Hypnosis – Can It Help Me?
Dr. Greg Harms
Looking for hypnotherapy in Chicago? Have you heard things about hypnotherapy and wonder if it’s right for you? Do you dream of living a happier, more fulfilling life?
If the answer is yes, you wouldn’t be alone. One of the first questions people ask before experiencing hypnosis is: Does hypnotherapy work?
For many individuals, the answer to that question is yes. But there are three important qualifiers that must be factored into the equation:
(1) Your motivations for wanting hypnotherapy
(2) The hypnotists or hypnotherapists background
(3) Your openness to the hypnotic process.
Let’s talk about that second one for a moment. In Chicago and in the state of Illinois, anyone can become a hypnotist. You simply find a hypnosis website to register with, take a few courses, pay the required fee and – that’s it. You can now call yourself a hypnotist.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. To be sure, there are many wonderful hypnotists in Chicago who do an amazing job at helping people to learn relaxation techniques while teaching self-hypnosis.
Additionally, there are lots of excellent stage hypnotists in the windy city who are masters at their craft. If you’ve ever seen one in action, you know how entertaining they can be.
But a hypnotist and a clinical hypnotherapist aren’t the same. You may be wondering how they differ? Be sure to visit this page to learn more.
Hypnosis – What’s Your Goal?
In short, if your goal is to learn about self-hypnosis or how to meditate, working with a hypnotist is probably just fine.
But if you are seeking help with clinical issues like anxiety, depression, a phobia, panic disorder or nicotine addiction, like quit smoking hypnosis, you’ll want to find a licensed mental health professional who holds a certification in hypnotherapy.
Let’s be clear – hypnotherapy can be powerful
For many Chicagoans, undergoing a hypnotic experience has helped them to move past barriers and live a happier, more fulfilling lives. Hypnosis isn’t magic. But can be incredibly powerful.
What follows are five ways hypnosis can unleash a new you.
1. Change negative thinking
Do you have negative thoughts? Would you like to find ways to be more positive? If so, hypnosis may be a great option.
That’s because hypnotherapy can be used to help you ditch old ways of thinking; toxic thoughts that may be keeping you from reaching your full potential.
Imagine what your life might be like if you looked at each new day as an opportunity? How would it be to awaken with the morning sun and know that regardless of what the day might bring, you are going to be just fine?
Hypnotherapy may be able to help make this your reality.
2. Create more confidence
Are you a person who struggles with self-esteem? Feeling invisible to others? Do you have problems with sexual confidence that may impact your love life?
Hypnotherapy may be helpful to you in this area. With the assistance of a trained hypnotherapist, you can see yourself in a new light.
In turn, this will help generate a new self-concept … one that is healthier and stronger.
And that’s a powerful thing.
3. Break unhealthy habits
Do you smoke cigarettes? How about party too much? Struggling with body weight? For many Chicagoans, hypnotherapy has helped them to live a healthier life.
When you partner with a trained therapist that is trained in the art of hypnosis, you give yourself the opportunity to kick things like overeating and other unhealthy habits, like over-drinking.
While there’s no such thing as a magic bullet, there is the opportunity for faster, long-lasting change through hypnosis.
That’s pretty cool, don’t you think?
4. Reduce stress and anxiety
Does the stress of the day weigh on you? Do you struggle with anxiety? Have you tried other approaches to solve these issues with few results?
If the answer is yes, hypnosis may be a powerful option.
That’s because one of the benefits of hypnotherapy is living a calmer life. Your therapist can teach you coping skills for stress – before it bubbles up into something unmanageable.
But here is the thing. It’s best to work with a qualified therapist who specializes in anxiety issues. Be sure to read how hypnotherapy can help with anxiety here.
Here is what you want to look for:
- Someone licensed to conduct therapy
- Holds an advanced degree in mental health or medicine, such as a masters or doctorate.
- Certified to practice clinical hypnotherapy
5. Stronger memory
When you are feeling anxious, tired or stressed, memories can be foggy. Little things, like not remembering where the car keys are, can become frustrating. Over the course of time, those “little things” can start to add up.
Hypnotherapy may be able to help in this area.
By teaching you innovative ways to clear your mind of extraneous material, hypnosis can empower your mind to retain and recall facts faster.
FYI: With memory loss, it’s important to check with your doctor to rule out medical causes. Even small things, like a change in prescriptions, can have an impact on your mind.
But assuming everything is OK, hypnotherapy may be just what you need to strengthen your memory.
How Hypnotherapy is Used
Hypnotherapy, in the clinical sense, is considered an adjunct to psychotherapy and is not therapy, in and of itself. In other words, a psychotherapist may use hypnosis (if appropriate) as a tool as part of a general treatment approach. The American Psychological Association has a great page with several hypnotherapy FAQs.
Finding a Hypnotherapist in Chicago
If you are hoping to find a clinical hypnotherapist in Chicago, there are several resources to consider. Here’s a list of the best 5 hypnotherapists in Chicago. Below, you will also find some other links as helpful resources.
- Psychology Today (input your zip code)
- National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists
- American Society of Medical Hypnoanalysts
