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Hypnosis, Depression and Positive Gains in Therapy

answered 09:14 PM EST, Sun January 27, 2013
anonymous anonymous
I was reading that hypnosis can accelerate the gains you can make in therapy. Do you think that hypnosis is something that can be (should be?) integrated into psychotherapy for depression. Are there any risks I need to be concerned about if my 17 year old severely depressed son was going to give it a try?

Loren Gelberg-Goff Says...

Hypnotherapy can definitely accelerate the gains one makes in therapy.  It is an incredibly useful and meaningful adjunct to therapy and can help one get to the roots of one's depression, anxiety, etc.  If your son is open and receptive to getting to the source of his depression, then hypnotherapy can be very helpful.  This is especially true if he really trusts his therapist.  I know that may sound odd, because one would hope that he truly trusts his therapist, but sometimes people don't fully disclose their feelings, even to a therapist, so there is an underlying conflict that will be evident in any hypnotherapy session. 

Trust is at the root of all therapy, and it is important that your son feel safe, comfortable and trusting in his relationship with his therapist.  I am not sure of the nature of your son's depression, but neurofeedback can also be a great adjunct to therapy.  

In the practice of hypnotherapy, I make certain that my client feels safe and secure.  Hypnosis is focused relaxation, and the client is always aware of what's going on and has control to go as deeply as he desires. That's why I say trust is so important.  Our subconscious is very strong and people really don't go deeper than they are willing to explore.  As long as your son's therapist is knowledgeable and experienced in hypnotherapy then it is a safe, enlightening, and healing process.  It would be wise to discuss with your son's therapist what his/her focus is in hypnotherapy... there are a number of different trainings and modalities. My goal when I do hypnotherapy is to provide a heart-centered healing process so that whatever deep issues are brought to the surface through the session, my clients leave feeling centered and grounded. 

I hope that this has addressed your concerns. Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions or concerns.  I wish you all the best for you and your son.

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Page last updated Jan 29, 2013

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