Considered an alternative method of treatment by some authors, hypnosis has its place in psychotherapy and especially in cases in which conditions unresponsive to conventional methods improve their prognosis. During hypnosis, a kind of clearing of the usual thought flow occurs. It is a valuable method of psychotherapy by which several problems can be affected.
The method has been known since ancient times. In the beginning, even prolonged staring at strange objects was used to achieve hypnotism. The method was also often used for anesthesia – pain relief during various manipulations (before the era of anesthetics).
To give greater imagery to the method, its comparison with sleep is used, although the two states are different. During sleep, the brain switches from beta to alpha frequency, and for short periods, theta and delta wave frequencies. In hypnosis, the aim is to reach the alpha range, but without falling into a state of sleep. While in the beta range, the brain acts by reasoning, putting what it has learned into action, in the alpha range it is possible to carry out self-suggestion.
Importantly, hypnotized patients do not fall into sleep, but into deep relaxation. The idea of the method is not to fall asleep, but to expand the view. During meditation, the brain, just as in hypnosis, tunes into the frequency of alpha waves.
Self-suggestion is central to hypnosis. It concludes the incorporation of useful or necessary habits – for example, a change in the way of eating. In addition, it affects harmful habits with the aim of their eradication – for example, smoking, alcoholism, and others. A good effect is observed in patients with various phobias, a problem with self-perception, and depression, including obsessive-compulsive disorders.
It enables the discovery of answers that the mind somehow does not allow to be brought to light – reaching repressed emotions and traumas from the past.
During hypnosis, consciousness becomes passive, and against this background, the subconscious becomes open, which in turn allows the hypnotist to influence through suggestions. Without relaxation and compliance with the hypnotist’s instructions, falling into hypnosis against your will is not possible.
Through hypnosis, new information is placed at the subconscious level, with which the mind (consciousness) operates as something perceived to comply with. Specialists in psychiatry who report results from the application of hypnosis in the treatment of certain addictions highlight cases where the effect lasts for nearly 10 years.
Anyone can undergo hypnosis, but some may require more time, depending on individual characteristics and the ability to relax.
The recommendation of specialists is that the method should be used for specific purposes – mainly neuropsychiatric diseases and conditions. Apart from several positive effects, the therapy cannot be completely safe, because the subconscious mind is unpredictable and experience shows that risks are possible, especially if it falls into the hands of a layman.
The consultation before the therapy itself is mandatory. Through it, the therapist is informed about the nature of the problem and at the same time prepares the patient for the hypnosis itself. It has been proven to be more powerful than verbal psychotherapy. The impact is significantly deeper, and a more lasting effect and visible results are achieved in a short period.