Hypnosis is an incredible tool and can be used in many different ways in a therapy (hypnotherapy).
Below, I briefly summarize some of the most common types of hypnotherapy that exist.
Ericksonian hypnosis
Milton Erickson was a psychiatrist who specialized in family therapy and medical hypnosis. His work is cited as revolutionary in the hypnosis industry in therapy and his approach is now used by more and more hypnotherapists.
Unlike other forms, Ericksonian hypnotherapy uses indirect suggestion and storytelling to alter behavior. This way of working Hypnosis can attract those who seek a different approach or even those who have tried and have not liked the traditional forms of Hypnotherapy.
Hypno-Psychotherapy
This is an integrative approach, where hypnosis is used together with another branch of Psychotherapy (such as Psychodynamics, Humanist and Mindfulness). The professionals that offer this form of therapy have training in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy.
Hypno-Psychotherapy can be used to analyze deeper issues and can be useful for those who believe they would benefit from more intense work.
Hypnosis Focused on the Solution
This form of Hypnotherapy focuses on the here and now, looking at your current situation and how you would like to see yourself in the future. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is client-centered, which means that you advance in your sessions while your hypnotherapist guides you.
Goal setting is key and key questions are often used to help you discover the solution to any challenge you face in your life. The central belief of this method is that you have the person already possesses the inner strength and resources within to help yourself, with the hypnotherapist acting as a guide or facilitator.
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
It is not a type of hypnosis, but another technique that hypnotherapists often employ in their practice. NLP is a learning model devised by Dr. Richard Bandler and John Grinder and seeks to help people help themselves achieve a state of “excellence, happiness and fulfillment”.
Cognitive hypnotherapy
Cognitive Hypnotherapy can be used for many concerns, but it is particularly useful for phobias and anxiety. This method gains influence from a wide variety of theories and combines them to fit the client’s objectives, values and personal needs.
Hypno-analysis
From the concepts of Analytical Psychotherapy, the Hypno-analysis seeks to identify a “cause” or a “triggering event” that has led to the current problem faced. By identifying the root cause, the hypnotherapist helps reduce negative associations and solve the resulting problems.
The process often requires a few sessions, allowing you to build a relationship between client and therapist and work together in a safe and trusted environment.
Regression of Past Lives
Practitioners of this technique believe that we all have past lives and use hypnosis to help recover these memories. It is hoped that these memories can reveal why you are struggling with a certain problem in this life and explain who you are now.
This therapy is integral and works with body, mind, emotions and spirit. Regression to past lives can be useful if you feel that you are stuck in a certain subject or if you find that something is still returning to your life.
Suggestive hypnotherapy
Suggestion techniques are used in most types of hypnosis. The main premise is that when we are in a hypnotic state, our subconscious is more open to receiving suggestions. This technique is ideal to change habits, overcome anxiety and reduce stress.
Time Line Therapy
Derived from NLP, Time Line Therapy is based on the premise that our memories are stored in a linear pattern (ie, a timeline). Practitioners using this method use different techniques to help you release limiting beliefs and negative emotions related to past experiences.
While this approach can be used for a wide variety of concerns, it is believed to be especially useful for those struggling with depression, anxiety and stress.
