HYPNOTHERAPY
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a psychological intervention method that uses hypnosis (therapeutic trance) to help individuals access the subconscious mind.
In this state, clients remain fully conscious and in control, yet experience heightened focus, deep relaxation, and increased receptivity to positive suggestions.
Scientifically, hypnosis is not “sleep” or “loss of consciousness.”
It is a natural shift in brainwave patterns—similar to a deep relaxation state (Alpha–Theta state).
In this condition, the brain becomes more open to receiving new information, allowing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral restructuring to take place effectively.
The Science Behind Hypnotherapy
Brainwave Shift
Normal waking state: the brain is dominated by Beta waves (14–30 Hz).
During hypnosis: brain activity shifts into Alpha (8–13 Hz) and Theta (4–7 Hz) waves—similar to deep meditation, between wakefulness and sleep.
At this level, access to subconscious emotional memory becomes more open, allowing healing processes to be more effective.
Parasympathetic Nervous System Activation
Hypnosis triggers deep relaxation by lowering the activity of the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for stress and “fight or flight”).
As a result:
Heart rate slows down.
Blood pressure decreases.
Breathing deepens.
This creates the ideal physiological and psychological state for recovery.
Neuroplasticity of the Brain
Positive suggestions given during hypnosis can create new neural connections, reinforcing behavioral and emotional changes.
Examples include quitting smoking, reducing anxiety, or improving concentration and learning ability.
Access to Emotional Memory
Many traumas or negative habits are stored in the amygdala (emotional center) and hippocampus (memory).
Hypnotherapy helps clients revisit past experiences in a healthier way, releasing negative emotions and replacing them with new, empowering meanings.
Scientific Evidence of Hypnotherapy
The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes hypnotherapy as an effective complementary intervention for anxiety, pain, insomnia, and trauma.
Neuroscience studies (EEG & fMRI) show significant changes in the anterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex during hypnosis—areas linked to focus, emotions, and behavioral regulation.
Clinical trials demonstrate the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in:
✔ Reducing chronic pain & fibromyalgia
✔ Treating insomnia & sleep disorders
✔ Lowering anxiety, mild depression, and PTSD symptoms
✔ Overcoming addictions such as smoking and overeating
Hypnosis vs. Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis: a natural state of focused attention, deep relaxation, and increased suggestibility.
Hypnotherapy: the therapeutic use of hypnosis for healing, behavioral change, and personal development.
