“Find yourself, find your spirit, find your purpose.”
— Dr. Mary Freitag
“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel of the one that crushed it.”
— Mark Twain
About
Clinical Hypnosis and Guided Imagery are two of the oldest forms of therapy known, and descriptions of these approaches are found in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Hindu temples. Some 10,000 studies involving hypnosis and guided imagery have been published, making them among the most examined of all therapeutic approaches.
Imagery represents the fundamental “language” of the mind and body. Guided imagery directs this non-verbal language to elicit healing effects. Hypnosis, in spite of centuries of experiences worldwide, is still difficult to define in a simple and widely accepted manner. The word hypnosis continues to evoke reactions to its apparent “power” and “mystery”. Essentially, hypnosis, like guided imagery, involves focused attention directed toward a positive therapeutic outcome.
The American Psychological Association defines hypnosis as “a procedure during which a health professional or researcher suggests that a client, patient or subject experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or behavior.”
Common Misconceptions
Misconceptions about hypnosis often discourage people from seeking to use this very powerful and proven method for achieving desired personal change. Hypnosis does not involve
- losing control over your behavior
- being made to do things you do not want to or that violate your personal values
- losing awareness of who you are or where you are
- loss of memory
- being able to retrieve lost memories that you are not ready and able to recall
Going into hypnosis does not mean you are “weak-minded” or subject to the “power”” of the therapist. And, being in hypnosis is not the same as being asleep.
Questions
For more information on how clinical hypnosis and guided imagery can be of specific help to you, and/or which practice would be most beneficial, contact Dr. Freitag.