SHANE​ WARREN

Hypnosis has been around for a very long time and forms a part of healing from ancient times. The induction of trance states and the use of therapeutic suggestion were a central feature of the early Greek healing temples, and variations of these techniques were practiced throughout the ancient world. Modern hypnosis began in the eighteenth century with Franz Anton Mesmer, who used what he called "magnetic healing" to treat a variety of psychological and psychophysiological disorders, such as hysterical blindness, paralysis, headaches, and joint pains. Since then, the use (and social confidence) of hypnosis has gone up and down. The famous psychotherapist we all like to bag (but whose approach to treatment forms the basis to psychotherapy) Freud, at first, found it extremely effective in treating hysteria and then, troubled by the sudden emergence of powerful emotions in his patients and his own difficulty with its use, abandoned it. However, as more and more practitioners gained confidence and skills in the discipline it has formed a bedrock to many psychotherapeutic treatments. In recent years hypnosis has experienced a strong resurgence, amongst with physicians and dentists and more recently with psychologists and other mental health professionals. In my practice, I use it as a tool for addictions, such as smoking and drug use; to help with pain and anxiety issues, and for phobias, such as the fear of flying. Plus in many other programs designed to help my clients.