Have you ever felt anxious or stressed and thought about seeing a psychologist? Or maybe you’re facing challenges in your life and want a safe space to explore your emotions and thoughts. Whatever the reason, finding the right psychologist can be a challenging task. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

In this article, we will answer the 9 most frequently asked questions people have before starting psychological therapy. We understand that the decision to seek therapy can be difficult, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to take this important step.

Psychological therapy is a collaborative and personalized process that can help individuals deal with a variety of issues, from daily problems to more severe mental disorders. However, with so many different types of therapies and approaches available, it’s normal to have questions and want to know more before starting. After all, it’s important to find the right therapist for your specific needs.

So, if you’re wondering things like: “How does therapy work?”, “What are the benefits?”, “How long does a session last?” or even “Is therapy expensive?”, keep reading! Our goal is to provide clear and concise answers to your questions, helping you make an informed decision about starting your therapeutic journey. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and the first step to a happier and healthier life.

How Does Hypnosis Work in Practice?

Hypnosis is a powerful tool that can be used by psychologists to assist in the treatment of various disorders and emotional problems. But how does hypnosis work in practice? First of all, it’s important to understand that hypnosis is not something supernatural or magical.

It is a natural and focused mental state in which the person is more receptive to suggestions and ideas. During a hypnosis session, the psychologist guides the person to enter this state of deep concentration. This can be done through relaxation, visualization, and suggestion techniques.

Once the person is in this state of hypnosis, the psychologist can then make therapeutic suggestions to help the person achieve their goals. For example, if someone is trying to quit smoking, the psychologist might suggest that the smell and taste of cigarettes become unpleasant or that the person develops a strong aversion to smoking. These suggestions can lead to real changes in the person’s behavior and habits.

Hypnosis can also be used to access deep memories or to help the person deal with intense emotions. For example, if someone has experienced trauma in the past, hypnosis can be used to help the person relive that memory in a safe and controlled way, allowing them to process and overcome the trauma. Similarly, hypnosis can be used to manage pain, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve self-esteem and confidence.

It’s important to emphasize that hypnosis is not a state of mind control where the person loses free will. On the contrary, the hypnotized person remains in control throughout the process and can choose to exit the state of hypnosis at any time. Additionally, hypnosis is not a magical treatment that works for everyone. It is merely a tool that, when used by a qualified professional, can be extremely effective in treating various mental and emotional health problems.

What Are the Benefits of Clinical Hypnosis?

Clinical Hypnosis offers a range of benefits for those seeking help with emotional and behavioral issues. Here are some of the main benefits you can expect from using this therapeutic approach:

• Reduction of Stress and Anxiety: Hypnosis can help calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety levels. This can lead to improved sleep quality, concentration, and the ability to handle stressful situations.
• Increased Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem: Through hypnosis, it is possible to access the power of suggestion to strengthen self-confidence and boost self-esteem. Positive suggestions can be used to change how you see and feel about yourself, promoting a positive image of the body and mind.
• Pain and Physical Symptom Control: Hypnosis has been successfully used in controlling chronic pain and managing physical symptoms associated with various medical conditions, such as migraines, fibromyalgia, and digestive problems.
• Overcoming Fears and Phobias: Hypnosis can help identify and confront fears and phobias, allowing you to develop strategies to deal with feared situations more calmly and confidently.
• Performance Improvement: Hypnosis can be used to improve focus, concentration, and motivation, leading to increased performance in various areas, such as sports, public speaking, or even studies.
• Assistance with Emotional Problems: Clinical hypnosis can be a valuable tool in treating emotional disorders, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and more. It can help process and overcome difficult emotions, changing thought and behavior patterns.

Clinical hypnosis is a collaborative and personalized process, which means the benefits can vary from person to person. By working with a qualified professional, you can explore the potential of hypnosis to promote positive and lasting changes in your life.

Is Hypnosis Recognized in Brazil?

Yes, hypnosis is recognized as a valid and effective clinical tool by several federal bodies representing different professional categories in Brazil. The Federal Council of Dentistry, Medicine, Psychology, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Nursing, and Speech Therapy recognize the benefits of hypnosis when applied by qualified professionals. This means that hypnosis is seen as a legitimate and ethical method to assist in the treatment of various mental and emotional health issues.

Clinical hypnosis is an evidence-based practice, with a growing body of scientific research supporting its effectiveness. The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), an institution certified by ISO 9001, is at the forefront of promoting scientific and ethical hypnosis in the country. The SBH adopts a definition of hypnosis aligned with guidelines from the American Psychological Association (APA), emphasizing its intentional and focused use to access a state of deep concentration.

The recognition of hypnosis by regulatory bodies and respected institutions in Brazil is an important step for the professionalization and acceptance of this practice. This ensures that individuals seeking treatment with hypnosis receive quality and ethical care, and also encourages more health professionals to incorporate hypnosis into their practices, benefiting an even greater number of people.

Hypnosis: What is the Scientific Approach?

Hypnosis is a subject that arouses curiosity and is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. But what is the scientific approach behind it? Let’s explore this question and understand how hypnosis works according to science.

