Hypnotherapy is a type of therapy that is conducted in hypnosis. Hypnosis is derived from the Greek word for sleep. Hypnosis is a state of relaxation and concentration. Physically a person will feel completely relaxed but mentally more alert, sensitive and open to suggestions. Hypnotherapy teaches people to master their own state of awareness; this will help them replace unwanted habits with control and a desire to make better choices.

How does Hypnotherapy work?

Scientifically it is unclear how hypnosis actually works but Hypnotherapy focuses of reprogramming unwanted emotional or physical responses to particular situations. When a person experiences something new their first reaction is stored in their memory and is recreated each time they are exposed to that same circumstance. Reactions that are unhealthy or inappropriate can be changed through hypnotherapy. The job of the Hypnotherapist is to guide the client to their first experience where the unwanted response was first created. The Hypnotherapist's goal is to detach the reaction from the experience and replace it with supportive suggestions. For example, if is person is trying to quit smoking the Hypnotherapist might replace their desire to smoke with suggestions like "smoking tastes disgusting" "smoking will make me cough" "smoking will make me sick".

According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center there are several stages to Hypnotherapy:

•Reframing the problem: becoming relaxed, then absorbed by the images or words given by the Hypnotherapist

•Dissociating: letting go of critical thoughts

•Respond: complying whole-heartedly to a Hypnotherapist's suggestions

•Return to usual awareness

•Reflect on the experience.

Unlike other therapies blood pressure is decreased by the procedure of Hypnotherapy, also heart rate drops and brain activity is altered.

What to expect in a Hypnotherapy session

Most sessions will last about an hour. The Hypnotherapist will ask you about your medical history and why you desire Hypnotherapy. They might teach you about what Hypnotherapy is and explain the procedures. The Hypnotherapist will direct you through the session, you will not be vulnerable as hypnosis does not put you into a deep sleep it merely relaxes you leaving you sensitive to suggestion. You will not do anything that is not characteristic. Often the Hypnotherapist will send you home with an audio recording which will support the session.

For the hypnotherapy to be successful several sessions are required. The repetition will teach the patient ownership of the suggested alternative reactions.

How to become a trained in hypnotherapy

There is a wide variety of available courses in Hypnotherapy Training. Most courses offer four levels of training. Most Hypnotherapy courses are about $950 at each level. It is wise to advance and complete all courses as by graduating from all levels or modules a person will receive a diploma. In order to receive a diploma a person must complete about 200 hours of certified hypnotherapy training. Often these diplomas are recognized by individual states or regions.

When deciding on a course research Hypnotherapy organizations, find out how to apply for a membership and create contacts. It's a great idea to build contacts with people that are already practicing Hypnotherapy, utilize their knowledge to help make decisions that will help further your personal career.

Examples of Hypnotherapy Organizations:

• Transpersonal Hypnotherapy Institute

http://www.transpersonalhypnotherapy.com/associations

• Council of Professional Hypnosis Organizations

http://www.hypnosishalloffame.com/copho.htm

• National Society of Professional Hypnotherapisits

http://www.nsph-hypnotherapy.co.uk/

• American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists

http://www.aaph.org/

• National Guild of Hypnotists

http://www.ngh.net/

• The British Association of Therapeutical Hypnotists

http://www.bathh.co.uk/