My first successful hypnotherapy!

nursemomruns · Sep 12, 2005

Well, I can't stay away from school. But I am tired of the University BS...so I am taking hypnotherapy.
It is really different and sometimes I feel I am being sucked over to the dark side of "woo-woo" science...the instructors have (to be politically correct) "unusual" ideas about medicine and science. I don't really fit in, being a nurse, but this school is the only game in town if I want to learn this. (I am keeping my mouth shut and biting my tongue A LOT :) ...these folks have an obvious bias against the medical profession).

There are courses in hypnotherapy that are part of a psychology degree program and I haven't found the professors to be biased against me as a nurse. I guess it all just depends on the instructors' perspective. Personally, I feel that complementary therapy is the way to go. No one discipline has all the right answers for everyone. By the way, there are some great articles out there about using hypnosis for pain and nausea control. Last spring, I had to find some articles on it for school (to support my position that hypnosis does help). If I can find them, I'll give you the citation for them or email them to you. If you have access to the PSYCArticles database, you can find several articles there.

Katnip, RN · Sep 12, 2005

I, too, believe integrative medicine is the way to go. Modern medicine can't begin to cover everything.

There have been many, many studies that indicate things like hypnotherapy, guided imagery, meditation, and mindfulness can help facilitate modern healing therapies.

I can't understand how people don't see the benefit in using both.

Hypnotherapy does make sense for things like weight loss, smoking cessation, and phobia control. It relaxes the mind to become more receptive to positive influences that you want.

It isn't voodoo. Voodoo is a Haitian-based religion.

Cute_CNA, CNA · Sep 12, 2005

I'm open to new ideas, but HOW exactly does it work? What did the instructor say/do?

I think it would be good if "woo-woo" medicine were balanced with traditional medicine, and not just go exclusively w/one or the other.

EricTAMUCC-BSN, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2005

From what I have gathered from you all is that in the circumstance I previously posted is hypnosis would not work if I was skeptical or doubting, however for those who invest positive energy into the treatment there is a strong likelihood it would be successful. Furthermore, keeping an open mind to diverse and balanced healing options maybe the ultimate treatment. I

EricTAMUCC-BSN, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2005

after taking a quiz on the link at the bottom of this page to determine how "hypnotizable" I was I scored a 4 out of 5 or very "hypnotizable", however I was not "hypnotizable" enough to purchase thei DVD and advanced quiz. Imagine that.

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Oct 1, 2005

I've read of hypnotherapy being used to end or lessen the pain of childbirth. I read one family's story in a child magazine many years ago. The father learned hypnotherapy and hypnotized his wife to feel no pain during labor. (He was writing the article) They practiced many times before hand. During labor he hynotized her and the only thing she complained about was how much her back hurt. They had only practiced for pain in her pelvic region. So he did a session which told her that her hand was numb from pain and then had her place her hand on her back which then ended her pain. He said she had a pain free labor. I never bothered to try this approach as I figured it wouldn't work for me but I've read so much on this subject that now I think it's possible. I'm considering it for weight loss. And yes I do have a plan of exercise and diet. bought a book I saw on Oprah. I just don't want to be afraid of failure or having cravings for sweet things. I think hypnotherapy would work well in my case.

My husband is planning on becoming a hypnotherapist. He already has an MFCC licsense and is leaving his job in December. I will tell him of this thread. He says he can just sign up for a class and then can start doing it.

Hey where can I get one of those weight loss self hypnotherapy CD's? :)

Katnip, RN · Oct 1, 2005

Keep in mind, too, that Galileo was imprisoned for his theory that the Earth revolved around the sun, and not the other way around. It took nearly a thousand years before Newton came along to prove with scientific methods that he was right.

Just because we don't have the means right now to prove something is correct doesn't mean it isn't.

Medical scientists and quantum physicists are coming up with a lot of sound theories about the mind-body connection, so it's isn't just a bunch of hooey.

That said, if you're going to see a hypno therapist for anything, like anyone, check out the credentials. Make sure they practice in a way that you need. If you're going to one for help with depression, I'd suggest a traditional therapist who practices hypnoses so both can be integrated for optimum results.

As a matter of fact, I think "alternative" methods need not be an actual alternative to modern medicine. With a practioner who has a solid background in both, I think you get the best of both worlds.

nursedebbie,rnwcc · Jul 16, 2009

I, too, am intersted in learning hypnotherapy for pain management, etc. Can you tell me where you studied and if you are certified? Would love to visit with you about this.

Thanks.