Hypnosis for Trauma – Should You Go for It?

Have you ever experienced physical, emotional, and/or psychological trauma? It can be devastating. You may feel isolated and held hostage by your traumatic experience. When this happens, you might want to take a look at using hypnosis for trauma.

But first, a little bit about how hypnosis works.

How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis is a recognized modality that guides you into a relaxed state of focus. This state allows you to address negative behaviors, feelings, and situations.

A typical hypnosis session involves three stages: induction, suggestions, and post-hypnotic suggestions.

In the first stage, the hypnotherapist assists you in relaxing and possibly focusing on the sound of their voice. This might take a few seconds to possibly 10-15 minutes.

During the suggestion stage, the hypnotherapist helps you to access your subconscious mind. Typically, you are invited to imagine specific scenarios that can help you overcome the challenge at hand.

Hypnotherapy can help you deal with: sleep, anxiety, weight loss, depression, alcoholism, pain, obesity, IBS, smoking, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and other issues.

How does hypnosis for trauma work?

Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s talk about PSTD and what hypnosis can do to help you overcome trauma.

A clinical hypnotherapist can help deal with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). PSTD, also known as shell shock, is a serious mental health issue that can occur after someone experiences trauma. Some of its symptoms include distressing thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, negative thoughts and feelings (fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame), and having problems sleeping.

●  A one-time event such as an earthquake, an accident, or an injury

●  Ongoing stress such as domestic abuse, bullying, living in a violent neighborhood, or having a life-long illness (complex trauma)

●  Common situations like the death of a loved one, surgery, losing a job, or a relationship breakup

As a result, many trauma victims turn to alcohol or drugs to cope. These become negative patterns that prevent them from pursuing goals or having a normal everyday life.

During hypnotherapy, the process blocks external stimuli so you can focus on the inner mind. The trained therapist can assist in uncovering the reasons why they turned to substance abuse or suggesting better patterns to cope with the trauma.

Does science support the use of hypnosis for trauma?

There’s significant research backing up using hypnosis when dealing with trauma.

A 2013 meta-analysis showed that hypnosis was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms. Similarly, another study done the same year revealed that hypnosis provided more long-term positive effects versus placebo.

More recently, a 2022 study compared using hypnosis to fluoxetine, a common antidepressant in PTSD with childhood trauma. The study concluded that hypnosis was significantly better than the said drug.

Meanwhile, another study in 2018 combined hypnosis with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This study concluded that hypnosis was more successful when done with CBT.

Need help with Trauma?

If you or someone you know needs help in overcoming trauma, do reach out for help. You may book a session with a clinical hypnotherapist and Everybody in Mind Wellness Center founder, Carla Chalah.

It may be difficult to take the first step but we believe in you. You are meant for great things.