During hypnotherapy, the hypnotized client is given direct suggestions by the hypnotherapist. Suggestions from the hypnotherapist are worded to target the specific problem that is being treated. Smoking cessation, weight loss, nail biting, bed wetting and stress management are just a handful of the problems that hypnotherapy can successfully help respond to and aid in. Because it is easier for the client to stay focused in their hypnotic state when guided by a hypnotherapist, more complex problems can be successfully treated with hypnotherapy than with only self-hypnosis. The hypnotherapist’s suggestions can be worded at varying levels of complexity depending on the extent of the habituated behavior being targeted.

Hypnoanalysis is a form of psychotherapy. Hypnoanalysis or medical hypnosis are the most involved forms of therapeutic hypnosis. When in a relaxed hypnotic state, the subconscious mind is more accessible. Using hypnoanalysis, the client and therapist work together at the subconscious level to uncover the root cause of the problem being targeted. Once identified, the source of the problem can be resolved from its origin, effecting positive and permanent change that goes beyond mere symptom relief. 

Symptoms are often behaviors, responses, or mindsets that were useful to a client at one time, but now no longer serve their original purpose. An example of this is when children often think they are to blame or otherwise misinterpret life events which are actually the responsibility of the adults around them. Children experiencing this may develop coping behaviors to handle this and go on to carry that wrong belief set into adulthood where these symptoms and behaviors are no longer appropriate. Returning to the source memories of those life events while in a hypnotic state allows the adult client the chance to reinterpret these events more appropriately. Once that has been accomplished, it can be a relatively simple matter to put an end to these symptoms with hypnotic positive reinforcement statements.

Medical hypnoanalysis is a specialized method of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy that uses hypnosis to help the patient access personalized solutions for the presenting problem. It is a therapy that is dynamic, short term, and pointed. It is a holistic therapy in that it recognizes the interplay of the mind, body and spirit to promote healing.

Medical hypnoanalysis puts emphasis on causes rather than symptoms and explanations rather than descriptions to find relief for psychological suffering. Hypnosis is an instrument of the preconscious mind. Medical hypnoanalysis pairs hypnosis with a well-grounded knowledge of the development of psychopathology to identify, process, and alleviate the negative impact of specific casual events in a client’s personal history. It can work to alleviate a variety of behaviors from depression, phobias, obsessions, psychosomatic disorders, self-destructive behaviors, anti-social behaviors, and more. A dual diagnosis (underlying and waking modes) is emphasized  against the backdrop of a holistic ordering of life’s priorities.

Medical hypnosis or medical hypnoanalysis is founded on the medical model of taking a history, doing tests, making a diagnosis, and providing treatment. “Prescriptions” are suggestions made while a patient is in hypnosis. These are specifically designed to treat problems and to help create new ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. While doctors utilize this powerful, effective tool, this therapy does not use medication or any other invasive medical procedures. The term “medical” is analogous to the medical diagnostic healing process.