Hypnosis - What can it do for you?
Clinical hypnosis has been shown to be effective in a variety of conditions, with research providing evidence to inform our practice. References to research articles and books are available on request from our members. Since each member of the Society doesn’t practice in all of these areas, it is suggested that clients or patients discuss with a potential therapist their training and experience, particularly in the area(s) of interest. We work in an interdisciplinary fashion, along with other professionals to augment, rather than replace, their treatments. It is essential that a thorough medical examination and diagnosis be made prior to the commencement of hypnosis, in order to rule out any conditions that would be better treated by means of conventional medical treatment. Referrals to the professionals in our Society who practise hypnotherapy come from physicians, dentists, psychologists, and other practitioners, as well as from potential clients or patients themselves. Depending on one’s benefits, some portion of our fees may be reimbursed for hypnotherapy or, in the case of physicians, coverage is available via OHIP.
Here are some areas where hypnosis has been shown to be effective:
- Anxiety and stress management, phobias, test or performance anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, fear of flying, anxiety about driving following a motor vehicle accident
- Dental anxiety or fear
- Depression
- Dermatological or Skin Disorders (eczema, itching, warts, rosacia)
- Eating Disorders (weight loss, self-esteem enhancement)
- Gastrointestinal Disorders (Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diarrhea)
- Modification of habits (hair pulling, thumb sucking, clenching or grinding of teeth [bruxism], nail biting)
- Labour and delivery, including relaxation and, when appropriate, reduction in hyperemesis gravidarum (“morning sickness”). Postpartum depression is also treatable.
- Paediatric conditions, including serious illnesses, anxiety about bloodwork or insertion of an IV, painful medical tests or procedures.
- Acute or chronic pain management, from injuries sustained at the workplace or in a motor vehicle accident, as well as from illness, aging, or any other reason. Examples include coping better with pain while in a rehabilitation programme, increasing range of motion and activity level with less discomfort and, when appropriate, returning to work or activities of daily living. As well, hypnosis is effective in treating headaches and migraines.
- Serious illnesses, including cancer or tumours, from the time of diagnosis, nausea from chemotherapy or radiation, anxiety about survival, and palliative care. Other illnesses may be treated by hypnosis, including asthma, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Preparation for surgery, anaesthesiology, and post-operative recovery (which has been shown in research to occur faster, with less medication and fewer complications).
- Smoking cessation, without medication and in the absence of weight gain
- Sports (improving athletic performance and eliminating bad habits or self-defeating thoughts)