Hypnosis

[16sundayz]

I don't suppose anyone here could help me? I've been talking to my psychologist lately about him doing hypnosis to help me relax more in sessions and not get so anxious that I end up dissociating and "freezing up" as he calls it. The thing is I have no idea what questions or so to ask to get it started. I do know that I'd like to be less anxious and less triggered which then in turn causes the freezing up and dissociating but I don't know how to get through even the beginning of it at the relaxing stage for him to continue going deeper in to it. Any advice would be really appreciated. He said we can start it when I want to and I asked him can we start at the next appointment which is August 13th.

[Croix]

Dear 16sundayz~

I had a course of hypnosis years ago and there is no need for you to know or ask anything in particular. It is nothing like the movies! The therapist will typically talk in a gentle, soothing tone and create a sense of relaxation, security and well-being. I remained conscious and in control throughout, I remembered it all. It is normally done by a therapist who specializes in that field, and that is where I went.

With luck you end up reaching part of that state without help, so you can have benefit outside the session.

Strangely enough I did not benefit that much at the time, but now in later years I'm finding it very helpful at night when trying to sleep, dunno why.

You do not need to stress over this. If you find it unpleasant or counter-productive you just say so.

Is that OK?

Please let us know how you get on

Croix

[Guest5643]

Hi 16sundayz

I was strictly warned by 2 seperate psychologists and psychiatrist not to ever do hypnosis for any sort of past abuse as it can commonly cause false memories. I don't know what triggers your anxiety and i don't believe everything a psychologist or psychiatrist says because they are human and do get things wrong but i just thought i would warn you. Just incase they are right I'm to scared to ever get it done for my anxiety

[Croix]

Dear 16sundayz~

I would suggest you talk the matter over with your referring GP before doing anything, That is how I got onto the therapist I talked about.

Croix

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi 16sundayz,

Thank you for your post.

Just personally, I don't think that hypnosis is a good idea right now. There's not a lot of research behind it, but more importantly, if you're dissociating, it doesn't sound like it will be an effective technique.

When your body freezes and dissociates it does so for a reason - it doesn't feel safe. Part of hypnosis is entering a trance like state, surrendering somewhat to your therapist and allowing them to take the lead. If you were to be hypnotised, you'd probably be told about what's happening, but then you may not recall after what's happened. There is a loss of control there and you become dependent on the therapist and their ability to keep you safe and their experience in hypnotherapy.

So for this to happen, you need to feel very safe before you start - not feeling the need to dissociate and being able to trust in the process of what your therapist decides to do.

I hope that this gives you something to think about. I too would be interested in hearing how you get on.