Hypnosis - Cause for Alarm or Comfort? - By: Audrey Sussman, Ph.D., LCSW, LMHC

My interest in helping people with panic and phobias has led me to search for new and better ways to calm anxiety and ease stress. Realizing that people need a quick and easy way to gain immediate relief, I studied and practiced hypnosis, both Classical and Ericksonian. The results have been phenomenal!

When people first learn that hypnotic techniques are part of the system we use at the Anxiety Control Center they have a number of different reactions, ranging from excitement about trying something new, to skepticism and even fear.

Some of the fear of hypnosis comes from misconceptions from watching movies and stage hypnotists, seemingly controlling their subjects. In reality, the people who volunteer for stage shows are already the outgoing type who, by being on stage are in essence agreeing to put on a good show. In one old movie a hypnotist called Svengali was portrayed to used hypnosis to get women to do his bidding. This is not how hypnosis really works.

Another worry that comes up about being hypnotized is fear of responding to posthypnotic suggestions. Although posthypnotic suggestions do trigger a response after the trance state, a person will only act on the suggestions if it fits with who they are. Hypnotic suggestions not acceptable to a persons unconscious will eventually be undone even if they were to be accepted at first. A competent hypnotist is well aware of what a person wants from hypnosis and would not presume to put suggestions that where not asked for.

Of course, before going for hypnosis it is a good idea to feel comfortable with the person doing the hypnotic work. Make sure that you and your therapist are clear about the goals your want from hypnosis, before any work is done. Suggestions should be directly related to the goals you set.

When picking a hypnotherapist find out where they received their training, if they are board certified, and do they hold at least a masters in a health related field, or are they supervised by someone who does.

If you are interested in hypnosis you can ask to experience a MINI-trance. This is a brief trance session which is used to help develop ease in going into the trance state. You can be fully awake and aware during this, you can even have your eyes open.

Why use hypnosis? The hypnotic trance state opens the doorway to the powerful unconscious. At the unconscious level it is possible to quickly get relief from old negative patterns and from emotions that get in the way of living life to the fullest.

There are many great books on NLP and hypnosis, call us for a list. One of our books Power of Thought... untold secrets of the unconscious mind, contains easy to learn hypnotic techniques that can start you on the path to quick hypnotic change.

About the Author

Audrey Sussman, Ph.D., LCSW, LMHC, is a counselor in Cherry Hill and specializes in a treatment system called the Transformation System. This system takes the most effective techniques from Cognitive/Behavioral therapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming and Hypnosis. Audrey can be reached through GoodTherapy and Therapist Los Angeles

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