Information
for the public seeking hypnosis treatment
Hypnosis as a treatment adjunct:
Hypnosis is the process by which a person
induces an altered state of attention or degree of awareness in
another person. The process may result in a variety of phenomena,
which occur spontaneously or in response to verbal or other stimuli.
These phenomena include: alternations in consciousness and memory;
increased susceptibility to suggestion; the production of responses
and ideas unfamiliar to the person in the normal state of mind;
or changes in behavior, perceptions, or psychological processes.
Hypnosis can also occur naturally when a person
has become totally absorbed in what they are doing. Thus, like day-dreaming,
hypnotic-like states may occur in people regularly.
Hypnosis is not the same as sleep. It is
not like an anaesthetic. You do not "pass out" and you are not unconscious
when you are hypnotised. You do not lose control over your mind
or your feelings. You do not weaken or surrender your will to any
other person. In fact, your will-power may be strengthened with
hypnosis.
In hypnosis, it is usual to feel relaxed,
at ease, and you may well enjoy a special peace of mind. Many people
comment on their feeling of comfort and security, or the sensation
of lightness or floating. What is particularly pleasant about hypnosis
is the fact that it is natural and safe when used by trained professionals,
and almost everyone can learn to use it by themselves and be helped
by it. It can be learned and used by adults, adolescents, and children
alike.
Where hypnosis can be used:
Hypnosis is particularly useful for helping
people change their behavior, symptoms, and attitudes. It is one
of the most powerful psychological methods for mental and physical
relaxation. Thus, hypnosis is useful for anxiety and stress control,
and phobias. It is also useful in dealing with attentional deficits,
motivation, assertiveness and confidence building, ego-strengthening
and enhancing psychotherapy and counselling.
People vary in their susceptibility to hypnosis
but research clearly shows that even light trance can significantly
help individuals address their concerns and problems.
Medical Applications:
Treatments for most conditions including asthma, enuresis, hypertension,
migraine, obesity, smoking cessation, gastrointestinal disorders
and anxiety. It is also used extensively for labour and childbirth,
minor surgical procedures, and pain control.
Psychological &
Psychiatric Applications:
Include anxiety control, motivation training, attitude change, depression,
eating disorders, fears and phobias, memory training, nail biting,
panic and performance anxiety, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders,
stuttering, study problems, trauma counselling, thumb sucking.
NOTE that
the person to whom you will be referred is:
-
A registered member of one of the three disciplines (medical practitioner;
psychologist; or dentist);
- A Full Member of the largest hypnosis organisation in Australia,
comprising only the three disciplines listed above;
- Fully trained in hypnosis theory and research by the Society
and certified as having successfully completed the Society's examination
process;
- A professional who not only is bound by, and adheres to, the
Code of Ethics of their profession BUT ALSO the Ethical Code of
Practice of the Australian Society of Hypnosis.
Costs involved:
The cost of consulting a Member of the Society
will vary and you should check when you make your appointment. You
are entitled to a Medicare rebate for a consultation with a medical
practitioner (this will not include any specific charge for hypnosis).
Psychologists will generally charge a consultation fee that is consistent
with the APS schedule of fees and some health insurance providers
will pay for hypnotherapy services under Extras cover -- check with
the clinician and your health insurer.
