What’s your pick – Self Hypnosis or Clinical Hypnotherapy?

Whether you choose self hypnosis or clinical hypnotherapy is really up to the nature of your problem and the type of person you are.

By Sheila Menon

Hypnosis dates back thousands of years and is mentioned by all ancient forms of healing. It was even unanimously endorsed by the British Medical Association in 1892.

But then most seem to have suffered amnesia or forgotten that this powerful, yet simple tool can help fix many of the 21st century’s illnesses and stresses.

It is therefore certainly worth rediscovering “hypnosis’ since regular self practice or visiting a clinical hypnotherapist can restore feelings of contentment, and aid concentration and motivation.

There are two methods of hypnosis; self-hypnosis, which is when you do it for yourself and clinical hypnotherapy when you visit a therapist and ask them to help you.

Myths

Most people learn self-hypnosis in small personal development groups. Everyone is curious about hypnosis and it can be fun to share this journey with ten or more like-minded colleagues. Of course the first step is to unlearn some of the myths. The most enlightening discovery is that only one person can control you and that is yourself.

Self-hypnosis is very similar to a daydream. You get comfortable and relax your body and mind together. This has immediate health benefits and the Herbert Benson Institute at Harvard University has shown that this form of relaxation response reduces stress, improves the immune system and can even prevent the later development of harmful illness.

Self Hypnosis or Clinical Hypnotherapy?

Give yourself a hand with self-hypnosis

10 minutes every day. In the modern world, a little bit of relaxation keeps the doctor away so it can be worth learning how to do it. Another advantage is that it teaches you how to control your own mindset.

People who practice self-hypnosis become calmer, more patient and less inclined to lose their temper at the slightest hint of a problem. Another natural consequence is a growing sense of positivity that permeates the psyche.

Almost everyone talks to themselves mentally. Successful and happy people have positive, constructive dialogues. If you are someone who worries silently or has a harsh critical inner voice, self-hypnosis can help you get more constructive.

Get expert advice from clinical hypnotherapy

Clinical hypnosis is a coaching-based therapy that can be used to help people with medical, habit and emotional problems. It is more helpful than self-hypnosis when a particular problem plaguing you requires a bit of expert advice.

The old adage, two heads are better than one is true in the consulting room and it can be a relief to talk about the problem with someone who does not judge you and who is trained to offer therapeutic advice and coaching skills designed to solve the problem or help you cope better with the situation.

Whether you choose self hypnosis or clinical hypnotherapy is really dependent on the type of person you are or the type of issue that is currently plaguing you.

The best way is to experiment with one or the other and assess which answers your needs best.

Sheila Menon is Principal of the London College of Clinical Hypnosis (LCCH Asia).

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