Motherhood raises many questions. Biological, they relate to the female body, the pain of childbirth and its management. Psychological and emotional, they sometimes go far, far back in the history of the mother-to-be. But what are the answers? What kind of follow-up? If the gynecologist and midwife offer care and respite to the mother's body, if the psychologist collects the parents' questions, the perinatal hypnosis practitioner initiates guidance aimed at easing, for the mother and her child, the maternal transition.
It's this support for self-transformation and self-understanding, from the desire for a child right through to its birth, that Élhée now invites you to explore, through a series of articles inspired by the hand and knowledge ofIngrid Regorsek, Master Practitioner in Humanistic Hypnosis and Practitioner in Ericksonian Hypnosis and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming).
CONTENTS :
- Demystifying hypnosis and approaching hypnotherapy
- The main trends in hypnosis
- How does a hypnosis session work?
- What is perinatal hypnosis?
Demystifying hypnosis and approaching hypnotherapy
If someone says "hypnosis" to you, you think, a little embarrassed, of that innocent spectator flapping his wings like a hen on the stage of a big cabaret hall? It's true. But, somewhere, your memory is also pointing you in the direction of some kind of connection to the unconscious, to help you quit smoking, fight a phobia or overcome a trauma. Once again, you're right.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that induces an altered state of consciousness characterized by high concentration and receptivity to suggestion. This state enables access to unconscious resources and promotes positive behavioral, emotional and physical changes. Here are a few points to bear in mind.
- Altered state of consciousness: hypnosis is neither sleep nor unconsciousness. It is a state of intense focus that allows access to deeper levels of the mind.
- Suggestions: the hypnosis practitioner uses verbal suggestions to guide the client towards the desired changes.
- Safety: hypnosis is a safe practice when used by a qualified professional.
Why use hypnosis?
The applications of hypnosis are many and varied: stress, anxiety, discomfort, sleep disorders, phobias, addictions, blockages, traumas, self-confidence... but also mental preparation before an exam, a sports competition, surgery or childbirth.
Entirely personalized, this form of support enables you toexplore your inner world, to reveal and/or develop new resources by working on the root causes of a problem, in order to promote lasting change.
📌 Hypnosis does not replace the prescription of a treatment or the support of a midwife and gynecologist during pregnancy. It is a complementary approach to medical care. It is therefore important to consult your general practitioner or a specialized health professional, depending on the nature of your problem.
Hypnosis, a modernized ancestral practice
The origins of hypnosis go back over 4,000 years. But it was not until the 18th century that hypnotic trance was scientifically studied, thanks in particular to the work of Mesmer and Puységur.
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Find out more: Hypnosis: history and recognition
In the 19th century, Charcot, one of the pioneers of neurology, used hypnosis to explore neuroses, laying the foundations for future research. A century later, it was Milton Hyland Erickson who revolutionized the field by developing a more flexible, personalized approach. Thanks to him, the discipline was democratized and found numerous applications.
Since the 2000s, the practice of hypnosis has been booming with the emergence of new techniques such as EMDR(Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), self-hypnosis and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). Today, hypnosis is used in many fields, from therapy to anesthesia.
The main trends in hypnosis
Because hypnosis has many different approaches, we've chosen to focus on two main currents: Ericksonian hypnosis and Humanist hypnosis, both of which our specialist Ingrid Regorsek has mastered perfectly.
Classical hypnosis
Historically, this was the first form of hypnosis, and is also used in shows and performances by Messmer around the world, and by Alex Hypnotiseur in France and elsewhere. It is based on formal inductions and clear instructions to achieve defined therapeutic goals.
Ericksonian hypnosis
Currently the most widely practiced brief therapy. It is characterized by a personalized, active approach using conversation and metaphor to guide the person towards positive change. Rather than imposing direct suggestions, it uses subtle techniques tailored to the needs of each individual to promote healing and personal development.
Humanist hypnosis
Developed in 2000 by Olivier Lockert and Patricia D'Angeli, founders of L'IFHE(L'institut Français d'Hypnose Ericksonienne et Humaniste), Humanistic hypnosis works by opening consciousness, using direct suggestion and the language of symbols. This state of "heightened awareness" blurs the boundary between conscious and unconscious, and enables the person to autonomously install what they need to solve their problem.
Perinatal hypnosis
This specialty (which is not strictly speaking a movement) was popularized in the 1980s and 1990s by practitioners such as Michel Odent, a French obstetrician who pioneered the study of natural childbirth methods, and Jean-Marc Benhaiem, a physician and hypnotherapist. Today, thanks to its practical applications in managing emotional pain and the stress associated with childbirth, the focus is on the overall well-being of expectant mothers.
📌 Hypnotherapy is an unregulated practice to which anyone can lay claim, so diplomas don't guarantee everything. Relational qualities, experience and professional ethics vary. That's why it's essential to choose your practitioner carefully by referring to union directories(SNH, SUP-H), reviews (on Google, or on booking platforms), recommendations from friends and family... and above all by trusting your personal intuition!
How does a hypnosis session work?
A hypnosis session can be carried out in the office or by video session. Occasionally, particularly in the case of high-risk pregnancies or travel difficulties, hypnotherapists will work in the patient's own home. In some cases, they are also available at clinics.
The first session, often lasting between 1 and 2 hours, is first and foremost a time to get to know each other, to talk things over, to define your objective (there may be several) and what's at stake. Then, with your agreement, your hypnotherapist draws up a personalized program. Because hypnosis is a brief therapy, 1 to 5 sessions are usually sufficient.
Subsequent sessions consist ofan induction phase (when the practitioner guides you towards relaxation or hypnosis), therapeutic work and a moment dedicated to returning to an ordinary state of consciousness (re-association). Following this, you will be offered the opportunity to debrief or deepen your experience, depending on your needs.
Are there any contraindications to hypnosis?
Technically, anyone can be hypnotized. The hypnotic state is a natural state close to FLOW (body and mind 100% in the present moment) into which you can "slip" spontaneously, several times a day, without really realizing it (when you play an instrument, paint a picture or meditate).
However, for certain mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, unstabilized bipolar disorder and certain psychiatric pathologies, hypnotic suggestion is generally not suitable. If it is authorized, it is only with the prior agreement and under the guidance of a psychiatrist.
What is perinatal hypnosis?
Perinatal hypnosis specializes in supporting women before, during and after pregnancy. It aims to help mothers-to-be, or women who wish to have a child, to manage the complex feelings and emotions associated with pregnancy and/or childbirth.
Through a deep state of relaxation and by boosting self-confidence, this gentle method can also help prepare the body and mind for a more serene and positive birth experience, while facilitating the connection between mother and baby.
Some preconceived ideas about hypnosis
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Do you have to feel like you're losing consciousness for hypnosis to work?
The somnambulic state, a state of deep trance, is not necessarily the best for bringing about change. So don't be disappointed if you feel you've remained conscious - it doesn't mean you haven't benefited fully from your hypnosis session.
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I'm afraid of losing control under hypnosis!
With Ericksonian hypnosis, you free yourself from limiting conscious control to gain mastery over your unconscious mechanisms. With Humanist hypnosis, you go beyond your usual conscious control to make your unconscious workings conscious and help them evolve. In all cases, the aim is to raise your level of well-being and live your life better, consciously.
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Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
No, there's no risk of getting stuck in a trance. The hypnotic state disappears on its own after a few minutes, when it is no longer maintained by external suggestions or auto-suggestions.
