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By Capt. M.J. Hessert, USN 

Picture yourself descending an imaginary staircase one step at a time. With each step down, you sink deeper into a state of relaxation.

This is how Ginni Guiton, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and certified hypnotist, guided me over the phone during my first hypnosis session. Guiton is also a former West Point professor as well as a Life member of MOAA, where she serves as vice president of Human Resources.

Despite some uncertainty on my part, Guiton’s approach worked: I became deeply relaxed, and she guided me through a rejuvenating hypnotherapy session.

Hypnotherapy is best understood as an adjunctive tool that can support behavioral change, self-improvement, and self-actualization, in which change is generated from within. It is known to be useful for smoking cessation, reducing overeating, and easing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

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People commonly have what Guiton calls a “Hollywood” view of hypnosis that evokes swinging pocket watches and participants losing control of their faculties. These stereotypes are not congruent with therapeutic hypnosis, in which people are awake, alert, and listening to guidance rather than actually performing an action.

Think of hypnotherapy as guided meditation with a purpose. A typical session lasts roughly 45 minutes and may take place over the phone or in person. Expect to be seated or lying down with your eyes closed. Sessions can be recorded for future reference, if desired.

Hypnosis can start at about $150 per session, Guiton said, but pricing is variable. TRICARE generally does not pay for hypnosis but might cover it as an adjunctive treatment when a patient is referred to a psychologist or other licensed provider who incorporates hypnosis into the treatment plan.

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Dr. Vickie Dowling, a California-based licensed psychologist who frequently treats military veterans, regularly integrates hypnotherapy into her practice. In addition to treating several mental health disorders — addictions, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and phobias — she uses hypnosis to address chronic pain, as well as to improve coping skills and confidence.

“Therapeutic hypnotherapy performed by licensed professionals is done with HIPAA protections and the privacy of the treatment room,” Dowling told Military Officer. “It is very different from stage hypnosis that is done for an audience. The suggestions are around the desired topic and woven with visual imagery and relaxation.”

If considering hypnosis for yourself, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis is a valuable resource for finding a licensed and well-trained hypnotherapist. The organization also promotes research, education, and professional certification in this field.

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Unfortunately, the field of hypnotherapy is not well regulated, and requirements vary from state to state. Therefore, investigate before jumping in.

Then ensure you have strong rapport and trust with your therapist, and that you enter with an open mind.

Capt. M.J. Hessert, USN, is an emergency physician and aerospace medicine physician in San Diego.