I prefer to use the term complementary to describe hypnotherapy because we are complementing what is already available. Hypnotherapy works in conjunction with other existing options, rather than instead of them. I have never considered hypnosis or hypnotherapy as an alternative.
Doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists have used hypnotherapy successfully for many, many years. Doctors do not always make the best hypnotherapists, but they are part of mainstream medicine and they do not view hypnosis as an alternative or weird state, but as it is; a totally natural state of being. There are many books authored by doctors on the subject and I am sure they would not dream of using the term alternative to describe this form of therapy. And if you know a bit about the history of hypnosis then you will be aware that the person who coined the term “hypnosis” was in fact a doctor.
Some people may prefer to use the term alternative to describe hypnosis because that is the way they understand it, but it is not alternative. It is truly complementary. For example, if someone intends to give up smoking, they might want to use our recording to stop smoking with hypnosis, but they may also use nicotine patches or an electronic cigarette at the same time, for a more holistic approach. We think this is great – because they all complement each other.
The term alternative also concerns me because I think there are some alternative therapists that tend to be quite anti-establishment in their outlook. Their focus is specifically against any established or traditional approach to medicine and healing. I believe the reason traditional medicine exists is because it has been the most popular and effective throughout the ages. But some alternative practitioners, let’s face it, some of these people lead an alternative lifestyle. They are entitled to their views and they might consider hypnosis part of their lifestyle, but it does not have to be an alternative. It can be part of any treatment approach, traditional or otherwise.
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy can be preferred treatment for lots of different issues, without the need for traditional input. Hypnotherapy is not against anything. It does not have to be in lieu of traditional medicine. It can be applied with established medicinal practices as an enhancement and to encourage healing, or used on its own to restore physical and mental health. Hypnotherapy can complement just about any other form of treatment. I certainly prefer it to be part of somebody’s healing, rather than not.
Please consider it a complement.
