Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy, Morris County, NJ

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Maggie Vlazny, MSW, LCSW, NBCCH Director Psychotherapist & Marriage Counselor National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Certified Imago Therapist Certified in Medical/Analytical Hypnotherapy Certified EMDR Therapist

Welcome! This part of our website will explain hypnotherapy to you, and let you know that there is help and hope for the following:

Explanation of Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy, and Medical Hypnosis

Hypnosis helps change habits. This is a short term treatment method in which the therapist gives soothing visualizations to the client to relax the mind and body into a relaxed trance state. Once in this relaxed state (under hypnosis), blocks to change are bypassed and suggestions for symptom relief or behavioral change are more readily accepted and subsequently acted upon. This is most commonly used for weight loss, pain management, smoking cessation, and performance enhancement. (Weight problems which have been lifelong, and typically involve goals greater than a 20 pound weight loss, are best treated with hypnotherapy).

Hypnoanalysis helps by healing. This is a deeper process used with a client who is already in the state of hypnosis. Through guided age regression, the client traces current problems back to their painful source, where unexpressed emotions and self limiting beliefs have remained locked in the mind and body. These locked in feelings negatively affect our perceptions and reactions to life and relationships, especially to triggers that unconsciously remind us of the original painful experience. Through hypnotherapy the client releases, and is released from, the past. There is no further need to self soothe with self destructive behaviors such as binge eating, addictions, or codependant relationships.

Medical Hypnosis: The goal here is to help patients cope with and sometimes heal faster from difficult medical diagnoses and chronic pain. Medical hypnosis teaches self hypnosis and stress management, which is very important in reducing symptoms. It is particularly helpful with migraines, cardiac problems, and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Working with doctors, we often find that a combination of medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and hypnosis are most effective.

*The American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the British Medical Association have approved hypnotherapy for use by professionally responsible individuals.

What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?

Hypnosis is a state of consciousness in which you feel totally relaxed, yet aware of your surroundings. This is what is referred to as "trance". It is a very natural state and happens to all of us in our everyday life. It feels similar to daydreaming, or being absorbed in a good book or movie. Your attention is so focused that you become unaware of your surroundings. Highway driving is another example. We've all had the experience of going from one exit to another without being consciously aware of what happened in between. Trance is when part of you is safely navigating while another part of you is focusing on something else.

Common Fears About Hypnosis

Many people fear being controlled while hypnotized. In reality, the client is in control. Hypnosis cannot happen unless you choose to focus on the relaxation in order to work on pre-arranged goals with the therapist. No one can be forced to do or say anything that goes against their morals or their will. They would just come out of the trance rather than do so. The people you see behaving foolishly onstage are doing so because they want to. They want to entertain an audience and expect these things will occur when a stage hypnotist invites them up. Most importantly, you should work with a licensed therapist with proper credentials, who you can feel safe with. The therapist's job is to treat your symptoms, help you to feel better, and reach your goals while simultaneously empowering you. Proper credentials means a state license in their professional field.

Scheduling

The consultation is 60 minutes, which allows enought time for me to conduct a comprehensive intake and assessment. Together we establish goals and a treatment plan which can be related to symptoms, issues, problematic behaviors, or feelings. You'll receive an introduction to the hypnosis process, so that you can begin to experience exactly what it feels like. Thereafter, the sessions are 45-50 minutes.

For more information

• American Psychotherapy and Medical Hypnosis Association
• Hypnosis Education Center
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• IBS Resources
• Chronic Pain Management
• Mayo Clinic on Hypnosis
• Osteoporosis and Chronic Pain