This is an easy answer for me. I prefer the term complimentary to describe hypnosis because you are complimenting what is already available. Hypnosis works in conjunction with existing options, rather than instead of them.
I never thought of hypnosis as alternative. Doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists have used hypnosis successfully for many, many years. These doctors are part of mainstream medicine and do not view hypnosis as an alternative or weird state but as a very natural state of being. There are many books authored by doctors on the subject and I’m sure they wouldn’t ever dream of using the term alternative to describe this form of therapy.
In fact, the people who originated the term hypnosis are the doctors that developed and used it – not the stage hypnotists as some might think, although they were around at the time.
Some people may prefer to use term alternative to describe hypnosis because that is the way they understand it, but it really is not alternative. Actually, it is truly complimentary. Think about it. If someone was going to try to stop smoking, they might want to use our stop smoking hypnosis and nicotine patches at the same time for a more holistic approach. I think that’s great since they both compliment each other.
The term alternative also concerns me because I think there are some alternative therapists that tend to be quite anti-doctor in their practice. Their focus is specifically against any established or traditional approach to medicine and healing. However, 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 obviously have an alternative lifestyle. They might consider hypnosis part of that lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to be an alternative. It can be part of any treatment approach, traditional or otherwise.
Hypnosis can be preferred treatment for lots of different things on its own too. There are times where the use of a professional and ethical therapist is definitely the way to go, such as in treating phobias or emotional issues. But alongside that, hypnosis can compliment just about any other form of treatment. I certainly prefer it to be part of somebody’s healing, rather than not.
Hypnosis 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. Consider it a compliment.
