Bridges Counseling Center: Individual, Couple, Family, & Child Counseling

What is hypnosis?
There is no agreed upon definition even among therapists, researchers, and scientists. My conceptualization is that it is a very sharp tool used to suggest to clients ways they can change their experience physically, mentally and emotionally. It is technique that can help you to experience your past, present, and future differently.

What it is not:
Hypnosis is often depicted as mind control or a way to force someone to do something against their will. This is simply not the way hypnosis works. I use the Ericsonian method of hypnosis so each session is individualized to the person in session with me. I make suggestions on how to imagine different ways of acting and reacting to things. I ask questions to know what is happening inside your mind as I am working with you. I do not gather information other than to guide the session. I do not use hypnosis for memory enhancement of past events, though this can happen as a by-product. Hypnosis is sometimes seen as programming, like a computer, so later a trigger causes certain complex behaviors against the will of the individual. I do not use hypnosis in this way and there is no evidence that complex behaviors can be triggered at all. Further, there is never a loss of will in the hypnotic process.

What it is:
Hypnosis allows for suggesting different ways of thinking about the past, present, and future. Suggestions are given, similar to a regular session, but in a hypnotic state. This can be very effective as the mind’s defenses are down and there is less altering of the suggestion. For example, I might suggest that a client can talk about their feelings even though it is uncomfortable. Without a hypnotic state the person gives a whole list of reasons not to do this. In a hypnotic state the mind can accept the suggestion, and even perform the task without considering all of the reasons it is not possible. In this way, progress can be made more rapidly.

Uses of Hypnosis:
The uses of hypnosis are limited only by the clinician's ability to understand the problem and determine the appropriate suggestions to assist in making changes. I use hypnosis to assist in reducing anxiety including phobias, reducing symptoms of depression, pain management, altering how memories impact the present, improving boundaries, help with changing lifestyle around eating and thereby help with weight management.