What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a special state of focused attention used to enhance positive changes in mind and body.

Hypnosis can be described in many different ways depending on how the hypnotic experience is structured. The common denominator of these experiences is a state of focused attention, usually accompanied by a deep state of relaxation. When people are focused, they can more easily absorb new ideas and build the frame of mind necessary to achieve their goals. This is perhaps the easiest way of thinking about hypnosis: building a frame of mind that enhances you and empowers you to follow through on the steps toward your goals, whatever they might be. In that sense, the experience of hypnosis is naturally motivating, calming and affirming.

How Is Hypnosis Used?

Hypnosis is used in many different areas of health care ranging from psychotherapy to behavioural medicine. Wherever it would be helpful to have a positive attitude and approach to problem solving, hypnosis can help. The most dramatic applications of hypnosis are in teaching people to manage pain with little or no medication, an approach which has a surprising amount of scientific support and plays a strong role in behavioural medicine programs across the country. Psychotherapists use hypnosis too, usually to help with problems ranging from anxiety and depression to habit change. The ability to get absorbed in new ways of thinking and solving problems is perhaps the greatest reason why hypnosis is so effective, as the research affirms. The fact that people learn skills to not only feel better but actually be better is compelling. And so, contrary to the popular mythology about hypnosis, its greatest asset is in its ability to give people a greater sense of control over themselves. Hypnosis can be used with adults and children.

Hypnosis can be used in the treatment of:

• Anxiety / Stress
• Depression
• Pain Management
• Performance enhancement
• Smoking Cessation / Habit Change
• Weight Issues / Eating Problems
• Confi dence building & assertiveness
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Sleep Problems
• Trauma / PTSD
• Fears / Phobias
• Grief and loss
• Childbirth

How do you find a hypnosis practitioner?

Please click here to see our referral list.

What Hypnosis Training is Available?

Who practises hypnosis is an important issue. There is an old adage in the field that says, "If someone is not appropriately trained to treat the problem without hypnosis, then they are not trained to treat the problem with hypnosis". Therefore, the South Australian Society of Hypnosis (SASH) offers training in hypnosis only to eligible health practitioners (currently psychologists, medical doctors and dentists). Our training course focuses on providing a sound understanding of the relevant theoretical issues in the practice of hypnosis but especially emphasises the development of practical skills in applying it ethically and competently. We invite interested professionals to come and learn about the many extraordinary aspects of hypnosis that can and will enhance their clinical practices.

For more information about the 2010 training course, please click here .

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