FAQ
What distinguishes classical hypnosis from hypnotherapy or autosystemhypnosis?
When most people hear the word "hypnosis," they often imagine a pendulum swinging in front of them or a stage show where people seem to follow the hypnotist's instructions like puppets. The state in which people find themselves in such cases certainly has the same basis as hypnotherapy: a trance-like state. However, unlike classical hypnosis, in hypnotherapy, a doctor/therapist doesn't work beyond the patient's consciousness; rather, the healing/improvement is entrusted to the Unconscious Mind and thus to the patient themselves. In short: The therapist in hypnotherapy is essentially just a guide and has nothing to do with how deeply a patient goes into trance. The patient enters trance themselves and can decide when to come out of it, can open their eyes, stand up, go to the bathroom, etc., and the patient is in full control. They can also decide how much they share with the therapist. Of course, it makes sense to share as many details as possible so that the therapist can be a helpful guide. The therapist provides support by asking targeted questions, suggesting creative ideas, and providing a calming presence during challenging moments. The therapy is highly individualized, just like everyone's Unconscious Mind.
And this is something I always find important to mention: I haven't encountered any therapy form that is as relaxing, creative, often funny, imaginative, and fast as hypnotherapy.
What is the session frequency?
The frequency of sessions is as unique as each patient, but it's usually kept low (1-2 times/month). The time between sessions is just as important as the sessions themselves, as during breaks the internal systems (organ system, nervous system, etc.) can realign and stabilize. It's also worthwhile to give yourself enough time, especially if significant issues have been touched upon. It's not about aggressively wresting away inner-defense mechanisms, but allowing room for development. However, it can also be useful to see each other weekly in phases. Over 80% of therapies are considered short-term therapies (less than 12 sessions).
Does it work online?
Yes. Of course, it's always good to have met in person. Collaboration is based on trust, and you always have a better feel for the other person when you've seen them live. But beyond that, online is no problem because, as a patient, you're working with yourself. All you need from me is my voice as guidance. Some even find it relaxing to be able to stay at home while delving into their inner-selves.
I'm skeptical, can it still work?
Yes. I say this partly from my own experience because I was also very skeptical at the beginning. After my initial tension, I was able to get to become familiar with my inner-self. Interestingly, the Unconscious Mind often waits for this contact, and many are surprised at how quickly they find access despite their initial skepticism. The beauty is also that there are different methods for different approaches.
Isn't hypnosis spiritual or esoteric?
It is true that many different religions utilize trance (e.g., meditation). It may also be that you will have spiritual encounters in your hypnosis session, but only if this is already a part of your life to which you have access/want (as with all other elements from different areas of life as well. For example, many inspirational book characters appeared for me because I'm an avid reader).
The hypnosis we use in autosystemhypnosis is scientifically based and we can see on MRI scans that our brain changes dramatically in a plastic way. Plastic changes refer to the remodeling of neuronal structures depending on their activity, thus they are responsible for the maintenance, adaptation, or potentially expansion of the functions of our nervous system. In the following paper, you will find information, for example, on pain treatment with hypnotherapy.
Important:
If you google “autosystemhypnosis”, the English results will likely show information about self-hypnosis. However, the Autosystemhypnose method developed by Götz Renartz (a German specialist in Neurology, Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic) in 1996 does not have a direct English equivalent. If you would like to know more about the details of this method of therapy, I would be more than happy to have a conversation with you.
Can anyone do this?
Yes. The ability to enter trance is already within you and we unconsciously use it in our daily lives. For example, when we're on the bus and don't even realize we've passed three stops already, we’ve used this innate ability. Dissociation (when our thoughts, perceptions, and consciousness are not linked, but separated from each other, for example, during daydreaming or filtering stimuli in stressful situations) and hypnotic trance are constant companions, that provide us with relaxation and protection. In autosystemhypnosis, we also learn to actively use this ability.