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20 December 2024

Anxiety Disorders managed with Clinical Hypnosis

ACUPUNCTURE > Clinical Hypnotherapy, Alternative Medical Therapies, Health and Medicine News, ACUPUNCTURE > Psychosomatic Disorders

Clinical Hypnosis is effective in treating anxiety disorders, depression, and fear in many people.

Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. However, if your feelings of anxiety are extreme, last for at least 6 months, and are interfering with your life, you may have an anxiety disorder.

What is an Anxiety Disorder?

It’s normal to feel anxious about taking a test, moving to a new place, or starting a new job. This type of anxiety is unpleasant, but it may motivate you to work harder and do a better job. Furthermore, ordinary anxiety is a feeling that doesn’t interfere with your everyday life.

In the case of an anxiety disorder, the feeling of fear is intense and sometimes debilitating and may be with you all the time. Moreover, if this disorder is left untreated, the anxiety will keep getting worse.

Symptoms can include:

  • anxious thoughts or beliefs that are difficult to control
  • difficulty falling asleep
  • trouble concentrating
  • irritability
  • fatigue
  • unexplained aches and pains
  • tinnitus

Clinical Hypnotherapy for Anxiety Disorders

Hypnotherapy revolves around altering a person’s brainwaves, thus, allowing them to tap into resources within themselves that they cannot reach when fully conscious. Research strongly indicates that the approach can help individuals manage their anxiety.

 Ultimately, the goal of modern clinical hypnotherapy is to resolve internal conflicts, reframe psychological and emotional patterns and release negative emotions.

Through this process, consequently, the person recognizes that he is self-reliant and independent in all areas of his life and that he can rely completely on his own strengths. Additionally, he also realizes that he already has all the necessary knowledge and wisdom as well as the strengths and abilities to make any change he desires in his life.

Overcome your difficulties and obtain the mental and physical well-being you desire, with clinical hypnotherapy at Satory.

Clinical Hypnotherapy for Anxiety Disorders.satory

Clinical Hypnotherapy for Anxiety Disorders

 

References

  • Valentine KE, Milling LS, Clark LJ, Moriarty CL. THE EFFICACY OF HYPNOSIS AS A TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY: A META-ANALYSIS. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2019 Jul-Sep;67(3):336-363. 
  • Leo DG, Keller SS, Proietti R. “Close your eyes and relax”: the role of hypnosis in reducing anxiety, and its implications for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Front Psychol. 2024 Jul 5;15:1411835.
  • Alladin A. Cognitive Hypnotherapy for Accessing and Healing Emotional Injuries for Anxiety Disorders. Am J Clin Hypn. 2016 Jul;59(1):24-46.
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16 December 2024

Weight loss is enhanced with Hypnotherapy

Weight Loss, ACUPUNCTURE > Clinical Hypnotherapy, Alternative Medical Therapies

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a tool used to help individuals reach a state of total relaxation. Research on hypnotherapy has shown some promise for treating obesity and helping with weight loss.  During a session, the conscious and unconscious mind are able to focus and concentrate on verbal repetition and mental imagery. The mind, as a result, becomes open to suggestion and open to change with regard to behaviours, emotions, and habits. The person is not under the control of the hypnotist but instead gains access to own their innate abilities.

Forms of this alternative therapy have been used since the 1700 to help people with anything from bed-wetting to nail-biting to smoking. Research on hypnosis has also shown some promise for treating obesity.

Does Hypnotherapy work for weight loss?

Hypnotherapy for Weight loss.satory

Hypnotherapy for Weight loss

Hypnotherapy may be more effective than diet and exercise alone for people looking to lose weight. The idea is that the mind can be influenced to change habits like overeating. 

Many research protocols have examined the use of hypnotherapy for weight loss and have concluded that hypnotherapy enhances weight loss in combination with diet and exercise. Thus, hypnosis may be a safe and effective adjuvant treatment for assisting weight loss.

What to expect from Hypnotherapy?

During hypnotherapy, your therapist, at Satory, will begin your session by explaining how hypnosis works. They’ll then go over your personal goals. From there, your therapist may begin speaking in a soothing, gentle voice to help you relax and to establish a feeling of safety.

Once you’ve reached a more receptive state of mind, your therapist may suggest ways to help you change your eating or exercise habits or other ways to reach your weight loss goals.

Certain words or repetition of certain phrases may help with this stage. Your therapist may also help you visualize yourself reaching goals through sharing vivid mental imagery.

To close the session, your therapist will help bring you out of hypnosis and back to your starting state.

References

  • Stradling, J., Roberts, D., Wilson, A. et al. Controlled trial of hypnotherapy for weight loss in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Int J Obes 22, 278–281 (1998).
  • N.A. Roslim, A. Ahmad, M. Mansor, Myat Moe Thwe Aung, F. Hamzah, H.Hassan, Pei Lin Lua. Hypnotherapy for overweight and obese patients: A narrative review,
    Journal of Integrative Medicine, Vol.19, Issue 1, 2021.
  • Mathieu Landry, Michael Lifshitz, Amir Raz, Brain correlates of hypnosis: A systematic review and meta-analytic exploration. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Vol.81, Part A, 2017.
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18 October 2023

What Happens to the Brain during Hypnotherapy?

ACUPUNCTURE > Clinical Hypnotherapy

Brain-imaging studies have helped to illuminate what occurs inside the hypnotized brain, though much still remains a mystery.

