Hypnosis is one of the modalities of treatment used at the Morris Psychological Group, P.A. to benefit some of our patients. The following information is provided to help those seeking our services who would like to learn more about this therapeutic approach.

Clinical hypnosis is a procedure during which a licensed mental health professional suggests that a patient experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or behavior. The hypnotic context is generally established by an induction procedure, such as relaxation. Instructions to imagine or think about pleasant experiences are also commonly included in hypnotic inductions. People respond to hypnosis in different ways. Some describe their experience as an altered state of consciousness, but others describe hypnosis as a normal state of focused attention, in which they feel very calm and relaxed. Regardless of how and to what degree they respond, most people describe the experience as very pleasant.

Some people are very responsive to hypnotic suggestions and others are less responsive. A person’s ability to experience hypnotic suggestions can be inhibited by concerns arising from some common misconceptions. Contrary to what some may believe, those who are hypnotized do not lose control over their behavior, and unless amnesia has been specifically suggested, they usually remember what transpired during hypnosis. Hypnosis makes it easier for people to experience suggestions, but it does not force them to do anything.

Hypnosis is not a type of therapy. Instead, it is a procedure the can be used to facilitate therapy. Because it is not a treatment in and of itself, training in hypnosis is not sufficient for conducting therapy. Clinical hypnosis should be used only by properly trained and credentialed health care professionals (e.g., licensed psychologists), who have also been trained in the clinical use of hypnosis. Hypnosis has been utilized in the treatment of many psychological and medical issues including:

• Pain
• Anxiety and Panic
• Phobias
• Stress
• Habit disorders
• Eating disorders and weight loss
• Addictions
• Post-traumatic disorders
• Depression
• Performance enhancement

Hypnosis, however, may not be useful for all psychological problems or for all patients or clients. The decision to use hypnosis as an adjunct to treatment can only be made in consultation with a qualified health care provider, who has been trained in the use and of limitations of clinical hypnosis.

For further information about hypnosis, please contact Dr. Richard B. Dauber at ext. 203. Dr. Dauber is an Approved Consultant and Certified by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.