Maternity raises many questions. Biological ones relate to the female body, the pain of childbirth, and how it is managed. Psychological and emotional questions sometimes trace far, very far back into the future mother’s life story. But, for what answers? And with what support? While the gynecologist and the midwife offer care and relief to the maternal body, and the psychologist welcomes parental doubts, the perinatal hypnosis practitioner initiates guidance aimed at facilitating, for the mother and her child, the maternal transition.
This support for transformation and self-understanding, from the desire to have a child through to birth, is what Élhée invites you to explore today, through a series of articles inspired by the hand and expertise of Ingrid Regorsek, Master Practitioner in Humanist Hypnosis and Practitioner in Ericksonian Hypnosis and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming).
CONTENTS:
- Demystifying Hypnosis and Understanding Hypnotherapy
- The Main Schools of Hypnosis
- How Does a Hypnosis Session Unfold?
- What Is Perinatal Hypnosis?
Demystifying Hypnosis and Understanding Hypnotherapy
If you hear “hypnosis” and, a bit embarrassed, picture an innocent audience member flapping their arms like a chicken on a cabaret stage—yes, that’s real. But, somewhere, your memory also reminds you of a form of connection to the unconscious, a help to quit smoking, overcome a phobia, or move past a trauma. Again, you are right.
What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that induces a modified state of consciousness characterized by deep concentration and increased suggestibility. This state makes it possible to access unconscious resources and encourage positive changes on a behavioral, emotional, or physical level. Here are a few key points to remember.
- Modified state of consciousness: Hypnosis is neither sleep nor a loss of consciousness. It's a state of intense focus that allows you to access deeper levels of the mind.
- Suggestions: The hypnosis practitioner uses verbal suggestions to guide the person they’re working with toward the desired changes.
- Safety: Hypnosis is a safe practice when it’s performed by a qualified professional.
What Is Hypnosis Used For?
Hypnosis has many varied applications: stress, anxiety, discomfort, sleep disorders, phobias, addictions, blocks, trauma, self-confidence… and also mental preparation ahead of an exam, a sports competition, surgery, or childbirth.
Entirely personalized, this type of support helps you explore your inner world, uncover and/or develop new resources by working on the root causes of a problem to create lasting change.
📌 Hypnosis is not a substitute for a prescribed treatment or for the care of a midwife and gynecologist during pregnancy. It is a complementary method to medical management. Therefore, it’s important to consult your primary care doctor or a specialized health professional depending on your issue.
Hypnosis, an Ancient Practice Modernized
The origins of hypnosis go back more than 4,000 years. But starting in the 18th century, hypnotic trance was studied scientifically, notably through the work of Mesmer and Puységur.
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To learn more: Hypnosis: History and Scientific Recognition
In the 19th century, Charcot, one of the pioneers of neurology, used hypnosis to study neuroses, laying the foundation for future research. A century later, Milton Hyland Erickson revolutionized the field by developing a more flexible and individualized approach. Thanks to him, the discipline became more accessible and found a wide range of applications.
Since the 2000s, the practice of hypnosis has experienced a real boom with the development of new techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), self-hypnosis, and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). Today, hypnosis is used in many fields, from therapy to anesthesia.
The Main Schools of Hypnosis
Because hypnosis includes several approaches, we’ve chosen to focus on two main schools: Ericksonian Hypnosis and Humanist Hypnosis, both of which our expert, Ingrid Regorsek, masters perfectly.
Classical Hypnosis
Historically the first form used, and also the kind featured in shows and stage performances by Messmer across the world or Alex Hypnotiseur in France and elsewhere. It is based on formal inductions and clear instructions to reach specific therapeutic goals.
Ericksonian Hypnosis
Currently, the most commonly practiced brief therapy. It stands out through a personalized, active approach using conversation and metaphor to guide the person toward positive change. Rather than imposing direct suggestions, it uses nuanced techniques tailored to each individual to support healing and personal growth.
Humanist Hypnosis
Developed in 2000 by Olivier Lockert and Patricia D’Angeli, founders of IFHE (The French Institute of Ericksonian and Humanist Hypnosis), Humanist Hypnosis operates in an expanded state of consciousness, uses direct suggestions, and the language of symbols. This “greater consciousness” state blurs the line between conscious and unconscious, allowing the person to independently install what they need to resolve their problem.
Perinatal Hypnosis
This specialty (not strictly a school) became popular in the 1980s and 1990s thanks to practitioners such as Michel Odent, a French obstetrician and pioneer in the study of natural childbirth methods, and Jean-Marc Benhaiem, doctor and hypnotherapist. Now popular for its practical applications in helping manage pain from an emotional perspective and the stress related to wanting a child, it focuses on the overall well-being of expectant mothers.
📌 Hypnotherapy is an unregulated practice anyone can claim to offer, and diplomas aren’t everything. Relational skills, experience, and professional ethics vary widely. That’s why it’s crucial to choose your practitioner well by consulting directories run by professional organizations (SNH, SUP-H), checking reviews (on Google or appointment platforms), seeking recommendations from people you trust… and most importantly, trusting your own instincts!
How Does a Hypnosis Session Unfold?
A hypnosis session takes place in an office or via online session. Sometimes, especially in high-risk pregnancies or in case of mobility issues, practitioners will come to your home. Occasionally, sessions are also held in clinics.
The first session, usually lasting between 1 and 2 hours, is primarily devoted to getting acquainted: time to connect, talk, and clarify your goal (there may be several) and what’s at stake. Then, your hypnotherapist will, with your agreement, develop a personalized program. Because hypnosis is a brief therapy, often only 1 to 5 sessions are needed.
Subsequent sessions consist of an induction phase (the stage where the practitioner guides you toward relaxation or hypnosis), therapeutic work, and a moment dedicated to returning to your usual state of consciousness (reassociation). Afterward, you may debrief the experience or go deeper, depending on your needs.
Are There Any Contraindications to Hypnosis?
Technically, anyone can be hypnotized. The hypnotic state is a natural state similar to “FLOW” (when body and mind are 100% present in the moment), which you can “slip into” spontaneously several times a day without noticing (while playing an instrument, painting, or meditating).
However, for some mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, unstable bipolar disorder, and certain psychiatric illnesses, hypnotic suggestion usually isn’t suitable. If permitted at all, it should only be with prior approval and under the supervision of a psychiatrist.
What Is Perinatal Hypnosis?
Perinatal hypnosis specializes in supporting women before, during, and after pregnancy. Its goal is to help expectant mothers, or women wishing to become mothers, manage the complex feelings and emotions associated with pregnancy and/or childbirth.
Thanks to a deep state of relaxation and by building self-confidence, this gentle approach can also help prepare the body and mind for a calmer, more positive birth experience, while facilitating the connection between mother and baby.
A Few Common Misconceptions About Hypnosis
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Do you need to feel like you’ve lost consciousness for hypnosis to work?
The somnambulistic state, or deep trance, is not necessarily the best condition for making changes. Don’t be disappointed if you felt you remained conscious—that doesn’t mean you didn’t fully benefit from your hypnosis session.
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I’m afraid of losing control while under hypnosis!
With Ericksonian Hypnosis, you let go of limiting conscious control to gain mastery over your unconscious mechanisms. In Humanist Hypnosis, you move beyond your usual conscious control to become aware of, and change, your unconscious processes. In each case, the goal is to raise your level of well-being so you can live your life more consciously.
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Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
No, there’s no risk of getting stuck in trance. The hypnotic state fades away on its own after a few minutes when it’s no longer maintained by outside suggestions or self-suggestion.
