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Hypnotherapy

A medical magazine recently described the mode of action for hypnosis as misdirected attention plus belief plus expectation plus imagination = hypnosis which, though true, is not very helpful.
Hypnotherapy starts with hypnosis which is the induction of a deeply relaxed state with increased suggestibility and suspension of critical faculties. Whatever the way it works, you remain under control and will only do things you are willing to do. However, you do have to trust the therapist completely in order to stop thinking about relaxing or being scared! Once the relaxed state is achieved, patients are given therapeutic suggestions to encourage changes in behaviour or relief of symptoms. As the relaxation deepens over time with repeat sessions the suggestions you make become stronger and more effective

The primary use of hypnosis is in:

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anxiety

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disorders with a strong psychological component such as asthma

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irritable bowel syndrome

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conditions that can be modulated by levels of arousal such as pain

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problems such as obesity* and smoking** (but not alcohol problems as excess blocks the action of hypnosis)

Doctors and dentists are trained through the British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis. Dr Causer has completed the courses up to the advanced level. However as the therapy has to be done in his own time only a few patients can be accommodated free of charge and they are selected by him.

Dr Causer does provide a private service but the selection of clients is still quiet strict. The service includes training in self hypnosis; probably better described as homework as all hypnosis is really self hypnosis.

* Cochrane G, Friesen J. Hypnotherapy in weight loss treatment: Two groups of obese patients received hypnosis only or hypnosis and an audiotape. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 1986;54:489-92

**Holroyd J. Hypnosis treatment for smoking: an evaluative review. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 1980;28:341-57

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