Hypnosis, Pregnancy and Female Problems

We met Dr. Carla Bosisio, a psychologist from Milan, specialized in Clinical Psychology and expert in hypnosis. In the past she collaborated with the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the Catholic University and was assistant to the chair of Social Psychology of the IULM. Currently she works at the Meid Center (Integrated Medicine for Women in Milan) where she deals, "other, accompanying childbirth and post-partum, support in the pathways of medically assisted procreation, sexual, relational and couple difficulties, anxiety problems, eating and psychosomatic disorders and addictions to smoking and alcohol.

Dr. Bosisio, what exactly is hypnosis?

Scientifically, hypnosis is defined as a "modified state of consciousness". That is, it is a natural state, characterized by calm and mental clarity, which allows the patient to access his emotions and feelings more easily. The patient is thus able to awaken latent energies, inner resources, which will guide him in the adoption of more adequate behaviors.

When is it effective?

The best results have been obtained in the treatment of symptoms of anxiety, distress, phobic and obsessive manifestations. It decisively and definitively helps heavy smokers or big eaters to stop their harmful habits. It is effective against stress and related disorders: insomnia, muscle contractures, back pain, colitis, ulcers and headaches. Through hypnosis it helps to overcome fear, the anxiety of dental procedures, or of childbirth; partial or total analgesia, useful for increasing the pain threshold and therefore experiencing less suffering. Great results can then be obtained to eradicate psychosomatic symptoms, to fortify the character, to sharpen the mnemonic charge, to weaken the emotion during school exams, sports competitions, conferences, as well as in excessive shyness and character immaturity, therefore to obtain a "excellent social interaction." Hypnosis can also be used in conjunction with other forms of intervention, with significant mutual improvement.

How long does a session last?

The sessions last about 45-60 minutes and are repeated after a few days (usually weekly); the duration of therapy can vary from 3-4 sessions, in the simplest cases, to a number 3-4 times greater. The result obtained may be definitive or it may be necessary to repeat some sessions after some time.

Can everyone be hypnotized?

If you have ever "lost" yourself in reading a book, "listening to a piece of music," attending a film or a "play, well you have been hypnotized. Practically everyone has been hypnotized or rather they have self hypnotized at least once.

Is it true that it is the weaker people, and the less intelligent ones, who are more easily hypnotized?

Exactly the opposite. The best subjects tend to be those with average or above average intelligence, with strong motivation and the ability to concentrate.

Do you lose consciousness during a hypnosis session?

No, consciousness will not be lost, but on the contrary our attention will be more receptive, more ready, able to recruit the necessary tools to achieve the desired results. But our conscience will always remain alert. With hypnosis it is not possible to induce actions against the patient's morality or desire.

How is the hypnotic state different from sleep?

The most significant distinguishing point that distinguishes hypnosis from sleep is stimulated concentration. Sleep is a condition of decreased concentration, while the hypnotic condition is characterized by an increase in concentration.