Hypnotherapy is defined as, ‘Extraordinary quality of mental, physical, and emotional relaxation which by-passes the critical factor of the mind and thus the mind becomes highly responsive to suggestion.’

Hypnotherapy training provides a unique tool to possess as a professional.  When working with clients its diversity allows for a toolbox of effectiveness.  For example, through the process of hypnotherapy we can help clients access old conclusions and beliefs about the Self.  Clients identify these outdated ways of being and come up with powerful new conclusions and ways in which they would like to move forward in their lives. 

As a hypnotherapist, we help clients access the subtle suggestions that they are repeatedly replaying in their minds day after day. As our clients begin to tap into the power of the unconscious mind, they begin to gain access to their deeply embedded unacknowledged beliefs.  Listen to the wisdom of a seasoned hypnotherapist as he shares his insights on how this modality can usher in new methods of healing for our clients.  To begin answering how the practice of hypnotherapy can assist you in treating more client issues, I turned to my teacher and friend, Tom Gigliotti who is an experienced 30-year veteran in the mental health field.  He has a lively Hypnotherapy, Life Coaching, and RoHun practice in Lyndhurst, Ohio.  Join me for a Q&A with Tom as he identifies how Hypnotherapy can help you to treat more clients. 

In your experience, what issues has hypnotherapy been most effective at treating?

In my 30 years in mental health I have found hypnotherapy to be effective in treating depression, anxiety, codependency, grief, and dissociative disorders that often show up in my office as conversion disorders.  Conversion disorders are those physical problems that are more psychologically based.   I have had patients with serious medical issues including autoimmune symptoms that never seem to stabilize, and when they do a mind-body session, with no change in medical treatment, the symptoms subside.

As a therapist, why is hypnotherapy such an awesome tool to have in your tool belt?

I have found in the past 15 years using hypnotherapy it has enhanced the other tools I learned in grad school and certification programs such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) because

Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy (HCH) melds all of them into a seamless process.

I see that science and art can work together hand in hand in therapy.

Have you found that you could expand your client population because of hypnotherapy?

My client population has remained constant as I already had a busy practice but what has been different is that I have expanded my reach to other states and even other countries through Life Coaching, and I now work much smarter rather than harder. 

What is one nugget of wisdom you could share with other therapists interested in pursuing a certification with The Wellness Institute?

A piece of wisdom for those considering the Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy program is “come and see.”  The training, the support, and the collegiality has been a huge blessing in my life and I think my students would echo that response.

How has The Wellness Institute’s HCH program allowed you to grow as an individual and a therapist?

I came to the certification program because I was already doing hypnosis and wanted to grow my skills.  I sold myself short because what I found was tremendous scholarship, friendship and healing for myself.  My daughter had died two years prior to the training and I could work on my grief during our own sessions.  It was a great healer for me and my wife who took the certification course years later.

Can you highlight any issues that hypnotherapy is not effective at treating? 

I have found hypnosis helpful in treating most problems but active addiction and untreated bi-polar disorder I do not treat without medical intervention to stabilize the client. 

What do you want potential clients to know about hypnotherapy? 

Clients should know that treatment is effective and can lead to greater clarity and transformation of their lives.  It will work if you allow it to work with you.  I also let clients know it is safe and they are always able to remain conscious but relaxed while they do their work - it is not brain washing; it is cleansing of unwanted thoughts and emotions that keep people stuck or stymied in their goals in life.

If you would like more information about the ways in which Hypnotherapy can assist you and your clients, please reach out to The Wellness Institute.  We look forward to connecting with you.