Does Hypnosis Have Side Effects?

HYPNOTHERAPY NEWS & REVIEW:

By Columnist Ernest McLeod – Certified Hypnotherapist:

As with most therapies, there are concerns over side effects when it comes to hypnosis. Not understanding hypnosis well enough may increase these concerns. For instance, a common question asked is, “What if I get stuck in hypnosis and can’t get out?” Well, this in itself is a myth as you can’t get stuck in hypnosis. Worst case scenario, let’s say the hypnotist suffers from a medical condition while you are in a trance. So he’s unable to continue with hypnosis. What would happen to you? Well, you’d eventually wake up from the state of hypnosis. This experience would be as though you’d been in a very deep sleep.

Common Side Effects of Hypnosis

Being under hypnosis for a prolonged duration does lead to some side effects. The most common being:

• Experiencing drowsy or dizzy straight after coming out of a trance.
• Feeling as if there is a layer of fog in your mind.

These side effects are very comparable to symptoms that someone who suddenly wakes from a deep sleep would experience. Equally these effects will only last a few moments before full clarity returns. So there is nothing to be concerned over.

Safe Hypnosis and a Feeling of Loss

When conducted by a trained therapist, hypnosis is considered a safe alternative treatment. Sometimes during the first stage of the first session of hypnosis, called induction, the client may experience a level of anxiety or feeling of loss. Some clients also recall a memory of a traumatic life experience. This memory may just ‘pop up’ during this first stage. However, a well-trained hypnotherapist will easily be able to move the client past this without any problem. Plus, they will make sure that no inadvertent suggestions linger with the client.

Hypnosis and Working With Regression

When working with regression, it’s not uncommon for a client to experience strong emotional reactions to memories. However, this would be seen less as a side effect. Once again, working with a well-trained hypnotherapist will mean that this is not a lasting issue for the client.

The Positive Side Effects of Hypnosis

Typically, when thinking about side effects, it implies something negative. Although many people who undergo hypnosis, on a regular basis, consistently report some positive and desirable effects. These positive side effects often go unexplored. Nevertheless, these include:

• A level of calmness and finding it easier to relax.
• Better sleep.
• Feeling emotionally more stable and resilient
• A higher level of self-awareness.
• Improved cognitive function.
• Increased memory recall.

Thus, as the saying goes, every coin has two sides. In this case, hypnosis can cause some undesirable and positive side effects. However, there are considerably more reports of positive outcomes and beneficial side effects than negatives. Personally, as a certified hypnotherapist, I have found that the positive feedback I receive far outweighs any negative.

About Our Hypnotherapy News and Review Columnist Ernest McLeod

Ernest McLeod is the owner of The Hypno Coach, established in 2012, and has practiced Hypnotherapy in Adelaide since 2011. Ernest is a certified hypnotherapist and studies include Hypnotherapy through ASA and ICHP Australia as well as Psychotherapy. He also holds Certified Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Certified Practitioner of Time Line Therapy with the American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

Ernest’s wealth of life experience includes growing up in Austria, close to Vienna. Moving to Adelaide in 1991 with his parents. His mum being South Australian. With his father working for the United Nations in Vienna, Ernest grew-up exposed to many cultures. After graduating from college Ernest began a career as Software Developer which spanned nearly 20-years. Having also established himself as an internationally awarded fashion photographer, Ernest moved into hypnotherapy. Something that had fascinated Ernest since early childhood.

Disclaimer: The information published in this column is the author’s own professional and personal knowledge, and opinion. This information and opinion are not substitutes for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have about any medical condition and consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on InShape News.