One universal fact is that people always want to preserve themselves; we never want to get sick or catch a disease. If humans can have it their way, then there would be no sickness or danger that can threaten their peaceful existence no matter what they do with their lives.

So it is very ironic that many people succumbed themselves to habits and vices that in the end leads to self-deterioration or destruction. It is probably safe to say that almost everything that is available in this world for humans to enjoy is not bad—as long as everything is taken in moderation.

For example the things that are usually prohibited such as alcohol, cigarette, fatty foods, etc. are okay because in some way it can provide some benefit. What makes those things dangerous is that consumptions of the said goods can be so enjoyable that people have trouble identifying when they had too much.

As we all know, too much of everything is bad. It is such a nasty coincidence because in life, many prohibited things provides so much pleasure that it leads to addiction. Once hooked, people become a slave to things such as alcohol or drugs because they are unable to function without them, jeopardizing one’s career, future and relationships.

People with destructive habits or vices clearly needs help but few of them have the guts to even try or those who try eventually fail because overcoming an addiction can be a long, difficult and painful process.

This is where hypnotherapy comes in. People who are desperate to find a relief to nasty habits or vices can turn to this alternative cure. Hypnotherapy is nothing new; history will tell that it was a part of many ancient rites and ceremonies.

The modern hypnosis was introduced by a doctor from Austria named Franz Anton Mesmer in the 17^th century. Mesmer proposed the theory that people get sick when magnetic fluids in the body are not balanced. To cure this, he made use of magnets and hypnosis. Unfortunately, the world then was not ready for his advance thinking then that his theory was deemed unscientific.

It was only during the 1900s that hypnotherapy gained popularity through Milton H. Erickson, an accomplished psychiatrist who used hypnosis in his practice. Today, hypnotherapy is an accepted medical practice.

Coined from a Greek word hypnos which means sleep, a patient in a hypnotherapy session is put to a deep sleep or trance. In such a state, the mind is said to be very responsive to any idea or image that anyone would suggest. During a session, the therapist would lead the patient to the event that is associated with the behavior that he wants to change. This is based on the learning theory that the mind records our experiences and our reaction to a certain event defines our behavior to it. The therapist would then suggest a healthy/appropriate reaction to help the patient overcome his addiction. For example, at therapist may suggest to a chronic smoker that the first time he tasted cigarettes, he doesn’t like it. When the patient wakes up, he may find himself hating cigarettes, putting an end to the addiction.

Hypnotherapy can also be applied to cure other unproductive behaviors such as procrastination, inferiority complex, overeating, etc. Others may think that hypnotherapy is like magic and that it so easy because one would just sleep and then wake up fully cured.

However it is important for a patient to know that during a hypnotherapy session, the psychiatrist is simply utilizing the power of suggestion. The patient may be in a trance but his senses are fully awake. During a session, the doctor will suggest a number of things but he still has no power to influence one’s behavior or free will without the consent of the patient. In the end, the decision to end one’s negative behavior still lies on the patient. This is the reason why the result/success of a hypnotherapy session varies per patient. Others may find success in overcoming negative behaviors and see positive change while others may see no improvement at all.

It is essential that hypnotherapy is conducted only by a professional who is trained and certified to practice it. This is because as hypnotherapy can alter one’s thoughts and feelings, a session may also have adverse effects.

Hypnotherapy is a useful tool that can help one take charge of his life and overcome destructive behaviors. But it is not the end tool. Success in a hypnotherapy session is only the beginning. The true road to healing requires real discipline and a genuine commitment to live a better life.

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