By Sheila Menon
The easiest way to understand hypnosis is to think about having a pleasant daydream. This everyday phenomenon is actually a natural form of hypnosis, which means everyone who has had a daydream is already an expert at entering a state of hypnosis.
The therapy part of hypnosis works by using hypnotic suggestions and images and other techniques to access the subconscious mind and provide a powerful route for therapeutic change.
10 FREE hypnotherapy sessions up for grabs. Please email [email protected]
This means clinical hypnotherapy can benefit patients suffering from cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia and even those seeking a pain-free childbirth experience. Clinical hypnotherapy is also effective in breaking habits such as smoking and overeating, an important contribution since these can cause or add to complications for patients with diabetes and hypertension. The combined approaches of hypnotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy, called cognitive behaviour hypnotherapy is effective for the growing numbers of people affected by stress, a negative mindset, depression and anxiety disorders.
The whole process is extremely pleasant with many registering their surprise that they do not fall under the hypnotist’s spell. In fact, they awaken feeling empowered, confident and refreshed.
Endorsed by the health ministry
The inclusion of hypnotherapy by the health ministry in 2016 under the newly gazetted Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act further encourages healthcare patients and professionals to review its efficacy and create a pathway for future practitioners.
The London College of Clinical Hypnosis is the premiere Institute for training in clinical hypnotherapy in Europe and Asia. The Malaysian centre called LCCH Malaysia was established in 2006. Today many graduates are working in Malaysian hospitals and a growing number of medical doctors include clinical hypnotherapy as an adjunct to mainstream medicine. A recent study by Universiti Malaya showed 40% of Klang Valley residents were open to complementary medicine and the positive responses from patients led LCCH to open a flagship therapy centre at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
Most patients will visit a therapist between one and four times with sessions usually taking between 60 to 90 minutes. The clinical hypnotherapist starts by explaining the process and listening to the patient’s concerns. This is because clinical hypnotherapy is a collaborative process and only when the patient is ready does the hypnosis begin.
Body-mind healing
When a hypnotherapy session is in progress, most patients will experience their stress melting away allowing both their body and mind to relax simultaneously. This type of relaxation response is now understood to be a fundamental part of body-mind healing. It is associated with improved immune system function, a reduced stress response, enhanced positive affect (or well-being) and a sense of confidence.
Clinical hypnotherapy is extremely safe and change can take place very quickly. For some conditions such as smoking cessation only one session is required. Other conditions such as depression can take longer. But most patients will experience improvement after the first few sessions since the combined approach of subconscious and conscious mind make the treatment fast and effective.
Many clinical hypnotherapists teach their patients how to use self-hypnosis so that they can revisit the relaxing state and reinforce the treatment themselves. Self-hypnosis is also used in corporate training and personal development to boost confidence, manage stress, cope with difficult life experiences and assist in learning.
Many sports athletes and celebrities use hypnosis to assist performance success, aid concentration and help achieve successful goals. Amongst the famous people who have tried hypnosis are Matt Damon, Kate Middleton (future Queen of England), Britney Spears and Kevin Costner.
In conjunction with January 4 being World Hypnosis Day, the London College of Clinical Hypnosis (LCCH) is offering 10 free sessions of hypnotherapy to members of the public wishing to experience hypnosis for the first time. The only condition is that they agree to share their opinions of the experience.
Readers wishing to experience a free session of self-hypnosis or to learn more about how to be a clinical hypnotherapist can email [email protected] or visit www.lcch.asia for more details.
Sheila Menon is the Principal of the London College of Clinical Hypnosis Asia.
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