A reader of this column has asked me to write about hypnotherapy as an alternative therapy.
This is especially because it has been met with intrigue and a degree of skepticism among the mental health community and the general public.
However, as a psychiatrist, I understand the importance of examining this treatment with a critical, yet open mind, especially given its popularity among people seeking unconventional ways to address psychological issues.
It’s not manipulation or magic.
Hypnotherapy involves focusing a person’s attention and inducing a state of suggestibility (also called a trance state).
This state is usually achieved through relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and verbal repetition.
Public perception and fear of hypnosis, the origins of hypnotherapy, is often fuelled by portrayals of hypnosis in pop culture.
Many people fear that undergoing hypnotherapy means they will lose control of their actions and thoughts, and that they will be at the mercy of the hypnotist and be made to do things against their will.
Another common fear is that hypnosis involves mind control or brainwashing, that the hypnotist can implant suggestions and permanently change a person’s beliefs or behavior.
There is a widely held belief that under hypnosis, a person becomes vulnerable and is forced to reveal their deepest secrets and personal thoughts.
Some people worry that they will fall into a hypnotic trance and not be able to return to normal consciousness.
For many people, hypnotherapy conjures up images of stage hypnosis shows that get participants to perform silly or embarrassing acts, leading to the perception that hypnotherapy is more of an entertainment value than a legitimate therapeutic practice.
Indeed, movies often portray hypnotherapy as a magic, quick fix for complex psychological problems, creating unrealistic expectations about its effectiveness and leading to disappointment and skepticism.
In reality, hypnosis is not a stage act or a magic performance.
Most people remember everything that happens during hypnosis.
You will remain aware of who you are and where you are, and will remember what happened during the hypnosis session.
Hypnosis is conducted by a hypnotist or hypnotherapist, but it can also be something we do to ourselves – self-hypnosis.
You will not be forced to do anything against your will.
Do not disclose any information that you wish to keep private.
You will not lose control over your actions.
Hypnosis facilitates the experience of suggestions but does not force a particular experience.
Hypnosis is not sleep.
In deeper hypnotic states, your body may become very still and quiet so you may appear to be asleep, however, you are not asleep during the hypnotic state.
How it can help
Clinical hypnosis, or hypnotherapy, is a type of medical therapy that is often used as part of a treatment plan that also includes traditional medical approaches.
In hypnotherapy, therapists make suggestions aimed at helping individuals deal with specific issues such as anxiety, pain or addictive behaviors.
Clinical hypnotherapy is considered a safe treatment with little evidence of side effects, according to Sheela Menon, director of the London College of Clinical Hypnosis Asia.
She says that learning self-hypnosis just once can give you peace of mind and the ability to deal with everyday stress.
Of course, if the symptoms are more severe, it will take a little longer, she added.
Sheila introduced clinical hypnotherapy training to Malaysia 18 years ago.
She works with the Malaysian Society of Clinical Hypnosis (MSCH), where she currently serves as Secretary General, to ensure the provision of effective practice guidelines and professional training for medical and healthcare professionals, as well as those aspiring to train as clinical hypnotherapists in the future.
She reported that the Malaysian Society of Anaesthesiologists has recognised clinical hypnosis as a speciality in chronic and acute pain management.
At Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), we also use techniques such as hypnotherapy to address dental phobia and anxiety.
The Ministry of Health also recognises the role of hypnotherapy in pain management, mood disorders and addiction.
In international practice, hypnotherapy also appears to show great potential as an effective tool for managing acute and chronic pain.
This is because it helps reduce the patient’s perception of pain and improves their quality of life.
These reports suggest that hypnotherapy may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress by promoting relaxation and helping individuals reframe negative thinking.
Hypnotherapy has also been known to help people quit smoking, lose weight, and overcome phobias by changing behavioral patterns and responses.
For people who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders, hypnotherapy may be the key to helping you relax and get into the mindset that leads to better sleep.
Scientific evidence
Studies on hypnotherapy have produced mixed results.
Some studies have shown promising results.
The study was published in International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis Hypnotherapy has been found to be effective in managing pain, especially in chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Other research suggests that hypnotherapy may be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and stress-related disorders, but more thorough studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.
According to Maj. Amit J. Logan, Ph.D. (Ret.), a board-certified medical hypnosis practitioner, patients who have undergone medical hypnosis as an adjunct to conventional treatment have seen positive results in recovery and management of their medical conditions.
He has found medical hypnosis to be particularly effective in managing chronic pain and addressing physical, emotional and behavioral problems.
One of his patients was medically classified as Class III obese, or morbidly obese, and was struggling to lose weight despite trying a variety of approaches to address her overeating.
She was open to trying clinical hypnotherapy and underwent a series of sessions.
Since starting treatment, she reports that her overall health has improved, she feels more relaxed, and she has experienced a steady weight loss of 0.5 to 1 kilogram per week.
Like Dr Amit, there is a growing number of certified and licensed medical professionals in Malaysia who are incorporating hypnotherapy into their practice.
Use it appropriately
Despite its potential benefits, hypnotherapy is still only just taking its first steps towards widespread acceptance in the medical community.
In Malaysia, mental health professionals should maintain an open attitude towards alternative therapies such as hypnotherapy, but be critical of the quality of the research supporting their use.
Hypnotherapy may not be suitable for everyone.
For example, hypnosis may not be suitable for people with severe mental health issues, including psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
It may also be inappropriate for people who use drugs or alcohol.
It is therefore important that hypnotherapists thoroughly screen their clients and proceed with caution.
Hypnotherapy can be effective for certain symptoms, but it is not a magic bullet.
As with any treatment intervention, it is important to consider the evidence, weigh the benefits and risks, and tailor the approach to individual needs.
Hypnotherapy is usually used in conjunction with other therapies and treatments as part of a complete treatment plan.
The decision to use hypnotherapy in a clinical setting as a stand-alone treatment or as an add-on treatment to psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy should be made in consultation with a qualified professional who is trained in the uses and limitations of hypnotherapy.
Professor Andrew Mohanraj is a consultant psychiatrist, president of the Malaysian Mental Health Association and director of the Impact Lab on Mental Health and Wellbeing at Taylor’s University. For more information, please email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for education and communication purposes only and should not be construed as personal medical advice. Star No guarantees are made as to the accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or otherwise regarding the content published in this column. Star No liability is accepted for any loss, property damage or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on such information.
