So What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a guided form of trance. Trance is a natural state of consciousness that people slip in and out of during in their everyday life. Generally such trances are relatively light, in their depth or level of focus. With hypnosis, however, our natural capacity for trance can be guided to a level of hypnotic depth that allows for people to utilize unconscious psychological and physiological resources to make extraordinary changes in their lives.
Benefits of Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a natural and effective treatment for a variety of psychological and overall health concerns. including:
- Anxiety and Stress Management
- Depression and Low Self Esteem
- Psychological Trauma (e.g The effects of Abuse, Rape, Auto Accidents, Combat PTSD, etc.)
- Pain Management
- Insomnia
- Test-Anxiety and Attention Problems
- Habit Control (e.g. Smoking Cessation, Skin Picking, Hair Pulling, etc.)
- Psychological Preparation for Childbirth
- Any much more…
Part of what sets hypnotherapy apart from other psychological treatment techniques is that it can quickly enable changes at a deeper level than other forms of therapy. Another hallmark benefit of hypnotherapy is that it directly targets the mind-body connection to help create desired changes in your body.
Since hypnotherapy relies on your bodies naturalcapacity for trance, it does not come along with the many possible side effects of many medical treatments. This is why it is a preferred treatment method for many people who have concerns about taking prescription medications.
Hypnosis Myths
Unfortunately there are a lot of misconceptions that exist about hypnosis, which keep most people from exploring the benefits of trance. Both direct and indirect misinformation can be found throughout the media, advertising, and even saturday morning cartoons. Some would have you believe that “all of your problems can be solved with one session of hypnotherapy.” Others would have you believe that hypnosis involves a total loss of control, and you will end up clucking like a chicken if you get hypnotized.
Neither of these messages are true, and sadly they have the power to either scare people away from hypnosis or give people unrealistic expectations about the “limitless” power of hypnosis.
If you have any questions about hypnosis, please feel free to call or email me.
Self-Hypnosis
For many people who have been exposed to the myth that hypnosis involves a giving up of control, the existence of self-hypnosis may come as a surprise. The reality is that all hypnosis involves self-hypnosis (even if it is the self is merely giving permission for hypnosis to take place). As a clinician, I find self-hypnosis a wonderful way for clients to reinforce the work that is done with me in hypnotherapy. I like to teach all of my hypnotherapy clients the fundamentals of self-hypnosis to help them maximize the benefits of our work together.
Visit our Self-Hypnosis page for more information about this service.
Why Work With a Licensed Hypnosis Practitioner?
Though much of the public is unaware, there are a large number of “hypnotherapists” in Colorado who are not licensed by the state. This means that such individuals have not been required to meet any specific educational requirements to ensure their qualifications to perform therapy. They merely have to register with the state of Colorado to become “registered therapists.” While these individuals may potentially be very skilled with hypnosis they may have limited or no training in mental health treatment. Licensed clinicians, on the other hand, have to meet specific training requirements set by the state to ensure a minimum level of competence in their field of practice.
I highly recommend that anyone seeking a hypnotherapist find one who is licensed to practice in their given field (e.g. Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Medical Doctor, etc.). If you are struggling to find a licensed clinician who specializes in a given treatment, I would be happy to provide you with a referral for a qualified clinician. You can also search the database of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis to find a qualified hypnotherapist.
If you chose to work with a registered therapist, I would highly encourage you to critically review their educational background to decide if they are well suited to help you. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that if someone does not have the credentials and training to help you without hypnosis, it is not advised to receive hypnotic treatment from them.
Making a Hypnotherapy Appointment
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or learning more about how hypnotherapy can help you, please call 720-441-3690 or email us at denverconnectedself@gmail.com.
