What is the difference between a Hypnotist and Hypnotherapist?

HYPNOTHERAPY NEWS & REVIEW:

By Columnist Ernest McLeod – Certified Hypnotherapist:

Photo Credit: York Vision, 2007 – Hypnotism:

The terms Hypnotist and Hypnotherapist are used interchangeably, along with Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy although they are very different concepts. To understand the difference between these concepts, let’s take a look at what Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy are.

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a process of helping someone become extremely relaxed, taking them into a state of trance which encourages deeper communication between the conscious and the subconscious minds. Thus, creating a passive state of mind where it is suggestible to ideas presented. For example, a script to stop smoking or lose weight. Suggesting a new behaviour during hypnosis enables the mind to adopt that state for a period. However, typically these suggestions don’t have a long-lasting result, and the person will eventually drop back to the old behaviour. This action occurs as the reaction’s ‘trigger’ is not corrected. Basically, a band-aid is applied.

What is a Hypnotist?

A Hypnotist is trained to take people into a trance state and may even be certified to perform Hypnosis. Often good Hypnotists become entertainers, and those who have experienced a Hypnosis stage show know these are very entertaining.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy on the other hand, as the name infers, includes the application of therapy by a qualified therapist, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist for example. This treatment is applied while the person is in a state of trance, using the process of Hypnosis. The therapist will often combine suggestions of a new behaviour; however, the main difference is the reprogramming of the underlying pattern which triggers the undesirable behaviour. This treatment can be for smoking or weight-loss, but it also extends to dealing with anxieties and deeper behavioural disorders, or the root of the problem.

From the Hypnotherapists point of view, the big difference is the skills learnt to discover the source of the behaviour. Consequently, this could be something hidden deep in the psyche of the person and covered by many layers of misdirecting behaviours. Therefore, the skill of being able to uncover and deal with the triggers of response defines the difference a hypnotherapist makes regarding effective treatment and healing of their clients.

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.

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