Hypnotherapist (definition of)

A hypnotherapist is ideally a trained specialist who treats a number of psychological issues as well as physiological symptoms with the use of hypnosis, a mental state during which the patient is highly suggestible.

Hypnotherapy is regulated in the United States; however, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis monitors the profession and sets standards for practitioners.

Hypnotherapists may treat patients for addictions or undesirable behaviors; in a few cases, they have used "regression" therapy in order to uncover "repressed memories," although this practice has proven controversial and has resulted in lawsuits over "false memories."

In surgery, hypnotherapists are beginning to experiment with the use of hypnosis as a substitute for general anesthesia. During the mid-19th Century early hypnotists, known as mesmerists, would use such techniques in order to alleviate pain during surgery. When hypnosis is used in this fashion, patients have reported feeling a tingling sensation, but no real pain in the normal sense.

Although hypnotherapy during surgery has had considerable success in Europe, it is still being researched and may not be appropriate for all patients. However, hypnotherapists' services are often quite helpful in pain management when it comes to disease and post-operative discomfort itself like that associated with mesothelioma.