The focus of this page is working to stimulate and educate the mind 

What is Certified Hypnotherapy for chronic pain?

If you suffer from chronic pain, whether as a result of an injury, illness, or accident, you know it can interfere with every aspect of your life. You may also know the medical treatments currently available are limited and, for many, ineffective. Current research has shown hypnosis to be an effective treatment for assisting existing treatments in managing chronic pain, and almost all patients who learn self-hypnosis skills benefit from this approach.  Clients are taught skills that have been scientifically tested and proven effective for reducing the intensity of chronic pain, including migraines, back pain, and tension headaches, among others.  

Hypnosis can be included in effective pain management, according to a paper published by the Oxford University Press. The results from these lines of research are creating renewed interest in the application of hypnosis for chronic pain management.

Imaging studies demonstrate that the effects of hypnotic suggestions on brain activity are real and can target specific aspects of pain. Hypnosis can effectively reduce the intensity of pain, and alternatively it can decrease the unpleasantness (but not intensity) of pain. In the first case brain research shows that decreases in the intensity of pain through hypnotic suggestion also decreases activity in the brain areas that underlie the experience of pain intensity. In the same way, hypnotic suggestions to decrease the unpleasantness of pain have significant effects on how bad the pain makes people feel, because of decreases in activity in the areas of the brain responsible for processing the emotional aspect of pain.

A rapidly growing body of research shows that HYPNOSIS WORKS. When hypnosis and hypnotic suggestions are combined with other treatments, those other treatments become more effective. When people with chronic pain are taught how to use self-hypnosis for pain management and improved sleep, they experience pain relief and sleep better. This research also reveals that hypnosis has many “side effects”, which are overwhelmingly positive. People who learn self-hypnosis from their sessions can not only experience significant pain relief, but report a greater sense of overall well-being and control.

What are some other meditation/relaxation therapy styles that are offered?

We offer a variety of meditation tools for relaxation therapy to help address areas of mental stress, chronic pain and sleep problems.  Some of these include:

Autogenic training (AT) is a technique that teaches your body to respond to your verbal commands. These commands "tell" your body to relax and help control breathing, blood pressure, heartbeat, and body temperature. The goal of AT is to achieve deep relaxation and reduce stress. 

Guided imagery can quickly calm your body and simultaneously relax your mind. It's pleasant to practice, and not overly difficult or intimidating to learn. And it can help you to de-stress in minutes, but can also be a useful strategy for maintaining resilience toward stress during difficult times. It's a convenient and simple relaxation technique that can help you quickly and easily manage stress in the body. It’s virtually as easy as indulging in a vivid daydream and, with practice, this technique can help you to better access your inner wisdom.