Is Hypnotherapy Safe?

An unfortunate misunderstanding of hypnotherapy is that it’s very much akin to hypnosis stage shows used for entertainment and amusement. In reality, hypnotherapy traces its roots back centuries as a branch of alternative medicine that’s had a great measure of success for many. Although some may question the safety, the reality is that modern hypnotherapy in Australia is a peer-regulated and  safe therapy. 

What Exactly is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy comes from the Greek word hypnos “to sleep” and ’therapy’. An old Chinese proverb by Confucius says: “The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper name.” Hypnotherapy has as much in common with parlour tricks (stage hypnosis etc) as astrology does with astronomy. In plain English, they both work on the idea that people can be influenced while in a trance, but only hypnotherapy has been studied rigorously and renowned for its effects on body and mind whereas the other is done for show and applause.

Essentially, in hypnotherapy you’re guided into a state of deepened relaxation, whereby the mind and body are more susceptible to learning and incorporating self-improvement and behavioural changes. These improvements can range from addiction problems to bulimia and everything in between. 

What Hypnotherapy Is Not

No reputable hypnotherapist would tell you that hypnotherapy is a substitute for life-saving medications such as penicillin or epinephrine, for example. Likewise, you wouldn’t visit a hypnotherapist either to suture wounds nor to perform emergency services best left to hospitals.

Hypnotherapy works best for enhancing control over the connection between body and mind. This means that hypnotherapy may prove to be effective for controlling appetite, smoking cessation, fear, insomnia, and pain, for example.

What are the Dangers of Hypnotherapy?

The risks associated with hypnotherapy are very low. Sleeping, or deeply resting in a trance-like state isn’t dangerous and being spoken to whilst asleep or in a deep  daydream isn’t either. These are the main duties of the hypnotherapist: to induce a trance-like state in the individual and to vocalise suggestive ideas and imagery directed to address your particular mental or behavioural issue you’d like to resolve.

There are very few significant risks or dangers with hypnotherapy when performed by registered and experienced professionals. Individuals in a hypnotic state won’t be forced to do anything unethical or immoral. The imagery in old-school movies of the magician hypnotist is not a realistic depiction of the process.

Then Hypnotherapy is Safe?

Modern hypnotherapy is extremely safe when performed by an experienced therapist. At best, individuals may find that they have harnessed greater control over their desires or disorders and can exercise restraint with regards to addiction or behaviour. At worst, it may act as a placebo effect, or provide temporary relaxation.

Conversely, some other forms of talk therapy prescribe medications as a treatment. These drugs often carry worrying side effects, particularly for those having to medicate daily. They generally work at masking or inhibiting symptoms and yet not stimulate corrective change in the long term.The symptoms caused by medications may then also need treating with further prescription drugs while all the time, the problem remains unresolved.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for Me?

Much like any form of alternative medicine, hypnotherapy isn’t and shouldn’t be seen as a silver bullet for every single issue, although it is highly adaptable and effective. Instead, consider how it can benefit your mental and physical wellbeing, whether it be by controlling addiction, behaviour, pain, or many other problems. Also consider that hypnotherapy doesn’t use pharmaceuticals and thus doesn’t carry any side effects, so there’s nothing to lose but your worries.

Come Visit Evolution Hypnotherapy

Forget about Hollywood stereotypes and discover what modern hypnotherapy can do for you by visiting us at Evolution Hypnotherapy today. Our hypnotherapists can help you effectively improve your mental wellbeing and provide you with a roadmap to personal improvement.