Medical hypnosis, which in everyday consciousness is associated with magic and charlatanism, actually has proven effectiveness and helps to get rid of negative attitudes, psychosomatic diseases and even addictions.
aif.ru told about this therapeutic method physician, hypnotherapist, founder of the International University of Integrative Psychology (IUIP) Anna Protasova.
To be under hypnosis is for many both curious and scary at the same time. Someone believes in the omnipotence of this method, someone considers it a deception for simpletons. However, hypnotherapy has long been an officially recognized therapeutic technique, in which there is absolutely nothing harmful, dangerous and, alas, nothing mysterious and magical. But since the topic of hypnosis is still shrouded in myths, we asked our expert to comment on them.
Myth number 1. Hypnosis is a great danger to the psyche.
In fact. “Not the slightest!” says A. Protasova. – Back in 1983, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized hypnosis as a therapeutic method. In the US, the National Institutes of Health Technology has recommended the integration of hypnotherapy into medical practice. Therefore, you should definitely not be afraid of hypnosis. The main thing is to choose a specialist you can trust.”
Myth No. 2. Hypnosis involves a disconnected consciousness of the patient.
In fact. Here, probably, cinema and animation played their role. Suffice it to recall the Disney cartoons about Tom and Jerry, where a cat that has fallen under hypnosis has spirals in both eyes. But in fact, the patient under hypnosis does not lose consciousness. He is in a different state – a trance. In this state, according to our expert, all the attention of a person is directed to internal sensations, to the processes of the body and psyche. When immersed in medical hypnosis, our attention is focused as much as possible, memory and imagination are activated. Outwardly, it may look like meditation – closed eyes, relaxed posture – but in fact, nothing like that, because during hypnosis, inner work is in full swing. If meditation is aimed at disconnecting from thoughts, then hypnosis, on the contrary, is aimed at concentrating attention and working out a specific request.
Myth No. 3. Hypnosis replaces conventional psychotherapy, as it is more effective.
In fact. “Hypnosis is an addition to basic psychotherapy, not its replacement,” warns A. Protasova. “But the addition is very important. Studies by Kirch, Montgomery have shown that hypnosis in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy increases its effectiveness by 70%.
The problems for which hypnotherapy is recommended can be very different. Among them, for example:
- psychosomatic states: hypnosis is used to reduce pain (including during severe PMS), as well as for irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disorders;
- psychoemotional disorders: neuroses, adjustment disorders, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), borderline personality disorders, depressive, anxiety, panic disorders, obsessions, addictions;
- unstable self-esteem, self-doubt, loss of strength;.
- anxiety and stress.
Myth No. 4. Hypnosis can cure not only mental, but also physical ailments, including organic pathologies.
In fact. “Sometimes hypnosis is recommended for patients with serious illnesses that are not related to psychosomatics,” says Protasova. “But this is done solely in order to develop in the patient positive attitudes towards recovery, which are very important in the treatment process. The good news is that hypnotherapy solves problems in just 10-12 sessions.”
Myth #5: A hypnotherapist puts a patient into a trance by casting spells over them.
In fact. “Specialists, of course, do not use any spells,” says Protasova. – First of all, the client and the psychotherapist formulate in detail the goals of immersion in a trance – the suggestions that the specialist will focus on will depend on this. During the dialogue, a safe and comfortable space for the client is created. Then, with the help of voice, methodically verified pauses and hidden suggestions, the therapist does his job – at this time the client simply listens to him and follows the sensations.
Myth #6: Getting a patient into hypnosis requires face-to-face contact. On the Internet, hypnotherapy is not carried out remotely, it is a scam.
In fact. According to the expert, face-to-face contact is completely optional. By the way, voice recordings can be just as effective. The only thing is that it is almost impossible to find them on the Internet in good quality, and specialists who offer their services online often do not know the technique of hypnotic voice.
Myth #7: Hypnosis may not work because not everyone is suggestible.
In fact. “You don’t need to have any special psyche, be especially subject to someone else’s influence in order to fall into a trance state. The social attitudes in which we exist from the first days of our lives can be easily compared with suggestion from the outside, says Protasova. – For example, from parents we receive information about how it is worth and how not to behave in society, and on the basis of these beliefs we build our life around. Therefore, everyone is susceptible to suggestion. And that’s okay.”
Myth number 8. There are only a few real hypnotherapists. The rest are charlatans, it is extremely difficult to distinguish those from others. Therefore, it is better not to take risks.
In fact. “Finding a good specialist in any field is really not easy, the expert agrees. – The most obvious advice is to look for a specialist who has a specialized education, and not just self-confidence and a pleasant voice. But in itself, the presence of a crust does not mean anything – check whether the university whose diploma is presented by the hypnotherapist has accreditation in Russia and in the world. Also a first basic education in medicine or psychology will be a big advantage. Ask the specialist about their experience with your specific request. And it is very important that the person be pleasant to you, cause a feeling of safety and comfort.
Source: aif.ru
