by Anease Lacaze

Created on: October 01, 2008   Last Updated: May 10, 2010

Hypnotherapy: Origin, Practices, Possibilities

A trance is an intensely relaxed state of mind. While in a trance, the brain is open and remarkably reactive to suggestions. The brain is in a heightened state of awareness while the body feels calm. During hypnosis, a trained hypnotherapist guides you gently into a trance under which he or she can use the power of suggestion and visualization to improve bodily processes or break habits.

The mind connects events or memories with both physical and emotional "tags." The mind recalls these "tags" each time the memory resurfaces or the event reoccurs. For instance, when someone overeats, the brain connects the overeating with a feeling; in most cases, overeating is associated with comfort. A hypnotherapist can coach the mind to link eating with healthier and safer memories.

Hypnotherapy originated in ancient cultures, but modern hypnosis was established by Franz Anton Mesmer. Mesmer was a healer of sorts, practicing with magnets and hypnosis throughout the 1700's. His findings were opposed by the masses and ridiculed as inconclusive and anything but science.

In the mid-1900's however, another hypnotherapist can to the forefront; Milton H. Erickson began practicing hypnotherapy in addition to psychiatry. He found that the mind, while in a trance-like state, is much more open to new changes. He used this information to coax or train the unconscious mind into changing behaviors. Erickson truly paved the way for modern hypnotherapists by altering the science of hypnotherapy.

Currently, hypnotherapists use an array of techniques to retrain the mind. It is believed that the more willing and eager the client, the better the result. During a hypnotherapy session, a therapist can work on any aspect of the client's life. Often, clients seek help with losing weight. Weight-loss hypnotherapy can be greatly beneficial to clients who feel they are motivated, but require a push in the right direction. Hypnotherapy can reduce the likelihood of overeating by improving the mind's ability to sense when the stomach is full. Similarly, hypnotherapy can be used to quit smoking by first reducing the likelihood of cravings. The mind can be trained to disregard the yearning for a cigarette; some ailments/conditions, like smoking, often require several sessions of treatment.

Often, hypnotherapists work in other medical fields also. It is possible to find licensed hypnotherapists who are also doctors or psychiatrists. Hundreds of classroom hours are necessary to begin working as a hypnotherapist (the number varies depending on location). There are graduate programs in many cities to provide even further instruction. One should research their specific area to find out what courses are needed to practice hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy schools can be a great source of information; they can provide a list of hypnotherapists in the area as well as courses provided by the school. For information on local licensed hypnotherapists or hypnotherapy training, visit http://apmha.com/hypnosishelp/.

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