How can hypnotherapy help harness neuroplasticity?

Hypnotherapy is an intriguing and mystifying approach. Many people perceive it as an inexplicable practice shrouded in misconceptions. However, modern neuroscience helps us understand the profound impact hypnotherapy can have on the brain. One specific area of neuroscience that beautifully explains the workings of hypnotherapy is neuroplasticity, the brain's remarkable ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This article explores how hypnotherapy uses neuroplasticity to effect positive changes in thoughts, behaviours, and emotions.

What is neuroplasticity? 

Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity, refers to the brain's ability to adapt and change throughout life. This adaptability is essential for learning new skills, recovering from brain injuries, and adapting to new experiences. Neuroplasticity occurs at various levels, from cellular changes (involving neurons) to cortical remapping, where entire regions of the brain are reorganised.

The concept of neuroplasticity challenges the long-held belief that the adult brain is static and unchangeable. Instead, it highlights the dynamic nature of the brain, which is capable of reshaping itself in response to experiences, learning, and even therapeutic interventions such as hypnotherapy.

How does hypnotherapy work? 

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to create a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. During a hypnotherapy session, a trained therapist guides the individual into a state where the conscious mind is relaxed, and the unconscious mind more prominent. This state of altered consciousness allows the client and therapist to work together to change unwanted behaviours, alleviate psychological distress, and enhance personal development.

The effectiveness of hypnotherapy lies in the combination of hypnosis and therapy, where the hypnotic state of mind helps the individual access deeply ingrained patterns of thought and behaviour. Viewing them in a way that promotes greater understanding of self, desire for change and more self-control. By accessing this level of the mind, hypnotherapy can facilitate profound changes that might be difficult to achieve through conscious effort alone.

The link between neuroplasticity and hypnotherapy

The brain's ability to form new neural pathways in response to therapeutic suggestions connects neuroplasticity and hypnotherapy. When an individual uses hypnotherapy, the therapist can help guide the creation of new neural connections that reinforce positive behaviours and thought patterns.

For example, consider someone who has a phobia of flying. Traditional therapeutic approaches might involve gradual exposure to the fear-inducing stimulus, but hypnotherapy can directly help to reshape the individual's response to flying. Through repeated hypnotherapy sessions, the brain can form new neural pathways that associate flying with calmness and safety rather than fear and anxiety.

Research shows that hypnotherapy can lead to measurable changes in brain activity and structure. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have demonstrated that hypnosis can alter activity in specific regions of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. The prefrontal cortex is involved in executive functions and decision-making, while the amygdala plays a key role in processing emotions. By modulating activity in these areas, hypnotherapy can facilitate emotional regulation and cognitive restructuring.

Scientific studies and evidence

Numerous scientific studies support the idea that hypnotherapy can harness neuroplasticity to bring about positive change. For instance, a study published in the journal Cerebral Cortex found that hypnosis could alter brain connectivity patterns, enhancing communication between different regions of the brain. This increased connectivity is indicative of neuroplastic changes that can support new ways of thinking and behaving.

Another study published in The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis explored the use of hypnotherapy for pain management. The researchers found that hypnotherapy led to significant reductions in pain perception and changes in brain activity associated with pain processing. These findings suggest that hypnotherapy can rewire neural pathways involved in pain perception, providing relief for individuals suffering from chronic pain.

Practical applications and benefits of hypnotherapy

The practical applications of hypnotherapy are vast, ranging from treating psychological conditions to enhancing personal development. Hypnotherapy successfully addresses issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction. By leveraging neuroplasticity, hypnotherapy can help individuals break free from negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to these conditions.

In addition to treating psychological disorders, we can use hypnotherapy to improve performance in various areas of life. Athletes, for instance, use hypnotherapy to enhance focus, motivation, and confidence. Similarly, individuals seeking to overcome bad habits, such as smoking or overeating, use hypnotherapy by creating new neural pathways that support healthier behaviours.

The future of hypnotherapy and neuroplasticity 

The field of hypnotherapy and neuroplasticity is ripe for further exploration. Emerging research continues to uncover the mechanisms through which hypnotherapy induces neuroplastic changes, opening new possibilities for treatment and personal development. Advances in neuroimaging techniques and a deeper understanding of brain plasticity will likely lead to more refined and effective hypnotherapeutic interventions.

References

• Jiang, H., White, M. P., Greicius, M. D., Waelde, L. C., & Spiegel, D. (2017). Brain activity and functional connectivity associated with hypnosis. Cerebral Cortex, 27(8), 4083-4093. Link to study
• Jensen, M. P., Adachi, T., & Hakimian, S. (2015). Brain Oscillations, Hypnosis, and Hypnotizability. The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 57(3), 230-253. Link to study