what is hypnotherapy?

The term hypnotherapy denotes the use of hypnosis in a programme of therapy. Hypnosis in itself does not have a therapeutic value, but when it is used as part of another therapy it can be effective in treating a variety of conditions.

Broadly speaking, there are two distinct therapeutic uses for hypnotherapy. First, it can be of use in helping people control, alleviate or overcome particular symptoms or conditions. Secondly, it can be used to help people gain insight into problems which may underlie their symptoms, such as hidden fears, repressed feelings, and emotional conflicts.

For example, a hypnotherapist may treat a patient complaining of migraine headaches with techniques of relaxation and pain relief, using direct therapeutic suggestions and teaching self-hypnosis; or the therapist may explore whether the migraine is a symptom of some underlying difficulty - perhaps unexpressed anger - which the therapist will help the client to acknowledge and resolve. back