First, it’s important to emphasize that hypnosis is not something supernatural or mystical. On the contrary, it is a natural and focused mental state, in which the person is highly receptive to suggestions and ideas. During a hypnosis session, the psychologist guides the person to reach this state of deep concentration and focused attention.

Here at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), we avoid using terms like “subconscious.” Instead, we prefer to focus on concepts such as “automatic thoughts or behaviors”. We believe that hypnosis is a tool to access and modify these ingrained thought and behavior patterns.

The SBH adopts a scientific and ethical approach to hypnosis, aligned with guidelines from the American Psychological Association (APA). Our definition of hypnosis emphasizes its intentional and focused use to access a state of deep concentration, in which the person remains in control and can choose to follow or not the suggestions presented.

This approach is integrated with well-established theories and practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying and modifying dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. Hypnosis can be a powerful tool within this therapy, helping people access and modify their automatic thoughts and behaviors.

Furthermore, hypnosis is also aligned with concepts such as “fast and slow” proposed by Daniel Kahneman, which suggests that we make decisions in two ways: one fast, intuitive, and emotional; and another slower, deliberative, and logical. Hypnosis can help access and influence both systems, promoting deeper changes.

In short, hypnosis is a scientific and ethical tool that can be used by mental health professionals to promote positive and lasting changes. By focusing on the modification of automatic thoughts and behaviors, hypnosis can assist in the treatment of various disorders and emotional issues.

What are the Ethical Limitations of Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a powerful tool, but it’s also important to be aware of its ethical limitations. Like any other psychological intervention, hypnosis should be practiced within clear ethical boundaries to ensure the safety and well-being of clients. Here are some important ethical considerations to keep in mind:

• Informed consent: It is essential to obtain the client’s informed consent before performing any hypnotic intervention. The client should understand the nature of hypnosis, its possible risks and benefits, and give permission for the procedure.
• Professional competence: Hypnosis should only be practiced by qualified professionals with adequate training in clinical hypnosis. It’s important for hypnotherapists to have a deep understanding of ethical principles and hypnotic techniques, as well as their applications and limitations.
• Client autonomy: The hypnotherapist should respect the client’s autonomy and freedom of choice. The client has the right to refuse hypnosis or end the session at any time. The hypnotherapist should not use mind control or manipulation techniques to influence the client.
• Privacy and Confidentiality: Information shared during hypnosis sessions should be kept confidential. The hypnotherapist should ensure the client’s privacy and protect their personal information unless there is explicit consent from the client to share it.
• Client benefit: Hypnosis should be used solely for the client’s benefit. The hypnotherapist should avoid any practice that may harm or exploit the client financially, emotionally, or in any other way. Hypnosis should not be used for entertainment purposes or to demonstrate power or control.
• Evidence-based practices: Hypnotherapists should adhere to evidence-based practices. This means using hypnotic techniques that have empirical support and avoiding the use of unproven or pseudoscientific methods. The SBH promotes the ethical and scientific use of hypnosis, aligned with evidence-based methods.

Respecting these ethical limitations is essential to ensure that hypnosis is practiced responsibly and effectively. The SBH is committed to promoting the ethical practice of hypnosis and providing guidelines and resources to ensure professionals maintain the highest standards of conduct.

Clinical Hypnosis, a powerful tool for psychologists

Clinical hypnosis is a powerful tool that can assist psychologists in treating various disorders and emotional issues. It can help people access and modify ingrained thoughts and behaviors, promoting positive and lasting changes. Hypnosis is recognized by Brazilian federal bodies as a valid and effective clinical practice, ensuring quality and ethics in treatment.

Hypnosis is not something supernatural or magical, but rather a natural and focused mental state in which the person remains in control. The scientific approach to hypnosis, adopted by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, focuses on modifying automatic thoughts and behaviors, aligning with established theories and practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.

If you are interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally or enhance your current profession, check out the evidence-based hypnosis training and postgraduate courses offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos

Frequently Asked Questions

How can hypnosis help in my personal and professional life?

Hypnosis can help improve your personal and professional life by assisting in stress management, increasing self-confidence, and focus. In personal life, hypnosis can help overcome fears, improve relationships, and boost self-esteem. In professional life, hypnosis can enhance leadership, communication, and performance skills.

What are the limitations of hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is not a magic solution for all problems. It is most effective when combined with other therapies and approaches. Additionally, hypnosis requires the individual’s willingness and active participation to achieve results. Some medical or psychological conditions may limit the effectiveness of hypnotherapy, making professional evaluation important.

Is hypnosis dangerous?

No, hypnosis is not dangerous when practiced by a qualified and ethical professional. You are in control throughout the process and can stop the session at any time. Hypnosis is a natural and safe mental state, similar to deep concentration.

Can hypnosis be used to treat severe mental disorders?

Yes, hypnotherapy can be an effective tool in treating severe mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders. However, it is important that hypnotherapy is only part of a comprehensive treatment plan, supervised by a qualified mental health professional.

How can I find a qualified hypnotherapist?

To find a qualified hypnotherapist, look for professionals with certification recognized by regulatory bodies or professional associations. Check their credentials, experience, and specialization. Seek recommendations from friends or other health professionals and ensure the hypnotherapist adheres to ethical and evidence-based practices.