Hypnosis for stress is considered a very effective coping tool. Hypnosis is often used to change negative behaviors and habits, including overreacting to stress. Hypnosis is believed to induce the relaxation response, which can relive the physical symptoms of stress and reduce the risk of stress-related illness. Hypnosis can also help subjects manage or change some of the lifestyle factors that can contribute to stress.
Persons wishing to use hypnosis for stress management may seek the guidance of a professional hypnotherapist, or they may experiment with self-hypnosis. Hypnosis is regarded as perfectly safe. It is believed to engage the subconscious mind, to change behaviors by planting suggestions beneath the level of consciousness. Most experts believe that it is impossible to change a person's thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors against his will using hypnosis.
A state of hypnotic trance can usually be induced using hypnotic induction techniques. These techniques vary, and they may not all be suited for all subjects. Popular hypnotic induction techniques include asking the subject to focus his gaze on a singular point, or asking the subject to progressively release muscle tension from each part of the body. These techniques are intended to lead the mind into the state of relaxed focus that generally occurs when the subconscious mind comes to the forefront. Self-hypnosis, in which a subject induces his own hypnotic trance state, is possible. It may involve focusing attention on a series of mental visualizations while performing an hypnotic induction technique, or it may involve listening to a voice recording of a professionally-guided hypnotic induction.
The process of hypnosis for stress management is believed to work because subjects generally find themselves focusing on a single imaginary scenario, to the exclusion of any external stimuli. Subjects are considered highly unlikely to think about their life problems and stressful situations while under hypnosis. During the state of hypnosis, the body typically enters a state of deep relaxation, which can help reduce the muscle tension associated with stress. Subjects often report feeling more relaxed and alert following a session of hypnosis. This state of deep relaxation can help relieve the physical effects of stress, to prevent stress-related illness.
Hypnosis is often used to help modify behavior. Many people might have unhealthy lifestyle practices that can contribute to stress. People in a hypnotic state are often considered extremely open to suggestion, and these suggestions planted in the mind during hypnosis may be more likely to effect permanent changes in the subject's life. Hypnosis for stress can not only reduce the immediate sensations and effects of current stress, but it can reduce stress levels in the future by changing the behaviors that contribute to stress, or by helping subjects prepare psychologically for upcoming stressful events.