What is Hypnotherapy?
It is Hypnosis as applied to help healing and overcome challenges.
As an answer to the age old question of what is hypnotherapy we can say this: Technically, Clinical Hypnotherapy is Clinical neurophysiology. That is the study of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS).
This could be a Terminology used instead of referring to the words Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy which have acquired many misunderstood meanings.
This can also be called the Science of Suggestion and Neuroplasticity.
This is because in reality we use the subconscious mind to override harmful effects of thoughts or fears emanating from the brain.
Therefore using the Sympathetic Nervous System to do so.
In reality Hypnosis relies upon the bypassing of the critical faculty, or brain.
As soon as this is achieved we are in fact talking to the subconscious mind and accessing the Sympathetic Nervous System.
It is a fact that every word you think affects every atom in your body. These thoughts create feelings that can affect every part of your body. Additionally borne out by the fact the every physical nerve has a corresponding sympathetic nerve.
Therefore thoughts become feelings. If the thoughts are fearful or negative, they create fearful physical tension, plus stress, or depression related problems. Conversely good thoughts, calming thoughts, create good feelings.
This statement becomes justified as the Sympathetic Nervous System affects so many functions throughout the body.
Examples are:
Cardiovascular activity:
Increases heart rate, blood vessels and resulting blood pressure.
Particularly we refer to the solar plexus, or celiac plexus. This is a large part of the Sympathetic Nervous System. Known world-wide by medicine, science and spiritual people as the center of fear, hurt and stress.
Solar plexus in turn affects every organ of the body, including the skin, which is our biggest organ. Therefore calming of solar plexus by use of just voice brings about huge favorable changes to the whole body.
Fight or flight responses:
Adding fear to any disorder can magnify it out of proportion. Pain can become unbearable when fear is added. Palpitations can become life threatening heart problems when fear is added.
Respiratory system:
Sympathetic Nervous System dilates breathing passages to allow more air to enter the lungs. Therefore helping with shortness of breath problems, even easing asthma conditions with the calmness we provide with our methodologies.
Metabolic Digestive system:
All digestive problems and gastric reflux. Again from Sympathetic Nervous System and solar plexus.
The eyes and skin also are affected by the Sympathetic Nervous System. as are all the organs of the body.
Therefore Hypnotherapy helps every part of your life. Hypnotherapy helps every part of your life. By changes to the feelings created by thoughts we previously mentioned.
By simple use of words, voice tones, like a mother soothing her upset child. The Sympathetic Nervous System responds to calm voice. The body in turn is calmed. Therefore comes the realization a person can be calm. They have a choice finally and can choose calmness. We have shown them the control they truly have over their feelings and emotions.
Justified by the scientific facts regarding function of the sympathetic nervous system related to functions and feelings. Hypnotherapy uses and teaches skills giving people control over themselves once more.
We have listed many uses for hypnotherapy or neurophysiology on this website. Including stress and depression related problems. Pain management, fears and phobias and Sports Performance improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hypnotherapy real?
Yes. Hypnosis is a well-established method of focused attention and guided communication that has been studied for many decades. Modern hypnosis is used by trained professionals in a variety of settings, including coaching, education, performance enhancement, and, where appropriately qualified, healthcare.
Q: Can anyone learn Hypnotherapy ?
Most people can learn hypnosis with the right training, practice, and mentoring. You do not need any special talents or natural gifts. The key ingredients are curiosity, a willingness to practise, and a commitment to ethical professional development.
Q: How long does it take to become proficient?
Every student progresses at a different pace. A quality training programme provides the knowledge and practical experience needed to begin confidently, while continued practice, mentoring, and advanced education help refine your skills over time.
Q: Do I need a psychology or medical background?
No. Many successful hypnosis practitioners come from coaching, education, business, wellness, healthcare, and completely unrelated professions. Professional hypnosis training teaches the core principles and skills needed to work responsibly within your own scope of practice. Plus hypnosis works with the Sympathetic Nervous System to bring change, not the brain so is truly neurophysiology not psychology and truly should rather be called the lesser known name of neurophysiology.
Q: Is hypnotherapy safe?
When practised by a properly trained professional who works ethically and within their competence, hypnosis is generally considered a safe process for appropriate applications. Good training emphasises informed consent, client wellbeing, and rrecognisingif referral to another professional is appropriate.
Q: Will people lose control during Hypnotherapy ?
No. Hypnosis is a cooperative process. Clients remain aware of what is happening and cannot be forced to act against their values or personal beliefs.
Q: What’s the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis refers to the process or state of focused attention used to facilitate positive change. Hypnotherapy is the structured therapeutic application of hypnosis by appropriately trained practitioners to help clients work towards specific goals.
Q: Can Hypnotherapy be learned online?
Online learning can provide valuable theoretical knowledge. However, developing professional competence is greatly enhanced through live demonstrations, supervised practice, mentoring, and constructive feedback. Practical experience builds confidence that cannot be gained through reading or watching videos alone.
Q: What careers can Hypnotherapy training support?
Professional hypnosis skills can enhance careers in coaching, education, healthcare, leadership, wellness, consulting, and communication. Many graduates also establish successful private hypnosis or hypnotherapy practices.
Q: Why choose live mentored training?
Live mentoring enables students to ask questions, practise techniques, receive immediate feedback, observe experienced instructors, and build confidence in a supportive learning environment. These experiences accelerate learning and help prepare students for real-world practice.
So Discover what is hypnotherapy now.
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References
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Erickson, M. H., & Rossi, E. L. (1979). Hypnotherapy: An exploratory casebook. Irvington.
Erickson, M. H., Rossi, E. L., & Rossi, S. I. (1976). Hypnotic realities: The induction of clinical hypnosis and forms of indirect suggestion. Irvington.
Gorton, G. E. (2005). Milton Hyland Erickson, 1901–1980. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(7), 1255.
Haley, J. (1973). Uncommon therapy: The psychiatric techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D. W. W. Norton.
Lankton, S. R. (2020). What Milton Erickson said about being Ericksonian. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 63(1), 4–13.
Rosen, S. (1982). My voice will go with you: The teaching tales of Milton H. Erickson. W. W. Norton.
Short, D. (2018). Conversational hypnosis: Conceptual and technical differences relative to traditional hypnosis. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 61(2), 125–139. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2018.1441802
Zeig, J. K. (1980). A teaching seminar with Milton H. Erickson. Brunner/Mazel.
Zeig, J. K., & Munion, W. M. (1999). Milton H. Erickson. Sage Publications.