Alternative Therapy
Wondering if Hypnotherapy is for You?
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By Jill Valentino
Most people have heard of hypnosis or hypnotherapy. According to the Mayo Clinic, hypnotherapy is “a changed state of awareness and increased relaxation that allows for improved focus and concentration.” Hypnotherapy is typically administered under the guidance of a licensed practitioner, such as a hypnotherapist, also commonly referred to as a hypnotist. And while many people have heard of hypnosis, some, like me, probably have questions about how it works and what types of conditions it treats. One might also wonder if there are long-term benefits.
I turned to certified clinical hypnotherapist Jessica D’arcy to fill in the blanks for me. D’arcy has been a practicing hypnotherapist for over 20 years, studying at The School of Healing Arts and The Motivational Institute of Hypnotherapy in San Diego, California. Currently, she owns a private practice called Wellness Through Wisdom, located in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Reprogramming the Subconscious Mind
Beyond the Mayo Clinic’s definition, Jessica D’arcy further defines hypnotherapy as “a modality that allows us to bypass the conscious mind and reprogram the subconscious mind.” She states that doing so is important “because about 90% of our behaviors result from programs running in the subconscious mind,” explaining why “we cannot always think our way out of problems or habits.”
Most people have heard of hypnosis or hypnotherapy. According to the Mayo Clinic, hypnotherapy is “a changed state of awareness and increased relaxation that allows for improved focus and concentration.” Hypnotherapy is typically administered under the guidance of a licensed practitioner, such as a hypnotherapist, also commonly referred to as a hypnotist. And while many people have heard of hypnosis, some, like me, probably have questions about how it works and what types of conditions it treats. One might also wonder if there are long-term benefits.
I turned to certified clinical hypnotherapist Jessica D’arcy to fill in the blanks for me. D’arcy has been a practicing hypnotherapist for over 20 years, studying at The School of Healing Arts and The Motivational Institute of Hypnotherapy in San Diego, California. Currently, she owns a private practice called Wellness Through Wisdom, located in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Reprogramming the Subconscious Mind
Beyond the Mayo Clinic’s definition, Jessica D’arcy further defines hypnotherapy as “a modality that allows us to bypass the conscious mind and reprogram the subconscious mind.” She states that doing so is important “because about 90% of our behaviors result from programs running in the subconscious mind,” explaining why “we cannot always think our way out of problems or habits.”
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Regarding a person’s habitual behaviors, D’Arcy says that “many habits play out automatically until a person can change those deeper subconscious programs.” She frames one’s problems or undesirable habitual behaviors as analogous to having old apps running on a smartphone that no longer work right and are not giving the user desired results. Hypnosis, says D’arcy, is like deleting and upgrading those problematic apps, changing a patient’s programming of unwanted or undesirable habits within their subconscious mind. Common Misconceptions |
"Hypnosis, says D’arcy, is like deleting and upgrading those problematic apps, changing a patient’s programming of unwanted or undesirable habits within their subconscious mind." |
Right away, D’arcy debunks the frequently held perception that hypnotherapy resembles the “stage hypnosis that you see at a fair or on TV.” She asserts, "No hypnotherapist is going to make you quack like a duck.” Thankfully!
Instead, she describes hypnosis as “you going within, into your own inner world, and making powerful changes to your subconscious mind.” The hypnotist is not the puppet master. Instead, D’arcy assures that “the client is in complete control. The hypnotherapist is just the guide.”
Hypnotherapy Treats Many Conditions
There are many reasons people seek the help of a hypnotherapist and there are many conditions it treats. D’Arcy offers the following examples:
D’arcy further states that “negative habits can be released through hypnosis as well as improving negative mindsets about common life issues such as money, health and love.” She goes on to say that “Hypnosis can even be used to review past lives and let go of fears that occurred in the past that have developed into phobias. It can even help you move toward your future goals and make decisions.”
Long-Term Benefits
According to D’arcy, there can be many long-term benefits, including, but not limited to:
What To Expect During a Session
While D’arcy states that there isn’t a “typical session” – practices vary from practitioner to practitioner – she gave some insight into what her sessions look like. “My hypnosis sessions are an hour and a half long. When the client comes in, we chat for 20 to 30 minutes about specific issues and goals. During that time, I plan the techniques I will use and then go over that with the client.”