Hypnotherapy causes observable changes in the brain

Imaging studies observing the general effect of the hypnotic state have found that observable changes occur in the brain during hypnotherapy (1,2). Areas and systems involved in: 

  • Consciousness and
  • Sense of self
  • Attentional absorption and
    Brain Imaging during Hypnotherapy.satory

    Brain Imaging during Hypnotherap

  • Spontaneous conceptual thought
  • Concentration, attentional control and executive function (reasoning, problem solving, planning, self-control, and cognitive flexibility). (3)
  • Higher cortical functions. (4)
  • Awareness and control of internal bodily processes and emotions. (5)
  • Emotional evaluation and worrying

During hypnotherapy, activity in a brain region that aids people switch between tasks quiets down. This same region seems to disconnect from another area responsible for self-reflection and daydreaming—which may be why hypnotized people aren’t worried about who they are or what they’re doing. Researchers have also found that hypnosis can calm different regions that help control autonomic functions like heart rate, blood flow, and breathing. This is likely what leads to the physical relaxation that’s a hallmark of hypnosis.

In hypnotherapy the brain enters the alpha (light hypnosis) and theta (deep hypnosis) states, and one is highly focused on  suggestions and imagery while suspending the ordinary thinking processes of the beta state. In the alpha and theta states,  suggestions are integrated into the mind more easily, and memories become more accessible. 

References

  1. Kittle J, Spiegel D. Hypnosis: The Most Effective Treatment You Have Yet to Prescribe. Am J Med. 2021 Mar;134(3):304-305.
  2. Spiegel D, Moore R. Imagery and hypnosis in the treatment of cancer patients. Oncology (Williston Park). 1997 Aug;11(8):1179-89;
  3. Deeley Q, Oakley DA, Toone B, Giampietro V, Brammer MJ, Williams SC, Halligan PW. Modulating the default mode network using hypnosis. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2012;60(2):206-28.
  4. Rainville, P., Hofbauer, R. K., Bushnell, M. C., Duncan, G. H., & Price, D. D. . Hypnosis Modulates Activity in Brain Structures Involved in the Regulation of Consciousness. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, (2002) 14(6), 887-901.
  5. Jiang, H., White, M. P., Greicius, M. D., Waelde, L. C., & Spiegel, D. (2016). Brain Activity and Functional Connectivity Associated with Hypnosis. Cerebral Cortex.
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11 October 2023

Benefits of Clinical Hypnotherapy

ACUPUNCTURE > Clinical Hypnotherapy

Clinical hypnotherapy can be thought of as a “connector” linking your subconscious mind to your conscious mind and thus glean the therapeutic benefits.

What are the Benefits of Clinical Hypnotherapy?

  • Reduction of chronic and acute pain

Many studies have portrayed that clinical hypnotherapy consistently produced significant decreases in a variety of chronic-pain issues (1). Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for at least 6 months or longer and may cause considerable suffering and distress. Clinical hypnotherapy that involved practitioner-lead instruction (during a session) as well as self-hypnosis education for the patient (outside of a session) helped in reducing pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, physical disability, lower back pain and even cancer.

Reduction of anxiety and symptoms of depression

Clinical hypnotherapy assists individuals struggling with anxiety and depression by improving physical and emotional control, reducing self-consciousness and channeling focused attention (2).

Benefits of Hypnotherapy.satory

Benefits of Hypnotherapy.satory

  • Management of phobias or fears

One of the most popular uses for Clinical Hypnotherapy is in the management of phobias and fears. A phobia is defined as “a marked and persistent fear of the presence or anticipation of an encounter with a specific situation”, for example flying, spiders, large crowds…etc. For sufferers, this may elicit a sense of panic and/or anxiety accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, heavy breathing and an increased heart rate.

A 2008 study in California, USA, found all participants receiving hypnotherapy for a set of specific phobias including the fear of snakes, driving and heights experienced an average 56.46% decrease in symptoms in comparison to their baseline score. Many  published  articles from the American Psychological Association found that “both common and uncommon phobias have been treated successfully with hypnotherapy” usually involving image-based therapy and suggestive de-sensitisation techniques.

Self-esteem and relationship issue benefits

 Hypnotherapy has been described as a “psychological or mental healing process (that may be used) to achieve desired goals like changing current feelings or behaviours”. These feelings or behaviours can often involve the negative attitudes, beliefs and values we have of ourselves and our relationships; which can be detrimental to our growth and/or success. Using suggestive techniques, you will begin to positively change the way you:

  • talk to yourself,
  • value who you are,
  • process situations,
  • interact with others, and
  • see life events from a different angle.

References

  1. Elkins G, Jensen MP, Patterson DR. Hypnotherapy for the management of chronic pain. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2007 Jul;55(3):275-87. doi: 10.1080/00207140701338621.
  2. Alladin A. Cognitive hypnotherapy for psychological management of depression in palliative care. Ann Palliat Med. 2018 Jan;7(1):112-124.
27 September 2023

Possible Contraindications to Hypnotherapy

ACUPUNCTURE > Clinical Hypnotherapy, Alternative Medical Therapies

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.satory

    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. 
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20 September 2023

What Happens in an Hypnotherapy Session?

ACUPUNCTURE > Clinical Hypnotherapy, Alternative Medical Therapies

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.satory

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.
18 September 2023

Clinical Hypnotherapy

ACUPUNCTURE > Clinical Hypnotherapy, Alternative Medical Therapies

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.satory

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.
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