What’s the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Are you confused about the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people think they’re the same thing, but in reality, they’re quite different.

Hypnosis is a trance-like state where you’re more receptive to suggestions. You might have seen hypnosis on TV, where a person is put into a deep sleep and then made to do silly things like clucking like a chicken. But in reality, hypnosis is a lot more than that.

Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, is the use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes. It’s a form of psychotherapy that uses hypnosis to help people make positive changes in their lives. Hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and even addiction.

So, what’s the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy? Think of hypnosis as the vehicle and hypnotherapy as the destination. Hypnosis is the “state” that you’re in, while hypnotherapy is what you do while you’re in that state.

Everyday hypnotic phenomena

It’s important to realise that we all experience hypnotic phenomena naturally through out the day. Get on public transport in the morning and observe people seemingly staring into space and lost in their own thought. They’re experiencing a form of everyday trance right there in front of you. Hypnosis isn’t something that someone does TO you. It’s something that only you can produce for yourself. This is why there is an old saying within the world of hypnosis that ‘all hypnosis is self hypnosis’. I often tell clients that I have never put a single person other than myself into hypnosis. I simply create the space and offer the suggestion that allows the other person to achieve it for themselves.

Is hypnosis legal in Australia?

Yes, hypnosis is legal in Australia. However, it’s important to do your research and ensure that you’re seeing a qualified and experienced practitioner. If you want to see a hypnotherapist, check out their qualifications and training on their website first. This will help to ensure that they have the right experience you need to address your issue.

Is hypnotherapy covered by Medicare Australia?

Unfortunately, hypnotherapy is not currently covered by Medicare Australia. This means that if you want to see a hypnotherapist, you’ll need to pay for the sessions yourself. However, some private health funds do offer rebates for hypnotherapy sessions, so it’s worth checking with your health fund to see if you’re eligible. It is worth noting that most private health funds do not offer a rebate though, and if you’re keen to see that change I’d recommend sending your thoughts directly to your private health fund provider. Your voice will help make a difference.

Knowing the difference

Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are not the same thing. Hypnosis is a phenomena you experience, while hypnotherapy is what you do while you’re in that state. Hypnotherapy is, essentially, therapy work that incorporates hypnosis into the process. At Release Hypnosis, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is often incorporated with great results, although we also incorporate therapeutic approaches from NLP, Gestalt, CBT, and Solution Focused Therapy.

It is also important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach that will work for everyone. We’re all complex creations who have our own individual beliefs, values, and past experiences that may determine what approach may work better for you than others. Any therapy work you do is going to require a mindset of exploration, curiosity, and trial and error to gain results. With the right mindset and motivation, change is inevitable.

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