Next, she explains that “the client gets to lie back in a comfortable recliner, put on an eye mask, and listen to calming music. I use aromatherapy, crystals, flower essences, and frequency-based music with clients, though that is not standard with all practitioners. Afterward, I lead the client into deep relaxation, using breathing techniques and steps to relax the body. The client listens to my voice as metaphors, hypnotic suggestions, and other techniques are used. Some clients fall asleep, and some listen in a relaxed state; both possibilities are fine. Lastly, the client is brought back to conscious awareness, and the session is reviewed.”
D’Arcy adds, “I also record my sessions, so the client can listen to them repeatedly to reinforce the suggestions.”
Final Thoughts
“Hypnosis can improve your life,” says D’arcy. “It’s a wonderful feeling to take charge of your mind and have it beneficially work for you. We can create our own realities, beginning with our thinking.”
She sums up her passion for hypnotherapy by saying, “If you are ready to let go of negative thoughts that are not helping to create a life you love, hypnosis can help you take that step towards becoming the best version of you!”
Instead, she describes hypnosis as “you going within, into your own inner world, and making powerful changes to your subconscious mind.” The hypnotist is not the puppet master. Instead, D’arcy assures that “the client is in complete control. The hypnotherapist is just the guide.”
Hypnotherapy Treats Many Conditions
There are many reasons people seek the help of a hypnotherapist and there are many conditions it treats. D’Arcy offers the following examples:
- Anxiety
- Sleep Disorders
- Phobias
- Procrastination
- PTSD
- Weight loss
- Smoking cessation
- Letting go of traumas
- Doing “inner child work”
- Sports performance (Olympic athletes have been known to use hypnosis to prepare for their events!)
- Motivation to exercise
- Letting go of test-taking anxiety
D’arcy further states that “negative habits can be released through hypnosis as well as improving negative mindsets about common life issues such as money, health and love.” She goes on to say that “Hypnosis can even be used to review past lives and let go of fears that occurred in the past that have developed into phobias. It can even help you move toward your future goals and make decisions.”
Long-Term Benefits
According to D’arcy, there can be many long-term benefits, including, but not limited to:
- An increased sense of peace
- Better sleep
- Easier time meditating
- Better habits (while ridding yourself of unwanted or undesirable ones)
- Reaching one’s goals
What To Expect During a Session
While D’arcy states that there isn’t a “typical session” – practices vary from practitioner to practitioner – she gave some insight into what her sessions look like. “My hypnosis sessions are an hour and a half long. When the client comes in, we chat for 20 to 30 minutes about specific issues and goals. During that time, I plan the techniques I will use and then go over that with the client.”
Next, she explains that “the client gets to lie back in a comfortable recliner, put on an eye mask, and listen to calming music. I use aromatherapy, crystals, flower essences, and frequency-based music with clients, though that is not standard with all practitioners. Afterward, I lead the client into deep relaxation, using breathing techniques and steps to relax the body. The client listens to my voice as metaphors, hypnotic suggestions, and other techniques are used. Some clients fall asleep, and some listen in a relaxed state; both possibilities are fine. Lastly, the client is brought back to conscious awareness, and the session is reviewed.”
D’Arcy adds, “I also record my sessions, so the client can listen to them repeatedly to reinforce the suggestions.”
Final Thoughts
“Hypnosis can improve your life,” says D’arcy. “It’s a wonderful feeling to take charge of your mind and have it beneficially work for you. We can create our own realities, beginning with our thinking.”
She sums up her passion for hypnotherapy by saying, “If you are ready to let go of negative thoughts that are not helping to create a life you love, hypnosis can help you take that step towards becoming the best version of you!”
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Jill Valentino is an educator, freelance writer, essayist, tutor, and educational video and teaching materials creator. Her work has been published in Good Housekeeping, Redbook, Country Living, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Woman's Day, and Hudson Valley Parent magazine. She is a regular contributor for Sanctuary.
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