Hypnosis is an altered state, a deep sense of relaxation, engendered in the context of feelings of safety and security created in the hypnosis experience between patient and therapist. Unconscious states of mind become receptive to dialogue and influence. During this process, those critical and fearful voices that tell us that we can’t change or that we will fail are relaxed, and we are more open to new possibilities and trust in the wisdom of the unconscious. As we know, the mind, brain and body are so interconnected as to be one entity. During hypnosis, the illusory delineation between these functions is erased and there is a seamless interpenetration and influence between them. Thus, hypnotic suggestions spoken to the mind, brain and body, create changes in the nervous system. Anxiety is particularly responsive to hypnosis treatment,

Continue reading

Psychodynamic psychotherapy brings lasting benefits, new study finds.

Finally, psychoanalytically oriented therapists are conducting research to illustrate that psychodynamic therapies are effective, sometimes more effective than cognitive behavioral therapies and/or medication.  There is no one solution for everyone and different types of treatments work for particular types of patients.

Here is an article illustrating successful research conducted on the use of psychodynamic therapy.

Talk Therapy: Off the Couch and into the Lab: Scientific American.