What is the difference?
(And why should I care?)
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are not the same thing. It is understandable that they are often confused, as many people use the terms interchangeably.
Hypnosis is a state of altered consciousness. For reference, many people are in and out of
hypnotic trance every day, such as just before falling asleep or upon waking up, when
engrossed in a book or movie and losing track of time, when driving on autopilot, etc. While in the hypnotic state you become more receptive to suggestions and generally less aware of your surroundings while still being able to maintain selective focus. People tend to feel physically, mentally, and emotionally relaxed while in hypnosis.
Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes, such as overcoming fears and phobias, releasing unhealthy behaviors or habits, managing pain, or improving performance. Well trained hypnotherapists use this modality to help clients bypass the critical conscious mind, access their subconscious mind, and change negative patterns or beliefs that are holding them back. The subconscious is the part of the mind that stores memories, emotions, habits, and beliefs. The subconscious mind is the seat of our emotions and can influence our behavior, sometimes in ways that are not helpful, negative, or unhealthy. With hypnotherapy, the practitioner can help the client change their subconscious patterns and create new ones that are more beneficial, positive and empowering.
Hypnosis can be induced by a trained hypnotist/hypnotherapist, or by you, yourself. I teach my clients how to do self-hypnosis. It is a quick and easy skill they take with them for beneficial lifelong changes.
Hypnotherapy usually involves a series of sessions. A reputable hypnotherapist educates their clients on what hypnosis and hypnotherapy is and is not, responds to questions, and debunks any myths or misconceptions before proceeding. The goal for hypnotherapy needs to be determined and agreed upon early on and it can be adjusted moving forward as appropriate.
After confirming the goal, reviewing progress, and setting the intention for the session, the hypnotherapist guides the client into a relaxed, hypnotic state using an induction. The practitioner may deepen the state, and then utilizes suggestions and imagery to direct the subconscious mind before bringing the client out of hypnosis and back to normal awareness for review and next steps. Only protocols and therapeutic suggestions that are acceptable to the client are used. The client can easily bring themselves out of hypnosis at any time if they want. The client is always in control and can decline any protocol they do not wish to do, and the client can choose to accept or reject any suggestion.
**An important note – not all hypnotists are hypnotherapists. Hypnotists are able to induce trance, but they may not have the training or credentials to provide hypnotherapy services.
Please vet your practitioner, to make sure they are qualified and a good fit for your needs. Also, hypnotherapy is an educational and self-improvement process. Hypnotherapy is adjunctive, meaning it is a complement to medical treatment or psychotherapy. It is not a replacement. If you are under medical or mental health care, consult a qualified professional before seeing a hypnotherapist.
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy have many benefits – too many to make a comprehensive list here. They can help reduce stress, improve confidence and self-esteem, enhance creativity, and accelerate healing. They also can help you lose weight, stop smoking, increase motivation, sleep better, improve relationships, and much more. They are also beautiful for more transcendent and metaphysical matters such as spiritual growth and awareness and aligning with your
purpose.
Remember, hypnosis is natural. You have already experienced it many times – any time you have driven on autopilot and not recalled how you reached your destination or daydreamed or got so engrossed in an activity that you lost track of time – you were in this very natural yet gently altered state of mind.
So, hypnosis is natural, familiar, and nothing to be afraid of. Hypnosis involves a state of
focused attention, a state where great healing and transformation can occur. With a
cooperative client who is ready for change, hypnosis and hypnotherapy are very effective. With the guidance of a qualified and skilled hypnotherapist, you can access the power of your own subconscious mind to release and clear the subconscious blocks that have been preventing you from living the life you want.
By Tonya Nora
Certified Hypnotherapist
Contact us today and see if Hypnotherapy is a good option for you!
Comments