Motherhood raises many questions. Biological questions relate to the female body, the pain of childbirth, and how to manage it. Psychological and emotional questions sometimes go back a long way, very far, into the expectant mother's history. But what answers are there? What kind of support is available? While gynecologists and midwives offer care and respite for the maternal body, and psychologists address parental concerns, perinatal hypnotherapists initiate guidance aimed at facilitating the maternal transition for both mother and child .
It is this help in transformation and self-understanding, from the desire for a child to its birth, that Élhée offers you to explore today, through a series of articles inspired by the hand and knowledge of Ingrid Regorsek, Master Practitioner in Humanist Hypnosis and Practitioner in Ericksonian Hypnosis and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) .
SUMMARY :
- Demystifying hypnosis and introducing hypnotherapy
- The main schools of thought in hypnosis
- What happens during a hypnosis session?
- What is perinatal hypnosis?
Demystifying hypnosis and introducing hypnotherapy
If someone says "hypnosis," do you think, perhaps a little sheepishly, of that innocent spectator flapping their wings like a chicken on the stage of a grand cabaret? That's true. But, somewhere deep down, your memory also suggests a form of connection to the unconscious , a way to help quit smoking, overcome a phobia, or heal from trauma . Again, you're right.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that induces an altered state of consciousness characterized by heightened concentration and increased receptiveness to suggestions . This state allows access to unconscious resources and promotes positive changes at the behavioral, emotional, or physical level. Here are a few key points to remember.
- Altered state of consciousness : hypnosis is neither sleep nor loss of consciousness. It is a state of intense focus that allows access to deeper levels of the mind.
- Suggestions : The hypnotherapist uses verbal suggestions to guide the client towards the desired changes.
- Safety : Hypnosis is a safe practice when used by a qualified professional.
What is the purpose of hypnosis?
The applications of hypnosis are numerous and varied: stress , anxiety , discomfort , sleep disorders , phobias , addictions , blockages , traumas , self-confidence … but also mental preparation before an exam, a sporting competition, a surgical procedure or childbirth.
Fully personalized , this form of support allows you to explore 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 is not a substitute for prescribed treatment or the guidance of a midwife and gynecologist during pregnancy. It is a complementary approach to medical care. Therefore, it is important to consult your general practitioner or a healthcare professional specializing in this area, depending on your specific issue.
Hypnosis, an ancient practice modernized
The origins of hypnosis date back more than 4,000 years. But it was from the 18th century onwards that the hypnotic trance was approached scientifically, notably thanks to the work of Mesmer and Puységur .
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To learn more: Hypnosis: history and recognition
In the 19th century, Charcot, among the pioneers of neurology, used hypnosis to explore neuroses , thus laying the foundations for future research. A century later, Milton Hyland Erickson revolutionized the field by developing a more flexible and personalized approach. Thanks to him, the discipline became more accessible and found numerous applications.
Since the 2000s, the practice of hypnosis has experienced a real boom 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 schools of thought in hypnosis
Because hypnosis involves different approaches, we have chosen to focus on two main currents: Ericksonian hypnosis and Humanistic hypnosis, which our specialist, Ingrid Regorsek, masters perfectly.
Classical hypnosis
Historically, this was the first form used, also the one used in the shows and performances offered by Messmer around the world or Alex Hypnotist in France and elsewhere. It is based on formal inductions and clear instructions to achieve defined therapeutic objectives.
Ericksonian hypnosis
Currently, this is the most widely practiced form of brief therapy . It is distinguished by a personalized and active approach using conversation and metaphor to guide the individual toward positive change. Rather than imposing direct suggestions, it uses subtle techniques tailored to each individual's needs to promote healing and personal growth.
Humanistic Hypnosis
Developed in 2000 by Olivier Lockert and Patricia D'Angeli, founders of IFHE ( the French Institute of Ericksonian and Humanistic Hypnosis ), Humanistic hypnosis works by expanding consciousness, using direct suggestions and the language of symbols. This state of "greater awareness" blurs the boundary between conscious and unconscious and allows individuals to independently implement what they need to resolve their problem.
Perinatal hypnosis
This specialty (which isn't a distinct movement in the strictest sense) was popularized in the 1980s and 1990s by practitioners such as Michel Odent, a pioneering French obstetrician in the study of natural childbirth methods, and Jean-Marc Benhaiem, a physician and hypnotherapist. Now popular thanks to its practical applications for managing pain from an emotional perspective, as well as the stress associated with the desire for a child, it emphasizes the overall well-being of expectant mothers .
📌 Hypnotherapy is an unregulated practice that anyone can claim to practice, so diplomas don't guarantee everything. Interpersonal skills, experience, and professional ethics vary. That's why it's essential to choose your practitioner carefully by consulting professional directories ( SNH , SUP-H ), reviews (on Google or booking platforms), recommendations from friends and family… and above all, trusting your own intuition!
What happens during a hypnosis session?
A hypnosis session takes place in the office or via video call . Practitioners also sometimes make house calls, particularly in cases of high-risk pregnancy or mobility issues. Occasionally, they even work with certain clinics.
The first session, often lasting between one and two hours , is primarily dedicated to getting to know each other; a time to meet, discuss, and define your objective (there may be several) and its implications. Following this, your hypnotherapist will develop a personalized program with your agreement. Because hypnosis is a brief therapy, one to five sessions are usually sufficient .
The following sessions consist of an induction phase (where the practitioner guides you into relaxation or hypnosis), therapeutic work , and a time dedicated to returning to your ordinary state of consciousness (reassociation). Following this, you will be offered the opportunity to debrief or explore the session further, depending on your needs.
Are there any contraindications to being put under hypnosis?
Technically, everyone can be hypnotized . The hypnotic state is a natural state close to the state of FLOW (the body and mind are 100% in the present moment) into which you can spontaneously "slip" several times a day without really realizing it (when you play an instrument, when you paint a picture or when you meditate).
However, for certain mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, unstable bipolar disorder, and some psychiatric conditions, hypnotic suggestion is generally not appropriate. If it is permitted, it is only with the prior consent and under the supervision of a psychiatrist.
What is perinatal hypnosis?
Perinatal hypnosis specializes in supporting women before, during, and after pregnancy . It aims to help expectant mothers or women who wish to have a child to manage the complex feelings and emotions related to pregnancy and/or childbirth .
Through a state of deep relaxation and by strengthening 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 common misconceptions about hypnosis
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Do you need to feel like you're losing consciousness for hypnosis to work?
The somnambulistic state, a deep trance state, isn't necessarily the best for implementing changes. So don't be disappointed if you felt you remained conscious; it doesn't mean you didn't fully benefit from your hypnosis session.
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I'm afraid that under hypnosis, I'll lose control!
With Ericksonian hypnosis, you free yourself from limiting conscious control to gain mastery over your unconscious mechanisms. In Humanistic hypnosis, you transcend your usual conscious control to become aware of your unconscious processes and allow them to evolve. In all cases, the goal is to raise your level of well-being and live your life more consciously.
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Can I get stuck in a hypnotic state?
No, there is 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 self-suggestions.
