There are many therapies to help treat trauma. One you may not be as aware of is hypnosis. Hypnosis puts you in a deep state of relaxation and helps you look at trauma in a new context. It’s a safe space for you to examine your experience and how it affects you.
Wondering if hypnosis can actually help heal your trauma?
Let’s find out!
What is Hypnosis?
You may have previously heard of hypnosis from watching a TV show or movie. Due to the uncertainty and previous misconceptions relating to hypnotherapy or hypnosis, you may wonder why this would be used as a type of therapy treatment.
But the truth of the matter is that hypnosis is an effective type of solution-oriented therapy treatment. Hypnosis involves working with a person’s conscious and subconscious minds to implement emotional and behavioral change.
Hypnosis has been found to help treat anxiety, stress, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How Does Hypnosis Work?
Similar to what you may have previously seen when watching television or a movie, hypnosis can put you into a trance-like state. But instead of someone else controlling your thoughts and actions, you are fully awake and aware of everything going on.
Hypnosis can put you into a state of relaxation by helping you shut off your constant thoughts and day-to-day distractions. A trained and licensed therapist will help guide you through your past memories in order to better understand the emotions connected to your trauma.
With your therapist, you will discover and be able to identify your triggers in order to reduce your reactions, feelings, and emotions tied to the trauma.
Is Hypnosis Effective for Trauma?
Most people in the world will face some type of trauma at least once in their lifetime. Fight-or-flight is the body’s natural response to any type of trauma. Typically, the brain will release stress hormones when dealing with a stressful or traumatic situation. Once that perceived danger passes, the brain can return to normal functioning.
With post-traumatic stress disorder, the natural process of the brain is disrupted. This can cause the brain to trigger the fight-or-flight response preemptively. Hypnosis has been proven to be highly effective when working with PTSD. There are many positives to hypnotherapy. Some pros associated with hypnosis include the following:
- Little to no side effects.
- An immediate sense of relief and results.
- Resolution of underlying issues.
- Drug-free treatment.
How to Find a Therapist to Help with Trauma
When working with a therapist, you want to find someone who is trained, someone you feel comfortable with, and someone who offers the type of services that you are looking for.
If you are interested in hypnosis, take the time to learn a little more about it. Research articles online. Pick up a few books. Watch videos. Listen to podcasts relating to hypnosis. Become more knowledgeable about it so you can find out if it is right for you. This will also help you be able to ask the right questions about it when you meet with a therapist for the first time.
After initial research, it’s time to find someone who specializes in this type of treatment. Look for different therapists in your area. Read their websites. Check their credentials. Narrow your list down to a few good candidates and start scheduling initial consultations. Find someone that you feel comfortable sharing your issues with. Remember, you are conducting an interview with the therapists just as much as they are with you.
You can learn more about trauma counseling here. If you’re interested in finding out more about healing your trauma using hypnosis or other therapies, reach out to today to schedule a complimentary 15 minute consultation call.
