Clinical Hypnosis refers to the mainstream medical or “clinical” use of hypnosis. It can be used as a stand-alone therapy or integrated with other psychotherapies. Clinical hypnosis generally applies when hypnosis is used as an adjunct to a mainstream medical or psychological treatment.

Clinical hypnotherapy is a more extensive use of clinical hypnosis to treat medical, psychological, behavioural and life-style problems.

Research shows that using clinical hypnosis can make treatment much more effective. Patients also enjoy the experience of hypnosis and are often more motivated towards achieving outcomes.

In short, it is increasingly considered an essential component of 21^st century medicine.

Many people are fascinated by the study of the mind. Clinical hypnosis can provide a science-based exploration into the way the mind works, the unconscious mind and even unlock the hidden potential and secrets of the subconscious.

In fact, the study of hypnosis and similar states lies at the foundation of almost all modern philosophies and mental investigations.

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state with a profound ability to enhance learning and bring about change. This makes it an ideal tool outside the consulting room.

Hypnosis is increasingly being used in the following areas to documented success :

•   sports training and coaching
•   stress management and relaxation
•   as part of corporate training
•   performance anxiety
•   resilience training

Clinical Hypnotherapy can be conceptualized as the combined approach of clinical hypnosis and other psychotherapies. Clinical hypnosis is a powerful tool which utilizes the power of the unconscious mind to facilitate change in our thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

The patient or client is guided into a relaxed but extremely focused state. Barriers, which may have previously caused resistance to change, weaken as the person relaxes, enabling them to learn new ways of coping quickly and effectively.

Clinical hypnotherapy can treat an extensive list of medical, psychological and emotional problems. It is particularly helpful in dealing with psycho-social aspects of illness which can sometimes hinder recovery or place the patient at a healing disadvantage.

It has been successfully used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, to manage symptoms of cancer patients and in pain management. There is extensive research and evidence supporting its inclusion in clinical practice.

Clinical hypnotherapy generally includes a range of different approaches.  

i. Traditional / Medical approach
Historically, this is a structured method of using relaxation and suggestion. This approach is particularly effective as an adjunct treatment or in the management of acute pain and surgery. It is often used as an adjunct treatment and is effective because it is fast and does not require extensive psychotherapy techniques to deal with root causes.
Typical use : chronic pain management, preparation for surgery and during surgery, habits such as smoking cessation and weight management, phobias and mild anxiety.

ii. Ericksonian Hypnosis
This method is much less structured. It includes metaphor, story-telling using the patient’s own psychological references. It is an effective method for managing resistance and utilizing the unconscious mind.

iii. Clinical Hypnotherapy or hypno-psychotherapy
The traditional medical approach has expanded to include an increasing number of therapeutic tools and methodology. This is particularly effective with patients who need to process emotions or work psychological issues.
This method is particularly effective to manage the increasing number of psychological and emotional responses to illness, stress and life events.

iv. Hypno-analysis
Hypno-analysis is a form of clinical hypnotherapy but places an emphasis on determining the root cause of the problem and helps to remove or reframe the problem rather than managing the symptom. Freud, the father of psycho-analysis was an early researcher into the use of hypnosis. Today, this method is generally included as one of the psychotherapy options in clinical hypnotherapy.
Hypno-analytical methods may require additional time because they involve the identification of the root cause and the treatment of the problem. It is more common to find hypno-analytical techniques integrated into mainstream clinical hypnotherapeutic approaches.

v. Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy
This approach is a combined approach integrating clinical hypnotherapy with behavioural psychology and the evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The focus of the therapy is to assist the patient acquire the skills and tools to positively influence their emotional, behavioural, cognitive and symptomatic responses.
It is fast, effective and the combined approach is helpful for patients with depression, anxiety disorders, negative mindset and unrealistic expectations. Mainstream clinical hypnotherapy includes many behavioural psychotherapy approaches.

vi. Solution focused hypnotherapy
Clinical hypnotherapy is by nature a solution focused on goal-focused therapy. Solution focused therapy can trace its origins to the language patterns of clinical hypnotherapy which also means that most clinical hypnotherapy approaches are also solution focused.
People sometimes get stuck trying to understand the details of their problem. Solution focused hypnotherapy is designed to refocus the patient on the things that matter to them. It is a fast, effective and enjoyable approach within clinical hypnotherapy.

vii. Hypnotherapy and NLP
Hypnotherapy and Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) do share some common aspects such as the relationship between language, behaviour and excellence. Many techniques used by NLP can be enhanced and incorporated into clinical hypnotherapy.
In the same way, hypnotherapy approaches can be included in coaching and NLP programmes generally offered in personal development or corporate training.

