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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by allisonf on September 15, 2003, at 5:43:08
I'm not sure if this topic goes here or under alternative treatments, so...Dr. Bob, I'll just wait for your redirect if need be.
A friend of mine recently went to a hypnotherapist (having had more traditional therapy in the past) to deal with panic attacks (and general dissatisfaction). Her hypnotherapist specializes in pain mgt. She can't say enough about her experience, so I called the guy and ended up setting up an appt. He seems like a laid back kind of guy, very into the positive. Seems like it can't hurt to see him. He did want sign off from my therp and pdoc and my therp seems a little unsure (we have to discuss it this week). He also said we should know within 1-2 sessions if it is working for me and if not, we'll just stop.
Does anyone have experience with hypnosis? What should I be looking out for or expecting going in?
Thanks in advance everyone!
A
Posted by Dinah on September 15, 2003, at 8:53:31
In reply to Anyone Ever Tried Hypnotherapy?, posted by allisonf on September 15, 2003, at 5:43:08
I've wanted to try it from time to time, though my therapist is not enthusiastic about the idea. He has, however, said that if I want to try a specific type of therapy that he doesn't offer, he would be fine with that. So if your therapist and the hypnotherapist can look at it that way, perhaps they would be more comfortable with it. Maybe they could even contact each other so that those fears of stepping on each others toes don't come into play.
Good luck with it!
Posted by HannahW on September 15, 2003, at 14:14:53
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Tried Hypnotherapy? » allisonf, posted by Dinah on September 15, 2003, at 8:53:31
I haven't, although I'm really curious about it. Did you see the Dateline episode about weight loss? They set up six motivated people to each be on a different weight loss program. (One Atkins, one weight watchers, one just low fat & exercise, etc.) One of the participants had hypnosis and nothing else. He ended up losing more weight than anyone, which I was VERY surprised by.
I tend to be a skeptic about alternative therapies such as herbs, etc. but recently I started taking an herb which reversed the sexual side effects of my anti-depressant, so I'm more of a believer in alternatives than I used to be.
I think you're right--what can it hurt? If you do it, be sure to let know how it goes!
Posted by allisonf on September 15, 2003, at 21:32:52
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Tried Hypnotherapy?, posted by HannahW on September 15, 2003, at 14:14:53
Thanks for the input guys! I am going to confirm with my therapist that she doesn't do hypnosis herself, and then I think that's a good idea Dinah, to put them in touch with each other. I think she is just worried that the hypnosis will somehow overstimulate me rather than have a calming effect.
I hadn't heard that about the weight loss story, Hannah. Wow, maybe I should be trying the hypnosis for weight loss instead of decreased anxiety! I will keep you posted on what happens, thanks. Oh, I'm sorry too to hear that your latest therapy session wasn't quite what you planned. It sounds like a good start tho.
Thanks again! A
Posted by catachrest on September 18, 2003, at 14:41:57
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Tried Hypnotherapy?, posted by allisonf on September 15, 2003, at 21:32:52
I've always been a little bit wary of hypnosis, no matter how effective it may be. Just the idea of opening myself that much to another's influence, to suggestion, to letting someone tinker with my mind without me being conscious - in short, surrendering, to whatever extent, my free will - gives me the heebie-jeebies. Especially the idea that, no matter how well-intentioned or "good" the hypnotist himself may be, there is always the possibility of evil influence entering the equation.
I'm not trying to put you off a potentially effective treatment, but do think about all the aspects of this.
:)
Susan
Posted by allisonf on September 21, 2003, at 21:31:15
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Tried Hypnotherapy?, posted by catachrest on September 18, 2003, at 14:41:57
Susan, Thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate your honesty. Actually, I have decided not to pursue hypnosis right now. Both my therp and pdoc thought it could be too emotionally stimulating for someone prone to hypomania...and I thought I should take their advice. But despite their recommendations, I had a few doubts myself along the lines of what you mentioned.
Thanks for your post.
A
Posted by pixygoth on September 24, 2003, at 14:54:21
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Tried Hypnotherapy? » catachrest, posted by allisonf on September 21, 2003, at 21:31:15
In the UK there have been some recent news stories on hypnotism's dangers - although it is true that that is in the case of STAGE hypnosis...
I think that knowing the therapist (and trusting them) would definitely be a good start... so a 'normal' therapist w/ hypnosis training is probably the best. I've been wondering about the efficacy of this stuff myself, is all...
This is the end of the thread.
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