In our stressful world, a moment of relaxation, focus, and quieting of the mind can be helpful. When patients are deeply relaxed or in a state of hypnosis (Greek: sleep), the therapist can make suggestions which the patient is free to accept or not. In my experience the patient is always awake during hypnosis and is fully able to communicate. There are many effective methods of inducing hynosis: monotonous rhythms of color, movement, or sound. The method I usually employ combines voice, breathing and calming words to focus the patients thoughts.

In 1770 Anton Mesmer developed this treatment to eradicate pain. Today we mostly use hypnotherapy for self improvement, psychological issues, retracing memories, and enhancing learning. In my practice I have also been asked to help with childbirth (after a traumatic prior experience) or fears, as well as enhancing the immune system with creative visualization.

The therapy is always as effective as the doctor/patient relationship permits. The physcians moral integrity and consciousness is imperative.

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