Firstly, this blog is based on my opinions on this subject.
However, I have reviewed both and validated my understanding by speaking to several therapists who provide these as individual services and those who provide both.
So, what are these services?
Hypnotherapy: This is carried out by a professionally trained individual who uses their skill to induce a trance-like state of total focus where the hypnotherapist can speak directly to the individual’s unconscious mind. Sometimes it is called hypnosis or hypnotic induction. It is used to ease psychological as well as physiological issues. It treats various issues, such as fears, phobias, confidence issues, skin conditions, smoking cessation, stress, overwhelm, burnout, weight management, etc.
Hypnotherapy is a complementary medical service as it works well with medication and other treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Positive Psychology and more.
Some people think that hypnotherapy is a relatively recent addition to therapy, when in fact, it has been around for hundreds of years, and the British Medical Association (BMA) has been using it as a tool in medicine since 1955.
If you want to know more about the differences between Hypnotists and hypnotherapists, see my blog on the 14th of February this year called ‘What is hypnotherapy and how can it help me?’, which is on my website with my other blogs on various subjects.
Pros of hypnotherapy are that, in most cases, resolving the client’s issues or at least getting them on the path of change takes 1 -6 sessions.
It supports a form of natural healing as having a direct link to your unconscious mind enables the therapist to work on reverting your mind and body to its original blueprint.
As a result of this, it is classed as a less intrusive form of treatment than many others.
By inducing a relaxed state, it is great for calming, grounding, and alleviating the effects of stress.
Cons of hypnotherapy, the biggest one is that this only works for some. It will only work if a person wants it to. Suppose there is any reason why the client may not want it to work, then it won’t. This sounds like a weird comment, but some clients come because family members or friends suggested it, and they may not be ready. Other clients do not want to face the issue causing their problems, one reason for this can be that they get sympathy or company because of it, and they worry that if they change, so will these relationships.
Another reason is that you should always check with your GP or consultant if you have one to ensure that whatever you are suffering from will not be adversely affected by hypnotherapy. Your hypnotherapist should check this in your initial consultation or the intake forms you complete before beginning any treatment. Once they know if there might be an issue and with your permission they could email or write to whoever oversees your case to ensure it is okay to move forward with your hypnotherapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is a talking therapy method that enables individuals to overcome their issues, which can be behavioural, relationship issues, confidence issues, day-to-day life issues, dealing with their emotions and many more.
These are normally carried out by people such as psychiatrists, counsellors, psychoanalysts, psychiatric nurses, or psychotherapists.
The therapist will discuss the areas of your life that you wish to improve, and simply talking and using their skills will enable you to understand why you are having these issues. Psychotherapy works best when you are willing to discuss your thoughts and feelings.
There are various types of psychotherapy, for example, Individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy and couple’s therapy.
You need to be aware that if using group therapy, you would normally be sharing your issues and listening to other members of the group’s issues. However, there is normally a common trait to the group dynamics; for example, it could be for addicts, domestic violence etc.
The types of techniques used in psychotherapy can be similar to those that are used in conjunction with hypnotherapy. For example, Cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, psychoanalysis, supportive therapy, and Interpersonal therapy (IPT).
The positives of psychotherapy are that it provides a safe and private environment to discuss the client’s specific issues. It helps the client understand their thought processes and better understand their actual symptoms. They learn effective strategies to allow them to cope daily. Although some of their therapy may be in conjunction with other treatments, this provides them with the tools to improve their mental and physical well-being.
The cons of psychotherapy are that although some issues may be resolved quicker than others, clients can be in therapy for months or even years. This can be down to the relationship built with their therapist, where they get to the point where they keep attending as part of their coping strategy.
Some treatments require what we will call homework, which some clients do not want to do. They feel they only need to attend their sessions to provide a solution. The strategies they are given can appear superficial to some as they feel they really address their issues.
Hypnotherapy and psychotherapy are built around the client and therapist's relationship. If this is built on good foundations early on, both therapies can get the clients’ desired results.
They are both credible in their ways, and I believe that. The right therapist will benefit the client who believes they will help them the most.
I believe that hypnotherapy is the best option as both can get to the right solution for the client, but hypnotherapy gets there so much quicker. One of the main reasons, you can talk about an issue too much for me, whereas hypnotherapy acts sooner.
When hypnotherapy is used in conjunction with the other modalities I mentioned earlier, it is a much more powerful form of therapy.
It would be great to hear your thoughts if you have used either of these therapies.
Though if, after reading this, you need help with your issue, please contact me, and we will arrange a complimentary consultation to chat about how we will work together to get you on the right path to your solution.
Tony Gordon
www.changingyourmindltd.com
tonygordon@changingyourmindltd.com
https://linktr.
I am a certified wellbeing practitioner and coach, helping my clients achieve their personal and professional goals. The essence of my work is to facilitate self-growth by helping you identify the core challenges and obstacles in your life, so that you can overcome them with confidence. I specialise in creating personalised plans and providing tools to guide you forward to achieve your desired goals.
