Therapists use various techniques to encourage mental wellness in their clients. Some therapists are trained in the use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes. Therapeutic hypnosis, also called hypnotherapy, can help people stop smoking, control their anxiety, and even experience less pain. Here are some things you should know before scheduling an appointment at a hypnotherapist's office:

1. Hypnosis is similar to meditation.

Hypnosis is not supernatural at all. Instead, it's most similar to meditation, a state in which a person clears their mind and focuses on their breath. During hypnosis, you will be encouraged to listen to the sound of your therapist's voice. Your therapist will ask you to picture a calm, pleasant scenario that will encourage you to relax. As you sink deeper into hypnosis, you will become more suggestible, which allows the work of hypnotherapy to begin.

2. Hypnosis can encourage deep introspection.

Introspection is an important part of therapy. Therapists ask their patients questions that encourage them to investigate their motives, thoughts, and feelings on a deeper level. However, some people have resistance to exploring painful feelings. Hypnotherapy can help you break down your walls of resistance so you can enjoy healing from trauma, addiction, and stagnation. You will remain completely in control of your thoughts and behavior while under hypnosis, but you may find it easier to answer your therapist's questions calmly and truthfully while in a relaxed state. 

3. Hypnosis can alleviate physical pain.

Hypnosis is widely used to treat addiction and mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. However, hypnosis can also alleviate the pain that results from chronic conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, and other physical ailments. Of course, it's important to remain under the care of a medical doctor for any injury or illness. However, the use of hypnotherapy can help you reduce your use of opiates and other painkillers. Reducing your pain naturally through hypnosis can relieve the stress on your body and encourage healing over time.

4. Hypnosis can help you make desired lifestyle changes.

Finally, hypnotherapy can be used to help people make lifestyle changes that they desire. Hypnosis can help you stop drinking or smoking, but it can also help you make other changes that are important to you. For example, if you'd like to stop biting your nails or allowing people to transgress your boundaries, hypnosis can help you learn to do so. Your hypnotherapist can place suggestions in your subconscious mind that will make it easier to choose the behaviors you desire when you encounter relevant situations in your everyday life.

Contact a practice like Cyn Severson Hypnotherapy to learn more.