Dr. Conti is an Approved Consultant for the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. This means that he has substantial academic training, clinical experience and supervision in clinical hypnosis. Dr. Conti’s introduction to hypnosis began during his masters in counseling program and was solidified during his doctoral program where he published a scholarly journal article on hypnosis (see curriculum vitae under “Meet Dr. Conti” for publication details).
Over the years we have utilized hypnosis for the following clinical issues:
- Habit control (smoking cessation, weight and appetite management, nail biting)
- Anxieties, panic attacks, depression, low self-esteem, test anxiety
- Phobias (fear of flying, driving, animals, social situations)
- Performance Anxiety (public speaking, sports, dating)
- Retrieval of memories blocked by significant life events
- Retrieval of lost items
- Age regression
- Sleep disorders
- Surgical preparation-hypnosis during surgery-hypnosis for recovery
- Hypnosis and visualization as an adjunct to cancer & various medical treatments
- Tolerance to chemotherapy
- Pain management
- Blood pressure, IBS, Crohn’s, GI upset, wound healing
- Hypnosis to enhance performance and success
- Marital enhancement
Hypnosis is usually just done in-person at the office setting .
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis
Source: Direct from The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis website (www.asch.net)
Definition of Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention. It is like using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the sun and make them more powerful. Similarly, when our minds are concentrated and focused, we are able to use our minds more powerfully. Because hypnosis allows people to use more of their potential, learning self-hypnosis is the ultimate act of self-control.
While there is general agreement that certain effects of hypnosis exist, there are differences of opinion within the research and clinical communities about how hypnosis works. Some researchers believe that hypnosis can be used by individuals to the degree they possess a hypnotic trait, much as they have traits associated with height, body size, hair color, etc. Other professionals who study and use hypnosis believe there are strong cognitive and interpersonal components that affect an individual’s response to hypnotic environments and suggestions. Recent research supports the view that hypnotic communication and suggestions effectively changes aspects of the person’s physiological and neurological functions.
Practitioners use clinical hypnosis in three main ways:
First, they encourage the use of imagination. Mental imagery is very powerful, especially in a focused state of attention. The mind seems capable of using imagery, even if it is only symbolic, to assist us in bringing about the things we are imagining. For example, a patient with ulcerative colitis may be asked to imagine what his/her distressed colon looks like. If she imagines it as being like a tunnel, with very red, inflamed walls that are rough in texture, the patient may be encouraged in hypnosis (and in self-hypnosis) to imagine this image changing to a healthy one.
A second basic hypnotic method is to present ideas or suggestions to the patient. In a state of concentrated attention, ideas and suggestions that are compatible with what the patient wants seem to have a more powerful impact on the mind.
Thirdly, hypnosis may be used for unconscious exploration, to better understand underlying motivations or identify whether past events or experiences are associated with causing a problem. Hypnosis avoids the critical censor of the conscious mind, which often defeats what we know to be in our best interests. The effectiveness of hypnosis appears to lie in the way in which it bypasses the critical observation and interference of the conscious mind, allowing the client’s intentions for change to take effect.
Is Everyone hypnotizable?
Some individuals seem to have higher native hypnotic talent and capacity that may allow them to benefit more readily from hypnosis. It is important to keep in mind that hypnosis is like any other therapeutic modality: it is of major benefit to some patients with some problems, and it is helpful with many other patients, but individual responses vary.
When Will Hypnosis be Beneficial?
Hypnosis will be optimally effective when the patient is highly motivated to overcome a problem and when the hypnotherapist is well trained in both hypnosis and in general considerations relating to the treatment of the particular problem.
What training is required to do hypnosis, and how can I find a qualified professional?
The use of hypnosis is restricted to psychologists and other health professionals such as physicians, dentists and masters prepared nurses, social workers or marital/family therapists licensed for this technique. It is to be used in conformance with their own training and licensing laws. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis takes a very strong position that hypnosis for the treatment of medical and psychological conditions should only be performed by licensed clinicians. Dr. Conti is a licensed psychologist. He is also credentialed as an Approved Consultant for The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, providing him with advanced standing in the practice of clinical hypnosis.
Is hypnosis a new technique?
Hypnosis has been used for a long as records have been kept. Modern clinical hypnosis is dated from the late 1700s, and the use of hypnosis has grown by leaps and bounds since 1958.
What is hypnosis used for?
In the mental health area, it is used for phobias, anxiety, sexual problems, alcoholism, smoking control, speech disorders, weight control, chronic pain, age regression therapy, self-esteem/ego strengthening, memory/concentration improvement and forensic work. In medicine, it uses include anesthesia and surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, control of bleeding, pain control, burn therapy, dermatology and habit control. Dentistry uses it to control fear, dental surgery, saliva control, gagging, bruxism, control of bleeding, tongue biting and general oral hygiene.
What are some misconceptions about hypnosis?
You will not become unconscious and you will be aware of everything at all times. Your will is not weakened in any way. You are in control and cannot be made to do anything against your will. You will not begin to reveal information you wish to keep secret. Hypnosis is not sleep. One common misconception is that a hypnotized person loses their will and is partially or completely under the command of the hypnotist. Nothing could be further from the truth. This unfortunate belief is reinforced by many stage hypnotists. You are in control of yourself, and cannot be made to do anything that is against your will. Hypnosis, particularly the deeper forms, can appear to be like sleep because the person’s body is typically very still and quiet. There is usually a great deal of mental activity, and measurements of brain activity during hypnosis show a significant level of neurological activity.
