Posted by bob on March 9, 2000, at 20:41:37
In reply to hypnosis and depression, posted by bob2 on March 9, 2000, at 12:00:06
> Does anyone have any experience in using hypnosis to treat depression? Any input on this?
Hi there, bob the second,
I've done some hypnotherapy. I worked with a social worker who is so skilled, she works with patients at a major NYC hospital who are candidates for surgery but, for whatever reason, can't use anesthesia. I loved it, and I still practice the self-hypnotic techniques she taught me, particularly when going to bed and trying to fall asleep.
Hypnotherapy really works best, from what I understand, the more specific you can be about the issue you're trying to deal with. My hypnotherapist (HT) did see some people on a regular basis and combined more traditional talk therapy with the hypnosis.
One big thing that has stayed with me from my sessions with her is her explanation of how hypnosis works. She described it as addressing conflicts between the conscious and subconscious minds; as putting some faith in the subconscious' messages that the conscious mind misconstrues; and as quieting the conscious mind so that you can "hear" what your subconscious is saying to you. When I was practicing self-hypnosis on a much more regular basis than I do now, I would often come out of trance with some helpful, even astounding at times, insights into my problems.
So, back to your question ... I didn't do it for treating depression, but I can see it being applicable in many situations. I don't think its even close to being a "first line of defense" against depression, but it can be quite helpful in combination with other approaches (particularly in situations with some anxiety involved).
cheers,
bob the 1.5
poster:bob
thread:26472
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000302/msgs/26543.html