Hypnosis with
Dr. Barbara Schmidt
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation characterized by focused attention and intense inner experience. This technique is used to expand consciousness and promote changes in behavior, emotions, and thoughts. Hypnosis can be applied in various contexts, including psychotherapy, pain management, and stress coping. Scientific studies have shown that hypnosis influences the brain’s neural circuits and thus supports therapeutic changes.
Hypnosis—what's the real story?
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TV segment “Hypnosis: Hocus-Pocus or Remedy?” on WDR Quarks, aired on February 17, 2022
The Scientific Basis of Hypnosis
Neurological Mechanisms
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), researchers have discovered that hypnosis activates specific regions of the brain. These include the anterior cingulate, the thalamus, and the prefrontal cortex. These areas are associated with the control of attention, consciousness, and motor functions.
Psychological Theories
"Dissociation Theory" posits that hypnosis creates a separation between conscious and unconscious processes, enabling the individual to access deeper mental resources. "Social-Cognitive Theory," on the other hand, explains hypnosis as the result of social expectations and cognitive processes, with a focus on the role of the hypnotist and the willingness of the subject.
Effectiveness
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of hypnosis in treating various health problems. Controlled studies have shown that hypnosis is effective in treating chronic pain, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.
My Areas of Practice in Hypnosis
- Please contact me with your specific request
- We'll schedule a two-hour appointment consisting of a preliminary discussion, hypnosis, and a follow-up discussion.
- You'll keep track of any changes in your daily life and get in touch to schedule any follow-up appointments
- Would you like to provide better support to your patients, help them feel at ease through effective communication, and promote their recovery?
- Do you find your day-to-day clinical work very challenging and would like to learn techniques to better cope with these challenges?
- Are you a patient who would like to use hypnosis to help you prepare for medical procedures, so that you can find a way to cope with your fears and develop positive expectations regarding the procedure and your recovery?
- I’d be happy to visit your clinic and teach you skills through continuing education sessions and hands-on workshops that you can then apply on your own. Ideally, you’ll practice directly with patients and receive tips and feedback from me.
- Are your students afraid of a particular school subject, such as math, or of challenging social situations and exams?
- Is your child struggling with school?
- I would be happy to visit your school and teach anxiety management techniques through interactive workshops.
- Are you a coach who wants to provide mental training for your athletes so they can perform at their best in competitive situations?
- Are you an athlete who wants to reconnect with those positive feelings that motivate you and help you perform at your best?
- I’d be happy to come to your facility and work with the athletes in one-on-one sessions, in close collaboration with coaches and other support staff.
- Are you a researcher facing challenges that require great mental strength—think #IchBinHanna?
- Would you like to learn how to present your research to the general public?
- I would be happy to support you through individual sessions or workshops on the topic of science communication
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Hypnosis is often described as a state of deep relaxation and heightened concentration. Some people report a feeling of lightness, while others experience vivid inner images or thoughts.
How a Hypnosis Session Works
- Initial Consultation and Medical History
Each hypnosis session begins with a detailed consultation to assess the patient’s individual goals, health history, and expectations. This information is crucial for developing a customized hypnosis plan.
Induction The hypnotherapist guides the patient into a relaxed, focused state. This is often achieved through verbal suggestions, visualization techniques, or soothing music. The goal is to achieve deep relaxation and increased suggestibility.- Personalized Hypnosis
During this session, I’ll use hypnosis to suggest the desired content we’ve discussed beforehand. In the process, your body will learn alternative behaviors that feel good and will have a positive impact in the future. You’re welcome to record the hypnosis session using a voice recording app so you can take it home with you and listen to it again as needed.
At the end of the session, the patient is gradually brought back to a normal waking state. This is achieved through gradual instructions and positive affirmations that facilitate the awakening process.- Follow-up Session
After the hypnosis session, there is a follow-up session during which we discuss the experiences from the session and determine next steps. We may also discuss exercises for daily life to ensure the success of the therapy. Sometimes it takes a little time to assess how things are going after the first session. If necessary, we’ll schedule follow-up appointments for this purpose.
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