Improved mind-body connection: There is increased activity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the insula, the area responsible for the brain-body connection.
Typically, there are 3 stages to a hypnotherapy session:
Hypnotic induction = being guided through relaxation exercises to be gently induced into a relaxed and focused state.
Visualizations = using exercises to help you visualize what’s going on in your body.
Suggestions = offering simple suggestions to the subconscious mind that addresses the specific behavior or condition that you’re working towards changing.
How does hypnotherapy feel?
During a hypnotherapy session, you won’t be clucking like a chicken or embarrassing yourself at a ‘hypnosis’ stage show. You don’t lose control of yourself, you gain a sense of control by working with your subconscious mind to rewire your brain and make new neural pathways.
The experience of hypnotherapy is unique for all, but it is most commonly described as a feeling similar to that of daydreaming. There are everyday ‘trance’ states that are a part of human existence. It’s important to remember that hypnotherapy is not mind control and at no point will you do anything against your will.
During your session, you may notice your awareness dropping in and out. This feeling can be compared to the following scenarios:
being absorbed by a good book
being engrossed by your favorite movie
driving down a familiar route
washing the dishes
losing track of time
It happens naturally, automatically, and without you needing to think about it!
As the experience is unique to all, there’s no way to offer the perfect example of how you will feel during hypnosis. If you aren’t reaching what feels like a deep state of relaxation during a session, don’t worry. It can still be effective. While not everyone can be hypnotized, research shows that the majority of people sit somewhere in the middle of hypnotisability, and a smaller proportion possess a higher ability.
How much does hypnotherapy cost?
The price of hypnotherapy depends on your location, the specialist you see, and what condition or behavior you are addressing. At a high level, an in-person session with a qualified hypnotherapist can be expensive, usually upwards of $100 US per session (keep in mind that you usually need more than one to see positive change). Your health insurance may be able to cover your sessions but double-check this directly with your fund.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce the cost of your hypnotherapy experience, you can try using app-based hypnotherapy programs, such as Nerva for irritable bowel syndrome, Finito for smoking cessation, and Evia for menopausal hot flash management. Studies have shown that app-based therapeutics can work just as well as in-person appointments! Digital therapeutics can not only be less expensive, but they also don’t require long wait lists or travel time. You can complete your hypnotherapy sessions in the comfort of your own home.
What are the side effects of hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is an exceptionally safe and effective practice for a variety of mental and physical health conditions when conducted by a trained professional. Be sure to do thorough research and only see a hypnotherapist with a license to practice. Speak to a doctor to assist you in finding the right therapist for you.
Like any treatment, side effects can be experienced. Hypnotherapy side effects are rare, but they can include:
Anxiety
Dizziness
Insomnia
Nausea
It is also recommended that those with a history of psychosis do not use hypnotherapy and seek alternative treatment forms unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.
The Wrap Up
Hypnotherapy has come a long way over the years and is slowly but surely becoming a popular way to address a list of health conditions and concerns. The combination of hypnosis and talk therapy guides you into a focused state of attention, opening the subconscious mind to personalized suggestions designed to better your health and well-being. Hypnotherapy has proved to be an effective way to manage conditions and behaviors such as anxiety, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, smoking cessation, and menopausal hot flashes. If you’re interested in exploring hypnotherapy, be sure to speak with a doctor to help you find the right therapist for you.
References
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Wolf TG, Faerber KA, Rummel C, Halsband U, Campus G. Functional Changes in Brain Activity Using Hypnosis: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci. 2022;12(1):108. Published 2022 Jan 13. doi:10.3390/brainsci12010108
Radovancević L. Doprinos pionira hipnoterapije--Dr. Franza Antona Mesmera u povijesti psihoterapije i medicine [The tribute of the pioneer of hypnotherapy--Franz Anton Mesmer, MD, PhD in the history of psychotherapy and medicine]. Acta Med Hist Adriat. 2009;7(1):49-60.
Williamson A. What is hypnosis and how might it work?. Palliat Care. 2019;12:1178224219826581. Published 2019 Jan 31. doi:10.1177/1178224219826581
Lush, P., Naish, P. and Dienes, Z., 2016. Metacognition of intentions in mindfulness and hypnosis. Neuroscience of Consciousness, 2016(1).https://academic.oup.com/nc/article-pdf/doi/10.1093/nc/niw007/27781434/niw007.pdf
Peters SL, Gibson PR, Halmos EP. 654 MOBILE APP-DELIVERED GUT-DIRECTED HYPNOTHERAPY SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVES SYMPTOMS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME. IS THIS THE WAY OF THE FUTURE? Gastroenterology. 2021;160(6):S-128. doi:10.1016/s0016-5085(21)01058-1
Bollinger JW. The Rate of Adverse Events Related to Hypnosis During Clinical Trials. Am J Clin Hypn. 2018;60(4):357-366. doi:10.1080/00029157.2017.1315927
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