Hypnosis
Dr. Arikian has used clinical hypnosis to help people address a wide variety of issues, including improving sleep, recovering from the effects of trauma, alleviating physical symptoms such as pain and nausea, replacing depression with joy, improving self-esteem, decreasing anxiety, resolving sexual problems, and enhancing performance.
What is hypnosis?
The word “hypnosis” refers to both a mental state and a procedure. The mental state of hypnosis means being in a heightened state of concentration and focus, with attention focused inward. In this state of focused attention (often called “trance”), people are more open to suggestions and may find it easier to make desired changes in mood, perceptions, thoughts, and/or behavior. The term “clinical hypnosis” refers to a procedure used in a healthcare setting to help people make these changes.
What happens during hypnosis?
Some people report that hypnosis feels like an altered state of consciousness; others report that the experience feels like their normal state of consciousness but they are deeply relaxed and focused. Dr. Arikian will help you make the transition from your regular waking state to a state of inner absorption and focus by doing a hypnotic induction procedure. There are many different induction procedures, but all involve asking you to listen to her guide your imagination with statements that encourage you to feel calm, relaxed, and filled with a sense of well-being. Once you have made this transition and your attention is focused inward, hypnosis may proceed in a variety of ways depending on your goals. Dr. Arikian may help you deepen your sense of relaxation and calm by continuing to guide you with statements that involve imagining something that is calming and peaceful for you. She may make suggestions designed to achieve a specific goal such as improving your sleep, freedom from physical pain, letting go of anger, or increased mastery of a specific skill. Hypnosis may also be used to help you explore underlying motivations or obstacles to achieving your goals.
What are Dr. Arikian’s qualifications for using hypnosis?
Dr. Arikian has been using hypnosis to help clients for over fifteen years. She has completed over 200 hours of training in clinical hypnosis, including 20 hours of individual consultation. She has served on the board of the Minnesota Society of Clinical Hypnosis.