Clinical Hypnotherapy

Clinical hypnotherapy, distinct from standard hypnosis, is recognized by the AMA and APA since 1958 as an effective mental health treatment for issues like addictions and adaptive behaviors. While hypnosis is simply the process of inducing a natural state of focused awareness called trance, hypnotherapy utilizes this trance state with specific therapeutic methods and language to address underlying feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Trance is a common, everyday occurrence where attention is focused inward. Hypnotherapy, practiced by licensed clinicians, aims to help individuals understand the root causes of their problems and find solutions within their own minds. Although the exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, hypnotherapy can influence physiological responses and access memories. It's theorized that by bypassing conscious thought in trance, positive suggestions can directly impact beliefs and behaviors, counteracting negative ideas and promoting innate well-being.

Below is a list of some of the most "ideal" areas Clinical Hypnotherapy has proven effective and life-transformative: 

Emotional and Psychological Healing

• Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
• Anxiety and panic attacks 
• Depression (as a complementary approach) 
• Grief and loss 
• Low self-esteem and self-worth 
• Anger management 
• Shame, guilt, or unresolved emotional pain 
• Fear of abandonment or rejection

Stress-Life Management

• Chronic stress and overwhelm 
• Burnout recovery 
• Sleep issues (e.g., insomnia) 
• Tension-related physical pain (e.g., headaches, jaw pain)
                           Behavioral and Habitual Issues
• Smoking cessation 
• Emotional eating or food cravings 
• Weight management 
• Nail biting or hair pulling (trichotillomania) 
• Procrastination or lack of motivation 
• Overthinking and rumination 

Phobias and Fears

• Fear of flying 
• Fear of public speaking 
• Fear of driving 
• Social anxiety 
• Fear of failure or success 
• Specific phobias (e.g., spiders, heights, needles) 

Confidence and Performance

• Boosting self-confidence and self-belief 
• Improving focus and concentration 
• Enhancing creativity and intuition
• Performance anxiety (stage, sports, academic) 
• Test or exam anxiety 
• Interview or presentation nerves 

Relationship and Personal Growth

• Codependency and unhealthy relationship patterns 
• Boundary setting and assertiveness 
• Healing from breakups or betrayal
• Letting go of the past and forgiveness 
• Strengthening emotional resilience 
• Manifesting life changes and personal goals

Health and Body-Related Concerns

• Chronic pain management (e.g., fibromyalgia, migraines) 
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS – clinically supported use) 
• Preparation for surgery or medical procedures

A little Bit More Detail...

 Clinical studies show that hypnosis may reduce the need for medication, improve mental and physical health. From the mental health perspective, hypnotherapy is highly beneficial on its own or as an aid to psychotherapy (counseling or talk therapy) because, as is stated above, the hypnotic state allows people to explore painful thoughts, feelings, and memories they might have hidden from their conscious minds that are reflected in negative thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviors. Hypnosis, when applied from the clinical stance of hypnotherapy, when applied in a mental health setting, can be used in two ways, as problem analysis via (indirect) resolution or as direct suggestion therapy.

• Indirect / Analysis: This approach uses the relaxed state to explore a possible psychological root cause of a disorder or symptom, such as a traumatic past event that a person has hidden in their unconscious memory.  More specifically stated, you may desire or otherwise be encouraged to talk about the first time you experienced the feelings, behavior or problem that you are trying to overcome and how you felt at that time versus how you feel in the present day. 
• Direct Suggestion: The hypnotic state makes the person better able to respond to suggestions, directly aimed at the target ailment or problem seeking to be resolved.