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Hypnotherapy at The Abbott Center
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WHAT IS HYPNOTHERAPY? |
Hypnosis, from the Greek word meaning "sleep," is a naturally occurring sleep-like state of awareness in which a person is more open to suggestion. The hypnotic state occurs anytime a person becomes deeply relaxed or highly focused. Examples: When engrossed in reading a book,
when watching an exciting movie, at the end of a yoga class, or during a meditation. In this state of mind, a hypnotherapist in a clinical practice can prompt and regulate changes in activities or attitudes through the use of properly worded suggestions. |
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HISTORY OF HYPNOTISM |
What we now know as hypnotism was first practiced by
Austrian physician Franz Mesmer in the late 18th century.
It was further developed by Scottish neurosurgeon James
Braid in the mid-nineteenth century. He was the first to
coin the term, Hypnosis. The first uses of hypnotism were
in medicine. However, forms of hypnotism are as old as the
ancient Greeks and Egyptians who employed the use of "sleep temples" where people were helped to relax and
were given curative suggestions. The ancient practices of
yoga and meditation engage similar techniques for relaxation and self-healing. The benefits of hypnosis were formally recognized by the AMA in 1958 and by the American
Psychological Association in 1960. |
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| CAN ANYONE BE HYPNOTIZED?
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Anyone who wants to become hypnotized can usually enter
that state. It is completely natural. Research indicates that
anyone, when put at ease by a clinical hypnotist, is equally
hypnotizable. The depth of the hypnotic state may vary from
person to person, but when relaxed the mind naturally
opens to receive beneficial suggestions for self-improvement. We all want to get better. It is only the critical factor
of the mind that says for example , "I can't quit smoking," that impedes success. If you want to make changes, you can. |
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| WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE HYPNOTIZED? |
Most clients describe hypnosis as extremely pleasant and
deeply relaxing. Descriptions of the sensations are of feeling
heaviness and release or lightness, as if one were floating.
Physical manifestations are more frequent swallowing, quieter
breathing, eye fluttering and body twitches. Although about
10% go so deeply into hypnosis that they have no recollection
of the session, most clients will remember 50% to 90% of what is said during a session, while continuing to be aware of the
breath, the body, the sounds in the room, and the temperature. Most people are, in fact, more aware when hypnotized. |
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| COMMON FALLACIES
ABOUT HYPNOSIS |
The hypnotic state is neither sleep nor unconsciousness. The
client is completely in control during a session and can freely
choose to disregard suggestions made by the hypnotist.
Hypnosis will never cause behavior that is against a person's
belief systems. Rather, hypnotherapy is used by a person to help
accomplish positive goals. Clients never stay in a hypnotic state,
but always come out of hypnosis when the session is over. |
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| WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE HYPNOTIZED? |
Most clients describe hypnosis as extremely pleasant and
deeply relaxing. Descriptions of the sensations are of feeling
heaviness and release or lightness, as if one were floating.
Physical manifestations are more frequent swallowing, quieter
breathing, eye fluttering and body twitches. Although about
10% go so deeply into hypnosis that they have no recollection of the session, most clients will remember 50% to 90% of what is said during a session, while continuing to be aware of the breath, the body, the sounds in the room, and the temperature. Most people are, in fact, more aware when hypnotized. |
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| COMMON FALLACIES
ABOUT HYPNOSIS |
The hypnotic state is neither sleep nor unconsciousness. The
client is completely in control during a session and can freely
choose to disregard suggestions made by the hypnotist.
Hypnosis will never cause behavior that is against a person's
belief systems. Rather, hypnotherapy is used by a person to help
accomplish positive goals. Clients never stay in a hypnotic state,
but always come out of hypnosis when the session is over. |
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| WHAT HAPPENS IN A
HYPNOTHERAPY SESSION? |
After getting comfortable, either lying down or sitting in
a chair, the therapist will lead you through a guided meditation allowing you to become deeply relaxed. Hypnotic
suggestions that are specific to your expressed goals will
be offered. It is as simple as becoming relaxed and listening to the therapist's voice. You will then be eased out of the hypnotic state, coming back to alertness. After giving you some time to become fully wakeful, there will be time discuss with the therapist any questions or concerns pertaining to the session. Before your first appointment please schedule a free telephone consultation and complete an intake form so the therapist can create a personal program for your individual needs and discuss expectations, therapeutic options and cost. Each appointment will be scheduled for one hour. |
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| HOW MANY SESSIONS
ARE NEEDED?
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The number of sessions depends on the client's needs
and the type of therapy determined to be most helpful.
In many cases one session will accomplish the goal
whereas in others it may take several sessions of repeated suggestions to achieve success. |
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| YOU REALLY CAN: |
• Quit Smoking
• Lose Weight
• Overcome Phobias
• Learn To Relax
• Enjoy Public Speaking
• Be Motivated To Exercise
• Learn To Overcome Difficulties
• Improve Your Sleep
• Be More Effective
• Control Your Sweet Tooth
• Learn To Deal With Depression
• Feel Re-Energized
• Enhance Your Memory
• Boost Your Self-Confidence
• Overcome Childhood/Past Issues
• Improve Healing After An Injury
• Enjoy Your Life
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