It’s safe to admit that we’re each experiencing some form of emotional turmoil – so much so that global rates of depression and anxiety rose 28% and 25%, respectively. We’re in the midst of a mental health crisis, so how can it be addressed? Previous studies have recommended alternative therapies like psychedelics and exercise to help. Yet, there’s one potential solution to the mental health crisis that should be receiving more of our attention: hypnotherapy.
Hypnotherapy and Mental Health: What’s The Link?
Hypnotherapy, or hypnosis, is a style of therapy that involves putting an individual in a trance-like state. Now while you may think that the purpose of this is to get said person to act like a chicken, the reality is that hypnotherapy is intended to improve an individual’s life.
“Hypnotherapy is the most powerful form of guided meditation,” explains Glenn Rottmann, a certified hypnotherapist.
“I’m guiding you into the alpha brainwaves, into a meditative state, and then we’re doing work using visualization, using feelings, using emotions, and different kinds of techniques to create change.”
Speaking more on the role that hypnotherapy can play, Rottmann explains how living in major cities, within a densely populated area, can create a stressful environment. As opposed to turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, many individuals may opt for hypnotherapy instead.
Additionally, hypnotherapy may also help us address the ghosts of our pasts,
“All of us hold on too much to the events of our past, we let things that didn’t work out and past disappointments color our future,” says Rottmann,
“When we let life’s disappointments become too big, it overshadows the fact that we can still create beautiful things in our lives.
Hypnotherapy helps people let go of the things they’ve been carrying so that they can enjoy the gift that they have in being alive.”
For those struggling with anxiety and depression, hypnotherapy creates a state of awareness and relaxation. It’s here where we can unpack our fears and emotions before formulating healthy ways to deal with them,
“There is no other therapy that I know of where I could take somebody afraid to leave the house for years, and in one session, they’re out in the world again.”
How Can Hypnotherapy Help Longevity?
You may think that hypnotherapy is about managing mental health conditions. Yet, this style of therapy has been found to be an effective tool for the following:
- Smoking cessation: With tobacco killing over 5 million people every year, it’s imperative to kick this habit. But, it’s easier said than done, which is why many smokers have turned to hypnotherapy to help them quit.
- Sleep disorders: By encouraging a state of relaxation, hypnotherapy may help to combat poor sleep.
Is hypnotherapy dangerous?
Unfortunately, hypnotherapy does carry some risks, especially amongst those with difficult pasts,
“The hypnotherapist could stir up painful memories that people may not be ready to deal with,” states Rottmann, who further explains that this may result in deeper depression and self harm.
Granted, individuals with severe mental health issues don’t usually reach out to hypnotherapists on their own. In the case that they do, Rottmann advises that the hypnotherapist make contact with their health team so that they can get a better understanding of their diagnosed condition.
Getting hypnotized
If you’re looking to use hypnotherapy for your mental health, you don’t have to visit a magician’s show. Rather, you just need to contact a trained therapist, such as Rottmann, and follow their prompts. But before you do, Rottmann encourages you to approach the entire process with an open mind,
“You don’t have to necessarily believe that it’s going to work for you. The only requirement is to simply be open to having an experience,” advises Rottmann.
In seeking a hypnotherapy session, Rottmann explains the importance of unplugging from the world, and his HypnoVault is one of the best ways to do so,
“The HypnoVault is specifically for self-development and self-improvement. It’s for people that want to make changes in their lives, through the practice of meditation.”
Throughout a hypnotherapy session, the trained hypnotherapist will use various techniques to guide you into a hypnotic state. They will then propose suggestions to help you manage a condition or improve your behavior.
So, does it work?
I’ve never been hypnotized, but I have engaged in various styles of meditation. This has helped improve my mental health. But not everyone is susceptible to suggestions. Thus, it would be forward of me to state that hypnotherapy would work for everyone.
Also, hypnotherapy is not a cure-all for your mental health issues, but rather a complementary therapy. If you are struggling with your mental health, reach out to a licensed therapist before attempting to be hypnotized.
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