Hypnotherapy treatments

Does anyone in Washington, D.C. know where I might turn for hypnosis therapy—specifically someone who is actually reliable and properly credentialed?

I’m actually quite curious about this too! 🙂 Specifically, I was thinking about phobias; I've been noting down a few examples I've come across, but I haven't been able to suggest where someone in Washington, D.C. might turn for help regarding that... and whether it's even possible

What exactly is medical hypnosis?

Hypnosis works by inducing trance states—what we call altered states of consciousness. A trance, specifically an alpha state, begins the moment everything happening around you fades into the background, and your focus shifts entirely inward. This can manifest as various thoughts appearing as images, sounds, sensations, emotions, tastes, or even smells. While in this state, a person becomes more receptive to suggestions from a therapist or physician. These suggestions can be direct or indirect, such as through storytelling or metaphors. The point of a story is to allow for indirect identification with a character, whereas metaphors allow the patient’s subconscious to select its own interpretation and message. It is vital to emphasize that hypnosis is strictly for medical purposes; it is never used for manipulation or entertainment, unlike the "stage hypnosis" you see in shows. Hypnosis is only ever performed with the patient's full permission, meaning they must provide voluntary consent for the therapy. People often feel different after a session. Many find themselves reflecting deeply on their personality and their life path. They give themselves permission to discover what they truly want and don't want, choosing their own experiences and letting go of impulses they might otherwise suppress to try something new. In this way, they begin to learn about themselves by allowing communication between the conscious and subconscious mind. Allowing that connection is essentially showing respect for our own human integrity and authenticity.

LINK:

American Society for Clinical Hypnosis

It’s entirely possible to reach that state—essentially getting into a trance—without any formal hypnosis at all. I’ve actually tried it myself. It’s often much easier to guide someone else into a trance than it is to just let go and surrender to the state yourself. 😁

Anyway, Jamie Clark74, that link you shared lists some names, but they seem to be general practitioners and dentists. Do you happen to know any psychiatrists here in the States who specialize in this field? 🙂

Richard Thompson33 said:It’s all possible—people can slip into a trance state even without hypnosis. I've tried it myself. It's actually easier to induce a trance in someone else once they've decided to just... let go. 😁

Anyway, Jamie Clark74, the link points toward some names—mostly GPs and dentists. Do you happen to know any psychiatrists in America who actually specialize in this? 🙂

Dr. Vladimir Gruden is a psychiatrist who works with hypnosis.

Thanks! I did a little digging myself and actually managed to track down his name...