Rick,

I wanted to answer your original question, "Is hypnosis psychotherapy"

I would have to say no. To me, psychotherapy is based on a close relationship between two people, one of whom is a client/patient and the other is a psychotherapist. I think that hypnosis can be used as a tool by some psychotherapists but hypnosis itself is not psychotherapy. The psychotherapeutic relationship is the basis for change in a person's life. It takes a long time to build the relationship to a point where you trust enough to willingly and calmly reveal yourself. Hypnosis seems to be much more direct-goal oriented and short term in nature.

Now, if a person wants to use hypnosis to alleviate suffering or to help with some kind of desired change, I think that's great. But it's a different path toward change than psychotherapy.

I was hypnotized once to quite smoking and while I found the experience very stimulating and exciting, I went back to smoking the next day. I think it didn't work for me because I was too weirded out by the fact that someone could have that kind of power over my subconscious. So, I had to prove him wrong! (That's just me.) And that's why good old fashioned talk therapy is the best path for me.

I'm glad you are able to help alleviate suffering for some people. That is a gift!