George P. Glaser, LCSW is a psychotherapist serving clients in Austin, Texas and the Central Texas area. He offers clinical hypnosis as a form of therapy to treat various conditions and personal issues. When performed by a qualified professional, hypnosis can alleviate pain, allergies, anxiety, and stress, as well as sleep disorders, eating disorders, and depression.
Hypnosis is a technique and form of communication involving increased concentration, focused attention, inner absorption, and increased responsiveness to suggestion. An individual can have a more powerful mind by concentrating their thoughts and attention. This increased focus can help the person understand and affect their emotions and thought processes. Through hypnosis, individuals can reach their highest potential in healing and control of their mind and body.
According to the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, the uses of hypnosis via psychotherapy and medicine are vast. As a form of medical care, hypnosis can resolve a number of emotional and mental disturbances including anxiety, stress, depression, concentration, learning disorders, and sexual dysfunction. It is also beneficial for treating physical conditions like high blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, asthma, and bedwetting. Hypnosis can help individuals overcome issues of abuse including physical abuse and incest. For athletes and those involved in physical activities, hypnotherapy can improve sports performance. From bedwetting to weight loss, hypnosis is a medically recommended treatment that is drug-free and surgery-free. It’s also beneficial for patients suffering from hemophilia, dermatological disorders, burns, and nausea. Individuals who are preparing for childbirth or surgical procedures can also benefit from the self-control and concentration reached through hypnosis.
When choosing a therapist that practices hypnosis, certain precautions should be taken. Therapists usually are not required to be licensed for hypnosis, including in the state of Texas . It is important to ask about a professional's’ certification and licensing. You can verify a hypnosis certification online via the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, and license information through an online search.
One should inquire about a professional’s academic and professional training when searching for a potential therapist. Most professionals do not advertise themselves primarily as practicing hypnosis practitioners, but rather as a practitioner in their health or mental health discipline who uses hypnosis as one of their tools.. Any qualified provider should welcome questions about their training, certification and licensure.
Lay hypnotists are people who provide hypnosis services, but have not been academically and professionally trained in a health or mental health field. Some lay hypnotists are very effective, but they do not usually have that core training about the mind and body. Understandably the major professional hypnosis organizations, including the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, recommend seeking services with a licensed professional.
I participate in the following managed care plans. Feel free to inquire about any that are not shown. Additionally, plans such as PPOs provide for coverage of out-of-network practitioners. Check with the customer service number listed on your insurance card for information about out-of-network coverage, deductible/copayment amounts, and yearly session limits.
