Hypnotherapy & Hypnosis: What's the difference?

When people find out I am a hypnotherapist, their usual response is, "you're the first hypnotherapist I've ever met!". Then they ask me to explain the difference between hypnotherapy and hypnosis. So I've decided to share my answer with you.

Hypnotherapy is a profession that offers many  effective techniques to help clients reach their goals, with hypnosis being one of those techniques. As a hypnotherapist, I customize each session depending on the client as well as the clients' particular needs any given day. Because I see every client as a unique individual, I tailor each session for them. The techniques I use are hypnosis, positive suggestion therapy, eye movement therapy, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), parts therapy, regression therapy, and breath work. 

Most people don't realize before meeting me that they've already experienced a relaxed hypnotic state. This is because we naturally go in and out of this relaxed state when we get absorbed in a t.v. show, a book, day dream,  and every time we fall asleep and wake each morning. The hypnotic state is just a slower brain wave state that allows the critical part of our mind to relax so that we are better able to take in positive suggestions to help us reach our goals.

As you can see from the chart to the right, alpha and theta brain wave states occur when we are feeling calm, relaxed and meditative. These are the 2 brain wave states that clients go in to as I guide them into hypnosis. And guess what? Anyone who is open and willing, who can hear me and who has no cognitive disabilities can go into hypnosis. It's as simple as following my suggestion to take in a deep breath and on your exhale to think to yourself, relax. 

Click on image for more info on brain wave states