Therapeutic hypnosis: a powerful lever for change
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Therapeutic hypnosis is a natural, temporary modified state of consciousness in which the patient's attention is intensely focused. Contrary to misconceptions from stage hypnosis, the patient remains conscious and in control at all times. The hypnotherapist simply guides toward this state of heightened receptivity to facilitate change.
Modern hypnosis owes much to Milton H. Erickson (1901-1980), an American psychiatrist who revolutionized the practice by developing a permissive, indirect approach. Ericksonian hypnosis, the most widespread today, uses metaphors, indirect suggestions, and mobilizes the patient's unconscious resources. It differs from classical (directive) hypnosis and new hypnosis (Dave Elman, Jean Godin).
Neuroscience has confirmed the reality of the hypnotic state: functional MRI shows changes in brain activity, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex and precuneus. Hypnosis induces characteristic theta waves, similar to deep meditation. Over 15,000 scientific publications study its mechanisms and applications.
In France, hypnosis is used in over 200 hospital departments. It has been recognized by the Academy of Medicine since 2013 as a complementary therapy. Several university hospitals offer university diplomas (DU) in medical hypnosis.
A hypnotherapy session typically lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour. The first consultation is often longer (1h-1h30) as it includes a thorough interview: the therapist explores your issue, goals, personal history, and any apprehensions about hypnosis.
The session itself begins with an induction phase: the therapist uses their voice, relaxation suggestions, and focusing techniques to guide you into the hypnotic state. You may feel a pleasant heaviness, floating sensation, or simply deep relaxation. You hear the therapist's voice and can communicate at any time.
Next comes the therapeutic work phase: depending on your goal, the therapist uses metaphors, suggestions, regression, or visualization techniques. For smoking cessation, they work on unconscious associations and reinforce motivation. For phobias, they use desensitization techniques under hypnosis.
The session ends with a gradual return to ordinary waking state. You generally feel relaxed and clear-headed. The therapist may teach self-hypnosis techniques to extend benefits between sessions.
Smoking cessation is the most requested application. A Cochrane meta-analysis shows hypnosis doubles success rates compared to willpower alone. In 1 to 3 sessions, 60 to 80% of patients quit smoking. The protocol combines ritual deconstruction, non-smoker identity reinforcement, and craving management.
Pain management is a major indication, validated by INSERM. Hypnosis is used as a complement during surgical procedures (hypnosedation) in many French operating rooms. It significantly reduces analgesic consumption and preoperative anxiety. For chronic pain (fibromyalgia, migraines, irritable bowel), it offers lasting self-management tools.
Anxiety disorders and phobias respond remarkably well to hypnosis. In 3 to 6 sessions, most simple phobias (flying, spiders, claustrophobia) are significantly reduced. Hypnosis is also effective for sleep disorders, eating disorders (snacking, bulimia), and post-traumatic stress.
In children, hypnosis is particularly suited as children naturally enter trance states. It treats bedwetting, attention disorders, school anxiety, and functional pain.
Addictions are an area of excellence: tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, gambling, screens. Hypnosis works on unconscious dependency mechanisms and reinforces motivation for change. For tobacco, results are often spectacular in 1 to 3 sessions.
Psychological disorders: generalized anxiety, panic attacks, phobias (agoraphobia, social phobia, specific phobias), PTSD, mild to moderate depression, OCD. Hypnosis does not replace psychiatric care for severe conditions but can complement it effectively.
Psychosomatic and functional disorders: irritable bowel, chronic migraines, fibromyalgia, pelvic pain, tinnitus, bruxism, stress dermatitis. Hypnosis helps break the stress-symptom-stress vicious cycle.
Performance and development: exam preparation, self-confidence, public speaking, creativity, sports performance. Many elite athletes use hypnosis in mental preparation. In perinatal care, hypnosis supports pregnancy, prepares for childbirth, and helps manage labor pain.
The title of hypnotherapist is not protected in France. It is therefore essential to verify the practitioner's training. Serious training programs last between 300 and 500 hours and include supervised practice. Recognized schools include ARCHE, IFH (French Institute of Hypnosis), Milton H. Erickson Institute, and AFNH.
Two main paths exist: medical hypnosis (university diploma, reserved for healthcare professionals) and therapeutic hypnosis (private schools, open to all). Doctors, psychologists, and nurses can obtain a university diploma in hypnosis validating 150 to 200 hours of specific training.
Non-medical practitioners follow longer programs (300-500h) in private schools. Certification generally includes a thesis, supervised practice, and an examination. Some programs are registered with RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications).
To verify a hypnotherapist: ask about their training, hours, school, and whether they have regular supervision. On PratiConnect, we verify each practitioner's certifications before publishing their profile.
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