther Med. 2017 Jun;32:75-84.
• Desai G, Chaturvedi SK, Ramachandra S. Hypnotherapy: fact or fiction: a review in palliative care and opinions of health professionals. Indian J Palliat Care. 2011 May;17(2):146-9.

Clinical hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis to induce a state of deep relaxation and promote positive change. Medical hypnosis is a safe and effective complementary technique for use in medical procedures and in the treatment of many conditions.

Clinical Hypnotherapy

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), Hypnosis is defined as “a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion.” Hypnosis changes the state of consciousness of a person and allows unconscious experiences to become a modified way of looking at reality.

A trained and certified hypnotherapist at Satory, will guide you into this deep state of focus and relaxation with verbal cues, repetition and imagery. When you’re completely relaxed, this intense level of concentration and focus allows you to ignore ordinary distractions and be more open to guided suggestions to make changes to improve your health.

What conditions is hypnotherapy helpful in treating?

Hypnotherapy may help treat any number of medical conditions in which psychological factors influence physical symptoms.

Common uses include:

• Stress and anxiety,
• Panic attacks and
• Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).
• Phobias.

Behavior control issues including:

• Smoking cessation,
• Losing weight and
• Enuresis (bedwetting).

Furthermore, other common medical uses include:

• Insomnia.
• Asthma.
• Hot flashes during menopause.
• Gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Pain control, including after surgery, childbirth, cancer, fibromyalgia, burns and
• Headaches (migraine and tension).
• Skin conditions, including warts and psoriasis.
• Side effects of cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment, including nausea and vomiting.

References

• Häuser W, Hagl M, Schmierer A, Hansen E. The Efficacy, Safety and Applications of Medical Hypnosis. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016 Apr 29;113(17):289-96. 
• Cuvelier C, Hars M, Zamorani-Bianchi MP, Herrmann FR, Wieczorkiewicz CD, Zekry D, Gold G, Trombetti A. Hypnosis to reduce fear of falling in hospitalized older adults: a feasibility randomized controlled trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2023 Aug 9;9(1):139.
• Webb AN, Kukuruzovic RH, Catto-Smith AG, Sawyer SM. Hypnotherapy for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Oct 17;(4):CD005110.