Have you ever heard about hypnotherapy? The technique, also known as clinical hypnosis, uses states of deep relaxation and concentrated focus and has gained ground in the treatment of emotional, mental and even physical issues.
During the sessions, the patient is led to a state of intense relaxation with the aim of promoting behavioral changes, relieving symptoms and improving well-being.
“Hypnosis allows you to overcome the so-called critical factor of the conscious mind, enabling the insertion of new suggestions directly into the subconscious. When these suggestions are accepted with the correct mental attitude, internal reprogramming occurs and, consequently, a real change in behavior and the way you feel”, explains Yafit Laniado, hypnotherapist and psychoanalyst.
Contrary to what many people imagine, the patient does not lose control or become unconscious. He remains conscious, but with greater internal focus and less interference from external thoughts.
How the technique works
The process usually begins with an initial conversation, in which the therapist identifies the patient’s demands and goals. Hypnotic induction techniques are then used, such as breathing exercises, guided visualizations and verbal stimuli, to achieve a state of relaxation.
In this state, the professional can work on beliefs, memories and behavior patterns stored in the subconscious. The idea is to give new meaning to experiences and create new, healthier ones.
After the session, the patient gradually returns to a state of full attention, without side effects.
What hypnotherapy is indicated for
Hypnotherapy can be used in different types of treatments. Some of them are:
- Anxiety and stress
- Specific phobias and fears
- Sleep disorders
- Chronic pain management
- Compulsions (eating, smoking, repetitive habits)
- Low self-esteem
- Chronic pain (fibromyalgia, migraines, muscle tension)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Bruxism
- Sexual dysfunctions of emotional origin
- Emotional and behavioral blocks
- Procrastination and self-sabotage
In some cases, it can also be applied to improve performance, focus and . However, experts highlight that results vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the patient’s receptivity and the professional’s qualifications.
“Hypnotherapy is considered a safe technique when applied by qualified professionals, but it requires clinical criteria. It should be avoided or used with caution in patients with serious psychiatric disorders, such as active psychosis, schizophrenia or important dissociative conditions, especially without medical supervision. Furthermore, during the process intense emotions may emerge, which requires technical preparation from the professional”, adds Roberta Junqueira, a psychologist trained in hypnotherapy at the OMNI Hypnosis Training Center.
The technique can be used alone or in conjunction with. In these cases, it can enhance results and accelerate therapeutic processes. However, each case must be assessed individually.
“In situations where the origin of the problem is predominantly emotional or behavioral, it can indeed be sufficient and bring significant results more quickly. However, in more complex conditions or those involving medical and psychiatric issues, the ideal is for it to be integrated with other treatments, such as traditional psychotherapy or medical monitoring”, adds Junqueira.
