Hypnotherapy: A Balanced and Effective Vehicle for Change.

To a great many people, the word “hypnosis” still conjures images of people quacking like a duck or
believing they’re Arnold Schwarzenegger, making a fool of themselves on stage. It often comes as a
surprise that this method of affecting positive, permanent life changes has been around for thousands of
years and is actually endorsed by the American Medical Association.

While traditional talk therapy may take years to be effective, hypnotherapy can often help the client
change unwanted behavior in only a few sessions. It is a simple, non-invasive and relaxing process using
guided imagery, visualization and metaphor to communicate with the subconscious mind. And no, no
hypnotist can make anyone do anything they don’t want to do!

Hypnotherapy uses a trance state to “distract” the conscious mind, allowing the practitioner to give
direction or clarification to the subconscious. Trance is a natural state of mind that we all experience
daily. Crying over a book, movie or TV show is a form of trance, as is “highway hypnosis,” where one
loses track of time while driving, perhaps missing your freeway exit. It is not unlike the state of mind
one encounters while daydreaming. The client is fully aware and in complete control the entire time.

Hypnotherapy has statistically been shown in clinical trials to have the highest success rate in smoking
cessation. Losing weight, pain management, sexual dysfunction and combating fears and phobias are
just a few of the areas in which hypnotherapy is effective. Many medical conditions, particularly IBS,
respond very well to a combination of hypnotherapy and traditional medical treatment.

Anyone can be hypnotized, assuming they have a desire for change, a reasonable level of intelligence,
and the ability to concentrate. Practicing self-hypnosis (or using a commercially available hypnosis CD or
mp3) as a follow up to professional treatment increases the effectiveness and level of success greatly.

Each state has its own qualification criteria for hypnotherapy, but most don’t require any kind of
licensing. Look for a Certified Hypnotherapist (through the National Board for Certified Clinical
Hypnotherapists, http://www.natboard.com/), or through the recommendation of a trusted friend or
associate. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, to be sure your chosen practitioner has the qualifications
and experience to help with your particular issue.

Then, just relax and enjoy the journey!