Lay person or professional, you probably have some personal experiences that have shown you that what people "think" or "perceive to be true" in their minds has a real effect on their thinking, feeling and behavior in the outside world. A common pop example is how a belief in "vodoo" can effect those who believe they are "cursed". On a more positive note-many of us know people who defied all odds against them, motivated only by those things they "believed" in.

Sometimes, what we "think" can even have an impact on our bodies. In scientific research this is referred to as a "placebo effect". It is important to understand that any "placebo effect", that is to say, any change that occurs because of what the subject BELIEVED, is still a change. It is a CHANGE THAT WAS CREATED BY A THOUGHT.

Understanding how a "thought" can make "change" happen, understanding "when" that happens, and measuring how effective that "change" actually is - are the kind of subjects researchers are still exploring. This page serves as a link for those who would like more information about hypnosis and related modalities.

Hypnosis has been shown to be an effective treatment option for a host of behavioral and medical concerns. As regards to mental health services, there is a frequently cited comparison study by Dr. Alfred Barrios, Published by American Health Magazine, that reflected astonishing results:

• Psychoanalysis: 38% recovery after 600 sessions
• Behavior Therapy: 72% recovery after 22 sessions
• Hypnotherapy: 93% recovery after 6 sessions

While this information is encouraging, it tells us little about what makes hypnosis so effective and efficient.

The on-going research into hypnosis is extensive and because hypnosis can be used in so many areas, that research crosses many disciplines.

Rather than create a vast list of such articles here, we are providing you a single link to one of the best and most extensive, publicly available resources for hypnosis related research- the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland and their National Library of Medicine. The Library collects materials and provides information and research services in all areas of biomedicine and health care and can be accessed at http://www.nlm.nih.gov.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine is a researchable data base and can be found more directly at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. "Google Scholar" is another useful source for exploring clinical data regarding the effectiveness of these approaches and can be found at http://scholar.google.com.

Use the search boxes at these resources to find some of the most current scientific information available in the area of your specific interest and hypnosis. You are encouraged to contact Tam if you have questions, would like more information or need assistance with finding more information. Join our free newsletter, and like us on Facebook, to stay up with the most current hypnosis research and news!

Tamera L. Fontenot LMHC, NCC, CCHt St Petersburg, FL 727-543-7556 Contact Tam