Suffering from PTSD is an uphill battle. It’s a difficult diagnosis to handle and powering through it takes a lot of hard work. Thankfully, due to a better understanding of the condition coupled with innovative therapies used to treat it, PTSD is becoming more and more manageable each day. Perhaps an innovative approach to the condition can be just what you need to overcome this difficult disorder. Continue reading to learn more about PTSD and the ingenious ways that it’s being handled.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that arises from a traumatic event. It’s typically associated with the stressors of war but is also very common after a sexual assault, traumatic events, physical injuries and other threats to a person’s life. It’s a common condition with over 3 million cases in the United States each year. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety and uncomfortable thoughts about the event that the trauma stems from. Traditional treatment includes medications and psychotherapy. In addition to these conventional therapies adding hypnotherapy may be a great option to help those who have PTSD.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy or clinical hypnosis has been used since the 1700s as a drug-free way to help patients with dealing with pain, phobias, stress, anxiety and a number of other ailments. According to the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis “Clinical hypnosis is an altered state of awareness, perception or consciousness that is used, by licensed and trained doctors or masters prepared individuals, for treating a psychological or physical problem. It is a highly relaxed state.” During a session, a patient can work through issues that are particularly hard or uncomfortable because a certified hypnotherapist is there to guide their thoughts and reactions.
Why does it work?
Hypnotherapy is a fantastic companion therapy for those dealing with the symptoms of PTSD. It’s so incredibly helpful because the practice allows them to explore painful thoughts, feelings, and memories they might have hidden from their conscious minds or find too uncomfortable to access during regular therapy sessions. During this heightened state of awareness, a certified hypnotherapist can suggest things to a patient that help them overcome the issues associated with PTSD.
Should everyone try it?
Not necessarily. Some people have trouble getting hypnotized, and others can’t get hypnotized at all. This fact shouldn’t discourage you from trying hypnotherapy out, but it should remind you that this practice is not for everyone. The therapy is generally recognized as safe for most people. If you suffer from hallucinations or delusions or are using drugs or alcohol the addition of hypnotherapy into your care regime may not be the best for you. Your therapist can evaluate your needs and help you choose the path that’s right for you.
If you suffer from PTSD and want to use alternative techniques to help you heal, hypnotherapy may be an excellent option for you. The best way to learn more is to speak to your therapist to see if this technique is right for you.
By, Francis Killory, Hypnotherapist Seattle, offering Clinical Hypnotherapy, Hypnosis with Certified Medical Support. Hypnosis is a state of consciousness used by a licensed Hypnotherapist to perform Hypnotherapy and induce a hypnotic state.
