Frequently Asked Questions
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of mind that combines relaxation with concentration on a desired
point of focus, so that other undesired thoughts or feelings fade into the background.*
* Olness, Karen, M.D., and Kohen, Daniel P., M.D., Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
with Children, The Gulford Press, 1996.
What is clinical hypnosis?
In clinical hypnosis, we use guided imagery to create an experience that
allows patients to realize that they are able to do things that they did not previously
know that they could do.**
** From Yapko, Michael D., 2003. Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice
of Clinical Hypnosis (3rd Edition)
Clinical hypnosis is a remarkable tool that can be used with or without medications
to treat:
• warts
• migraine headaches
• pain (acute, recurrent or chronic)
• nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting)
• Tourette Syndrome
• tics (e.g., eye blinking or coughing)
• habits (e.g., nail biting, scratching, thumb-sucking, hair-pulling,
picking)
• phobias such as fear of flying or of needles
• test anxiety
• sports performance
• insomnia
• weight loss
• asthma
• prevention of nausea and vomiting
for patients undergoing chemotherapy
• hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
How does clinical hypnosis work?
One typically begins by relaxing deeply, muscle group by muscle group. When
the body is relaxed, in a “trance” state, the mind is more open to suggestions.
From there, one visits one's “special place” or “safe spot”-a
place where one feels comfortable, happy, confident, relaxed and/or in control. Then,
in that state of mind, one uses guided imagery or visualization to envision a state
of health or improved performance.
The images are always positive, never negative. For example, one might tell oneself, “I
will no longer feed the warts,” or “I am pain-free,” or some
other positive suggestion.
By practicing these techniques several times a day, patients can help themselves
get better. For example, some patients with warts who visualize the blood vessels
constricting at the sites of the warts actually feel tingling at those sites-and
the warts themselves disappear after a few weeks. Ultimately, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.
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What is a trance?
Trance is a state of mind in which the body is relaxed and the mind is open
and able to do things that we didn't know we could do.*** People are in and out of
trance all the time. For example, you may have noticed driving in the car one day,
and you're listening to a song on the radio, or deeply engrossed in thought, and
you miss your turnoff.
Trance is not sleep. In trance, you can communicate and use your mind to consciously
control your body.
In trance:
• You're in control; no one can force you to do something that you are
unwilling to do.
• You can interact and communicate.
• You can be aware of what is going on around you.
***From Olness, Karen, M.D., and Kohen, Daniel P., M.D., Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
with Children, The Gulford Press, 1996.
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What is the difference between clinical hypnosis and biofeedback?
Clinical hypnosis and biofeedback are essentially the same treatment. The
difference is that with biofeedback, the patient is hooked up to a monitor, usually
one that wraps around the finger, with the other end attached to a computer. The
patient can then see how the mind and body truly connect.
In trance, the more focused the mind, the more relaxed the body. This causes the
breathing to slow and the heart rate, or pulse, to decrease. Blood pressure
also decreases and the skin temperature increases.
Biofeedback computer programs help patients learn to relax; patients can actually
watch their pulse, respiratory rate, and/or skin temperature change as they view
the monitor.
Newer biofeedback programs involve something called heart rate variability, which
is beyond the scope of this brief answer.
The technique used in clinical hypnosis to guide a patient into trance-and the
work done while a patient is in trance- is the same as when a patient is hooked
up to a biofeedback machine. Dr. Lazarus does not use biofeedback, as he finds
that his results with clinical hypnosis alone are excellent.
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What is the difference between a hypnotist and a hypnotherapist?
A Hypnotist:
• Is not a medical professional
• Accepts virtually anyone for treatment
• May get good results but, may engage in indiscriminate use of his
or her skill, often with unfortunate or humiliating results.*
A clinical hypnotherapist…
• is first a therapist .
• is trained in one of the healing arts, such as pediatrics, internal
medicine, surgery, dentistry, nursing, psychology or social work
• is certified by the American Society of
Clinical Hypnosis
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What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a treatment with specific therapeutic goals and specific
techniques used while the patient is in a state of hypnosis,* or trance. Trance
is not sleep. In trance, you can communicate and use your mind to consciously control
your body.
* From Olness, Karen, M.D., and Kohen, Daniel P., M.D., Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
with Children, The Gulford Press, 1996.
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How does hypnosis work with children?
Children are in and out of trance all the time, and they use their imaginations
far more easily than most adults do. Children are typically able to enter trance
more quickly and easily than older adolescents and adults do. They carry less “baggage” and
wear less “armor” to protect themselves. They are less inhibited and
more open to using their imaginations than adults are.
When children use their imagination, they are in trance. We simply help them to
help themselves by harnessing the power of their own minds. When we do trance work
with children, we guide them into a special place, someplace where they feel happy,
safe, comfortable, etc., and then help them to work on their specific problem.
In a trance, a child:
• is in control; no one can force a child (or anyone) to do something
that he or she is unwilling to do.
• can interact and communicate.
• can be aware of what is going on.
*From Olness, Karen, M.D., and Kohen, Daniel P., M.D., Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
with Children, The Gulford Press, 1996.
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What if my child goes into trance and cannot come out of it?
When people are in trance, they feel wonderful, and sometimes patients are not
in a hurry to return to their usual state of mind. Dr. Lazarus has had extensive
training not only in guiding people into trance, but also in helping them return
from trance.
