There are many myths and misunderstandings about hypnosis. And there is a difference between hypnosis and clinical hypnosis. Consider this excerpt from The American Academy of Clinical Hypnosis if you are considering hypnosis for yourself:
“Hypnosis is optimally effective when the patient is highly motivated to overcome a problem and when the practitioner is well trained in both hypnosis and in the general considerations relating to the treatment of the particular problem.
“It is important to keep in mind that hypnosis is like any other therapeutic tool: it is of major benefit to some patients with some problems, and it is helpful with many other patients, but it may not always be effective, just like any other clinical method. For this reason, we emphasize that we are not “hypnotists”, but health care professionals who use hypnosis along with other tools of our professions.
“ASCH does not support the practice of hypnosis by individuals who lack professional education and clinical training in a health care discipline. Many practitioners claim to offer hypnosis to the public for a variety of purposes such as: losing weight, managing pain, or stopping smoking, etc. Frequently, extravagant statements and guarantees are presented in a sensational way, and it can be confusing for those wishing to use hypnosis to know where to turn. One way to reduce that confusion is to ask yourself , ‘Is this practitioner able to help me without using hypnosis?’ Or to say it another way, ‘How do I know I can trust this person to solve my problem safely?'”
In keeping with this statement, I offer clinical hypnosis as a complement to the clinical work I offer to clients. It can be especially helpful with anxiety and pain management. If you are interested in hypnosis, please let me know.