With shows such as Stars under Hypnosis, hypnosis has gradually gained popularity. Two camps clash: those who believe it hard, and those who think it is a real scam.
But contrary to popular thought, hypnosis does not necessarily mean putting someone under control by taking control of one's actions and thoughts.
Used for therapeutic purposes, this technique relieves patients of many problems. And if hypnosis does not cure all the ills, it can nevertheless represent a most valuable help, provided it is practiced by a professional.
Dr. Grégory Tosti *, a physician trained in medical hypnosis and specialized in the treatment of pain, and Antoine Bioy, Doctor in Psychology and Scientific Expert for the French Institute of Hypnosis, answer all our questions.
Who is hypnosis for?
For Antoine Bioy , everyone is potentially receptive to hypnosis.
" This is a practice that can be for everyone, but some people will be less receptive than others, for example, those who have a need to stay in control may have more bad to let go, to be dragged into a state of hypnotic trance ".
And if anyone can be hypnotized, most therapeutic hypnosis consultations have a goal of care, as their name suggests.
"The most frequent requests are for weight loss , especially before the summer, or stopping smoking," explains Antoine Bioy . "But therapeutic hypnosis can also help fight against depression and anxiety, fight against stress , treat phobias, or help personal development."
Are there any contraindications?
"Classically, we avoid offering hypnosis to patients with dissociative psychiatric conditions," says Dr. Totsi.
In practice, it is quite possible to work in hypnosis with psychotic patients, but it is an adapted, specific hypnosis that should only be practiced by a psychiatrist in a specialized context. Apart from these particular situations, everyone can try the experience of hypnosis. "
Will a person who does not believe in hypnosis be receptive?
"Contrary to what one might think, people who do not believe in hypnosis can be the most receptive," says Antoine Bioy . Provided however that they make the approach out of curiosity.
An affirmation confirmed by Lou, photographer, who absolutely did not believe in hypnosis, before attempting the coup.
"I made an appointment with a hypnotherapist pure curiosity. To me, hypnosis was a quack thing, and I wanted to prove that to me. Suffice to say that I was surprised. Even taking on I struggled with all my strength and found myself immersed in a hypnotic trance , and since then this same therapist has helped me practice self-hypnosis to fight my anxiety problems. "
How is a hypnosis session?
The therapist proposes to the patient to focus his attention on an element. Through absorption, the patient experiences a change in his perceptions.
This state makes it available to rearrange its representations and let something new happen. The experience of hypnosis is not far removed from the artist's creative experience that is absorbed, puts aside the rational mind, and lets inspiration come to create something new.
In hypnosis, the patient invents a new way to perceive, to position oneself with regard to this or that problem. But to be able to create, one must first go through the void of the trance.
How to choose a hypnotherapist?
It is strongly recommended that care specialists, ie doctors, psychiatrists, dentists, midwives or clinical psychologists who have been trained in this practice by an accredited body, be referred to. We learn about his qualifications, his career, his diplomas. Some accredited hypnosis training schools hold graduate professional directories.
Hypnosis adds a skill to an initial know-how that is that of the health professional. It does not replace his initial training. He would not think of calling a psychiatrist for hypno-analgesia in the operating room, as he would not mind asking the dentist to treat a schizophrenic patient with hypnosis. It is a matter of common sense.
Everyone must remain in their area of expertise.
Can we really find buried memories thanks to hypnosis?
"This is a common but widespread misconception," says Dr. Grégory Tosti.
In reality, the memories that may emerge during a hypnotic experience may be wholly or partly constructed. In this sense, requests to "find a buried memory" or requests to "reveal what happened" must be clarified by therapists: hypnosis is not a developer from the reliable past.
This precaution being taken, it is however possible to work in hypnosis on the representation of a memory. By treating the subjective perception of an event, one can for example remove the emotional charge and thus treat a trauma. In which case is it the most effective? Hypnosis gives very good results in many areas, such as the treatment of psychosomatic disorders, the treatment of a phobia, the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders, smoking cessation ...
What about self-hypnosis?
Self-hypnosis is an excellent complement to hypnotherapy sessions, according to Antoine Bioy who recommends associating them with a therapeutic follow-up. "This is the best way for the result to be beneficial and effective, and the practitioner can give you the keys to practicing self-hypnosis yourself."
Can we learn self-hypnosis alone ? According to the expert, the answer is no: if there are video tutorials on the net, better not to trust them too much. "It is not possible to learn self therapeutic hypnosis alone, it is a fact established by science since the 80s". The ideal is to call on a specialist: "It is important to have the help of a person to guide us". A perfect role for hypnotherapists.
* Author of "The Big Book of Hypnosis" Editions Eyrolles.
