Weil Lifestyle

Hypnosis is a conscious state wherein the individual is able to enter a condition of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention. This "trance" state is almost identical to a daydream-like state, the subject becoming so absorbed in their thoughts, ideas, and images that they may perceive them as real. This facilitates a heightened state of concentration that allows therapeutic suggestions to be shared by both mind (consciousness) and body (subconscious), the incorporation of these suggestions enables people to use more of their own potential and self-control.

Clinical or medical hypnosis uses imagination, imagery and suggestion, as well as directed learning so that the individual is comfortable in mastering, and practicing hypnosis for specific therapeutic purposes. At times this may include using hypnosis as a means to explore the underlying or unconscious dynamics of past experiences, whicha re often associated with the symptoms or problem being treated. It is important to make the distinction between a licensed professional that uses clinical hypnosis to address conditions for which they are trained, versus "lay" people that have merely taken training in the techniques of hypnosis but do not possess the credentials, skills or experience to treat clinical diagnosis. One rule of thumb is that no one should use clinical hypnosis to remedy a condition unless they are also capable of treating that condition without hypnosis. A wealth of information and referrals for certified professionals is provided by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis at www.asch.net.