Self-help Articles

by Marcus S. Robinson, D.C.H

It occurs to me that many people already know what to do if they catch the flu, or sustain a physical injury, or develop some form of illness ... they simply visit "the doctor". But when it comes to other issues of personal wellbeing, knowing where to go for help is sometimes more difficult. There are three basic areas of personal wellbeing which are clearly within the domain of clinical hypnotherapy.

One of the key areas where hypnotherapy may be of great use is in behavior modification. In this way, a hypnotherapist can help people to stop smoking, lose weight, and improve athletic or personal performance.

Another major area of focus is on personal development issues such as anger management, developing self-esteem, interpersonal communication, life transitions counseling, male-female communication and relationship issues, and transpersonal growth.

A third area of concern where a hypnotherapist may be of great assistance is with issues concerning mind-body healing. Clinical hypnotherapy is becoming a important tool in the advent of mind-body communication as a complimentary treatment method (in cooperation with medical treatment under the supervision of a doctor [M.D. or D.O.]) to assist people in dealing with disease and life-threatening illness. A number of studies have shown therapuetic hypnosis to be effective in the treatment and management of chronic pain which maybe helpful in cases of injury or chronic illness such as arthritis.

There is an abundance of scientific research that suggest that there is a direct link between what you think and feel with the quality (or lack of quality) of health and vitality we experience. Because hypnotherapy deals with our thoughts and emotions, it has been useful in helping people resolve stressful issues which contribute to our "dis-ease" and illnesses which we may experience from time to time.

Stress reduction is by far one of the most important benefits of working with a hypnotherapist. Since stress has been linked to a variety of physical (heart disease, cancer, hypertension, colds, flu, etc.) and emotional problems (anxiety, depression, etc.) hypnotic stress relief programs can be an important aspect of preventative medicine in any wellness program.

Finally, clinical hypnotherapy is most effective when used as a part of a comprehensive medical approach to wellness and the prevention of disease. Modern research supports the age old wisdom which says "a healthy mind leads to a healthy body and satisfying life." As with all treatment approaches, there is no silver bullet. Clinical hypnotherapy should always be provided by a well-trained and experienced professional in conjunction with appropriate medical care.

About the Author:

Marcus S. Robinson, D.C.H. is an author, consultant and trainer in the field clinical hypnotherapy. He is the author of several books and numerous articles convering the issues of personal growth, professional development, and therapeutic hypnosis. His interests include the interdisciplinary study of consciousness, mind-body healing, and personal productivity and effectiveness. Dr. Robinson lives in Rochester, New York with his wife and son where maintains a consulting and training practice. He holds a doctorate degree from the American Institute of Hypnotherapy.