Main Difference – Hypnosis vs Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy are two different concepts described in Psychology. Many people tend to misuse these two terms since they share many similar features. The main difference between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy lies on the fact that hypnosis is an alteration of the state of mind whereas hypnotherapy is the method which is used to achieve it.
What is Hypnosis
Hypnosis is defined as a state of inferred psychophysiology, in which the mind is open and receptive to external stimuli. Being characterized by increased potential for suggestibility, hypnosis is also thought to be an altered level of consciousness where a special format called induction is used to create an open state of mind.
According to latest research updates, all hypnotic states have been identified as immensely pleasurable states of relaxation, which motivates the individuals to build up their attitudes. Surprisingly, a person who is in a hypnotic state is capable of receiving numerous advantageous suggestions, straight away into the part of our mind called subconscious level, which is responsible for handling mental and physical functions of our body.
Furthermore, hypnosis will pave the way to bypass the conscious or rational part of the brain on a temporary basis, thereby creating the subconscious part, opened up for the therapy.
However, at one stage of hypnosis, the concentration power of our mind will peak to a level in which there will be an immense capacity to fill up motivation for maximizing one’s potential, altering certain beliefs which limit individual potentials.
What is Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is referred to as a form of treatment which is provided by a hypnotherapist to an individual who has an intention of reaching hypnosis, in order to reveal false beliefs or drawbacks in life to find solutions and get motivated or rewarded by his maximal possible potentials.
Hypnotherapist is the term used to call an experienced and professional health care worker who has the ability to carry out a session of hypnotherapy.
As far as the technique used here is considered, the foremost task of the hypnotherapist is to establish a good rapport with the client. This will make the client feel free and encouraged to talk about his issues so that it will be helpful to enhance the effectiveness of the therapy.
The main objectives of the therapy will be discussed with the client and an agreement will be reached followed by a full explanation about hypnosis. Thereafter, a complete clinical history and physical records from the client will be taken, and a discussion will be maintained accordingly, where the client will slowly be induced to reach a trance state of mind. Usually, the client will be given a reclining chair or couch to lie on, and the therapist will talk in a slow and soothing voice. Various hypnotherapists may use various procedures to make their clients reach this trance state. For example, he may be asked to visualize walking on a calm beach, or stare at a fixed point on the wall. In order to go deep into the trance state, the client will be asked to count down from 10 to 1 and in this state of mind, there will be a definite relaxation associated with an awareness of the surroundings.
However, after the end of this therapy, the therapist will count from 1-10 so that the client will slowly return back to the normal level of consciousness.
The time duration of Hypnotherapy will usually depend on the individual problems and their other circumstances.
Difference Between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
Definition
Hypnosis is an alteration of the state of mind.
Hypnotherapy is the treatment which will stimulate an individual to reach a state of Hypnosis .
Effect
Hypnosis relaxes and opens the mind to suggestions.
Hypnotherapy brings about desired behavioral or attitudinal change.
Purpose
Hypnosis can be performed for various purposes such as entertainment and therapy.
Hypnotherapy is conducted for therapeutic reasons.
Image Courtesy:
“Nazareth College Hypnotist” By Nazareth College – (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
“Hypnotisk seans av Richard Bergh 1887” By Richard Bergh – Own work, photo by Szilas in the Nationalmuseum, Stockholm, (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
