I was looking at different therapists in my area online, and some in this one group do hypnosis. Have any of you had hypnosis, and if so, what for, and did it work? I am genuinely curious. Thanks.

[wotchermuggle]

I'd be interested to know, too.

[archipelago]

I see an analyst in the relational school of psychoanalysis, but he also does hypnosis and believes in it. It's really similar to progressive relaxation techniques, except after you do that part, there's something called an "induction," where you enter a safe place that you create. You can fill it with magical things that have powers in the world over things you're struggling with or it can just be a peaceful place. I've taped my "inductions" so that I can play them to myself and use them whenever I want, either to relax or to help get to sleep.

People vary on their ability to use this technique. Not everyone can use hypnosis to good effect. You have to be willing to go with it and also have to have the right temperament, but I would say it's worth a try. I don't use as much now, but at the time it lead to some very interesting things.

Originally Posted by iota

I see an analyst in the relational school of psychoanalysis, but he also does hypnosis and believes in it. It's really similar to progressive relaxation techniques, except after you do that part, there's something called an "induction," where you enter a safe place that you create. You can fill it with magical things that have powers in the world over things you're struggling with or it can just be a peaceful place. I've taped my "inductions" so that I can play them to myself and use them whenever I want, either to relax or to help get to sleep.

People vary on their ability to use this technique. Not everyone can use hypnosis to good effect. You have to be willing to go with it and also have to have the right temperament, but I would say it's worth a try. I don't use as much now, but at the time it lead to some very interesting things.

So are you saying that it can be helpful long-term with things such as anxiety or OCD, perhaps? May I ask how they help you get to sleep? (I am a raging insomniac.) Also, what specific temperaments are not geared towards hypnosis?

[archipelago]

They say you have to be "suggestible" which can mean almost anything. I think it means that if you are very rational and scientific, you can't use the imaginative powers that allow this to work.

In terms of sleep, there is a first step that involves getting very relaxed with focus on tensing and relaxing all your muscles from head to toe. Then the "induction" happens, which involves counting backwards and imagining a place to go. You can stay there and do things if you want to. Or it can just be a peaceful time out.

At the end a reverse induction happens where you are encouraged to return to a full state of consciousness. If you desire to go to sleep instead then you can skip this part and use the peaceful state to help you get to sleep.

I have an anxiety disorder too. It really helped me a lot. And I was able to use it on myself, not as successfully but well enough. I need actual meds to get a full night's sleep so it is not like it will be that strong, but it is helpful. I almost did it again in session today, but decided I wanted to talk instead. I always know now that I can use it if I want to and that in itself is reassuring.

Originally Posted by iota

They say you have to be "suggestible" which can mean almost anything. I think it means that if you are very rational and scientific, you can't use the imaginative powers that allow this to work.

In terms of sleep, there is a first step that involves getting very relaxed with focus on tensing and relaxing all your muscles from head to toe. Then the "induction" happens, which involves counting backwards and imagining a place to go. You can stay there and do things if you want to. Or it can just be a peaceful time out.

At the end a reverse induction happens where you are encouraged to return to a full state of consciousness. If you desire to go to sleep instead then you can skip this part and use the peaceful state to help you get to sleep.

I have an anxiety disorder too. It really helped me a lot. And I was able to use it on myself, not as successfully but well enough. I need actual meds to get a full night's sleep so it is not like it will be that strong, but it is helpful. I almost did it again in session today, but decided I wanted to talk instead. I always know now that I can use it if I want to and that in itself is reassuring.

Wow, it would take me a looong time to relax, step 1 would go on forever!
I also need meds to fall asleep, but then once I am out they seem to keep me out, but I think I need them for that, too. Anyway, thank you for the information, and I am very glad it is helpful for you; you have given me a lot to consider.