Clinical hypnotherapy is sometimes called the oldest western psychotherapy. It is also an exciting approach to treat many of the common problems of the 21st century.

It is effective with a wide cross-section of different patients and people and can sometimes provide relief when even traditional therapies have failed to produce benefit. It is important to remember that clinical hypnotherapy is not a panacea for every illness or patient.

Some people will prefer a strictly pharmacotherapy (medicine-based) approach and may not wish to visit a therapist.

For clinical hypnotherapy to be effective, both the practitioner and the patient must work together. All the golden rules of therapy also apply such as unconditional positive regard, rapport and empathy, working with the patient’s belief system, empowering the patient.

Most people however, enjoy the experience of going into the hypnotic state. Because it is a naturally occurring state there are virtually no side-effects. It is also the safest relaxant known to man.

•   A Clinical Hypnotherapy session is just like a counseling or coaching session, with one difference. Your therapist will use clinical hypnosis or a combination of clinical hypnosis and other psychotherapies during the session

•   Each session lasts about one to one and a half hours.

•   The first part is about getting to know you, your requirements and of course, explaining clinical hypnosis to you.

•   If you are seeing a medical doctor or specialist, you may wish to inform them that you are also seeing a clinical hypnotherapist. You will never be asked to stop your medication or change treatment. Only your doctor can do that.

•   Clinical hypnosis often begins with a formal induction. You are always asked if you are ready to begin. The clinical hypnotherapist will generally ask you to close your eyes and take you into a state of deep relaxation.

•   The primary therapy is usually done in the state of relaxation. But every stage of the therapy is important. You will also have the opportunity to play your part. Clinical hypnotherapy often includes fun types of homework.  

•   Before waking you up, the clinical hypnotherapist will install suggestions that will help you stay motivated and accomplish your goals. This is called ego-strengthening. Most people wake up feeling very positive and rested.

•   A Clinical Hypnotherapy session is just like a counseling or coaching session, with one difference. Your therapist will use clinical hypnosis or a combination of clinical hypnosis and other psychotherapies during the session

•   Each session lasts about one to one and a half hours.

•   The first part is about getting to know you, your requirements and of course, explaining clinical hypnosis to you.

•   If you are seeing a medical doctor or specialist, you may wish to inform them that you are also seeing a clinical hypnotherapist. You will never be asked to stop your medication or change treatment. Only your doctor can do that.

•   Clinical hypnosis often begins with a formal induction. You are always asked if you are ready to begin. The clinical hypnotherapist will generally ask you to close your eyes and take you into a state of deep relaxation.

•   The primary therapy is usually done in the state of relaxation. But every stage of the therapy is important. You will also have the opportunity to play your part. Clinical hypnotherapy often includes fun types of homework.  

•   Before waking you up, the clinical hypnotherapist will install suggestions that will help you stay motivated and accomplish your goals. This is called ego-strengthening. Most people wake up feeling very positive and rested.

Clinical hypnotherapy is considered a brief (short) therapy. Typical number of sessions are between 3 – 5 sessions depending on the type of problem you have and of course, your own personal situation.

The duration of therapy will really be dependent on your circumstances and the reason for which you are seeking hypnosis. If you have specific constrains such as monetary, time or travel you should discuss these with your therapist.

Clinical Hypnotherapy fees do vary depending on the practitioner, their location, their experience and many other things. Please ask when you make the appointment. You do not usually pay for sessions in advance. You should of course be familiar with the cancellation policy.

Single session therapy such as smoking cessation is often charged at a higher rate than multiple session therapy.

Family therapy or couples therapy is often charged at a different rate.

Group therapy fees are generally shared between all the participants and can be an affordable way of managing long term therapeutic support.

Clinical Hypnotherapy is safe for all age groups. The usual age range is 4 – 18 years old and parental consent is required. Children respond very well to clinical hypnotherapy.

Parents are often provided with an opportunity to discuss the presenting problem with the therapist. However it is not necessary to remain in the room during the therapy.