Dr. Lazarus also teaches patients to return to their usual state of mind. When
patients practice self-hypnosis alone, they will always return to their usual state
of mind. Because trance is so relaxing, occasionally, patients may fall asleep
while in trance. Upon awakening, they will once again be in their usual state of
mind.
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Who is a candidate for clinical hypnosis?
People with open minds who are motivated and willing to use their imaginations
do very well with clinical
hypnosis.
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What are the benefits of clinical hypnosis for children?
Teaching children a skill, and not just merely giving them a pill, is very empowering.
It shows them that they have the ability and power to gain control over their bodies
and life challenges. This raises self-esteem and awareness, builds confidence and
gives a sense of mastery and hope. Plus, it's fun!
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Will the doctor control my child's mind?
No. No one can control anyone else's mind.
Medical hypnotherapy is very different than stage hypnosis, and from the kind
of hypnosis that is shown in children's cartoons. Stage hypnotists are highly trained
people who know how to put on a good show. They typically ask for volunteers from
the audience, call several people onstage, and, after talking with them briefly,
send all but a few back into the audience.
At this time, the hypnotist may tell the remaining subjects that they were chosen
because they are smarter than the people who were asked to leave. This further
(falsely) enhances their self-esteem and makes them even more willing to do what
the hypnotist suggests. These individuals are often willing to do silly things ¾ bark
like a dog or cluck like a chicken, for example- for reasons that the rest of us
may not understand. Afterwards, they may say, “Oh, I can't believe I actually
did that!” Yet, at some level, they were willing to do these things.**
However, if a stage hypnotist were to tell a subject, “Take this gun and
go rob the corner store,” the subject would not do it. No one will ever do
anything he or she is unwilling to do- even while in trance.
The truth is that people will never do anything that they don't want to do, even
while in a state of trance. As Dr. Lazarus explains to patients, “I can teach
you to hypnotize yourself, and I can teach other patients to hypnotize themselves,
but the only person that I can hypnotize is myself.”
** After Yapko, Michael D., 2003. Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice
of Clinical Hypnosis (3rd Edition)
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Are there any side effects to clinical hypnosis?
No.
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How long does it take to learn self-hypnosis?
Like any other skill, the “learning curve” depends on the
patient. If one is motivated, one can learn this technique easily and quickly.
In learning any new skill, one can improve one's ability by working with an instructor
or coach, and by practicing. The more one practices, the better one learns the
skill. Like a coach, Dr. Lazarus teaches his patients a powerful technique. It
is up to the patients to practice it.
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How can I help my child do even better at self-hypnosis?
The best way to help your child is to stay out of it! Hypnosis belongs
to the patient, not the parent. In fact, research shows that the less the parents
are involved, the better the results. The technique only works if the child is
motivated.
Studies indicate that the less the parents are involved, the more effective the
treatment. So, as a parent, you are asked to do the exact opposite of what
you've done the child's entire life: you must not get involved !
For example, if your child has an ear infection or a strep throat, you give the
child his/her medication twice a day, or remind the child to take the medication.
With clinical hypnosis, it is ALL up to the patient. You must
refrain from asking, “Are you doing your homework?” or “Are you
practicing the exercises?”
As a parent, this can be very difficult to do, since you love your child and want
to help him/her. Dr. Lazarus often uses humor to encourage parents to “stay
out of it.” If you forget once in awhile, we let it slide. But if you keep
bothering your child, then, of course, we have to punish you! Typical suggestions
for punishment include: no dessert that night, or no television that night, or,
you have to go to bed early that night!
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How often do you see the patients? How soon can we expect results?
This depends on how motivated the patient is and if there are other psychological
problems in the patient and/or family. Dr. Lazarus tries to take on only patients
whom he thinks he can help.
If patients are not ready to learn this technique on the first visit, Dr. Lazarus
will encourage them to return when they are ready. Some patients need additional
therapy or counseling, for example, from a psychiatrist, psychologist or social
worker.
If the child is otherwise emotionally well, and if the families are “no
more dysfunctional than the rest of us,” as Dr. Lazarus jokes, then dramatic
improvement is possible after two or three visits.
For bio-behavioral problems, one can never predict how long change will take.
That is why Dr. Lazarus screens patients carefully, and why it is extremely important
for the family to answer all of his questions openly and honestly.
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Is clinical hypnosis covered by my insurance?
No. Dr. Lazarus accepts only fee-for-service payments. You will be required
to sign a form that indicates that you understand that his services are not covered
by insurance. Our office accepts checks, Visa, Mastercard and cash. Payment is
required at the time of each visit.
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How much does it cost?
Depending on the problem, Dr. Lazarus may first want to meet with the parents
alone. This usually takes about 75 to 90 minutes. The first visit with your child
will usually take the same amount of time. Subsequent visits vary from 45 to 90 minutes,
depending upon the problem and what Dr. Lazarus needs to do. Dr. Lazarus will let
you know before the next visit what the charge will be and why.
There is no charge for phone calls. Because he feels it is important to provide
personal, individualized service, Dr. Lazarus does not use e-mail to communicate
with patients and parents.
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How do I get started?
If your child has an issue you would like to me to hear about, please call Dr.
Lazarus at 216-464-4718 ext. 207 to schedule an appointment or fill
out this
form.
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Tips for parents
Bibliography
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