We tend to think of hypnotherapy as something that happens in a clinical setting, but this alternative therapy has also become a trendy stress management tool in the wellness field. To find out what actually happens when you’re hypnotized, we spoke with Robert Procop, an acupuncturist and hypnotist at Wind Gate Wellness in Federal Hill.
What is Hypnotherapy?
For me, hypnosis is a tool to help me choose my response to certain situations. I use hypnosis differently than most because I also practice acupuncture, so Chinese medicine influences where we go. I come from a background in Buddhist psychology, so I see hypnosis as a guided meditation to focus more on what you want to achieve.
How does hypnotherapy work?
When an anxiety-inducing situation occurs, your conscious mind immediately raises that anxiety. Hypnosis bypasses the conscious mind and goes straight to your subconscious mind, where all your patterns and defense mechanisms are stored. You then address different scenarios in a state of pure observation and develop solutions to what you find. Typically your subconscious hears “Ah, I feel relaxed in that situation” and sticks with it. This is good for your body, because when all these emotions and stressors get stuck, it creates disharmony that can lead to shoulder pain, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome.
How does treatment in a wellness environment differ from treatment in a clinical environment?
Therapists and counselors have a lot to offer, and I use them as an adjunct tool to what I already do in the wellness field to address different patterns and emotions in my patients, primarily those with anxiety and chronic pain.
What kind of experience can you expect?
First, we take a brief medical history and then perform a brief Chinese medicine diagnosis. Hypnotherapy begins with a body scan and meditation to address areas of tension. We then move into a deeper meditative state with visual cues, deep breathing, and counting down from 10. The patient is guided to create a space of calm and safety that speaks to them individually. Addressing blocks can be done in a variety of ways. Most of the techniques we use reframe the stories the patient has about themselves, their environment, or other people. Once you have faced the issue, count down from 10 and bring awareness to your body with each number. At 1, the patient’s eyes open.
How long will it take to see results?
It depends on the severity of the emotional disturbance. Some people only need one session, others more. But it is usually resolved, and I have never seen a patient go through more than three sessions. Each session is allotted one hour and usually costs between $80 and $100.
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