What is Hypnosis? Traditional Clinical Hypnotherapy Medical Hypnoanalysis Ego State Hypnotherapy Ericksonian Hypnotherapy

Traditional / Integrative Clinical Hypnotherapy

This is the model most people associate with hypnotherapy. It is based on psycho-analytical (Freudian) principles and incorporates all other forms of psychotherapy. It is based on the principle of the patient entering his unconscious mind to explore past experiences hidden there and then to discover, analyse and resolve the trauma. This is done by using age-regressions, dream analysis, free association, etc. in order to discover the traumatic experience(s) that created the problem. This is achieved by establishing negative emotional connections in the unconscious mind. Having discovered the traumatic experience, the power of the patient's own unconscious is then utilized to break the negative connections and to create and establish desirable connections. In the process symptoms disappear and healing takes place.

Traditional Clinical Hypnosis is a multi-model, holistic, eclectic and integrative approach to hypnotherapy. The model provides the therapist with a holistic understanding of development, growth and pathology. Furthermore, it assists the therapist to develop a flexible and individual therapeutic philosophy, which includes a whole range of hypnotherapeutic techniques, including spiritual, analytical, direct and indirect techniques. The therapist places strong emphasis on the importance of spiritual and psychological growth and wellness as an integral part of therapy. Even though there are various approaches that can be utilized in the application of Traditional Clinical Hypnotherapy, the following four are the most prominent and are used in this practice.

• Direct suggestions to bring about cognitive restructuring. This approach involves giving the patient some direct suggestions in order to restructure or reorganize their thought processes, i.e. their cognitive behaviour.

• Indirect suggestions, e.g. using metaphors and images. This method uses indirect hypnotic suggestions and metaphors. In this way hypnosis becomes the art of obtaining a patient’s attention and then effectively communicating ideas that develop and enhance motivation and change perceptions.

• Psychodynamic and psycho-analytic approaches involve the application of free association, specific transpersonal approaches, dream analysis and the analysis of transference and resistance.

• Classical hypno-analysis involves e.g. age regression and the exploration of unconscious conflicts.