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Frequently Asked Questions
What is VRH?
VRH stands for Virtual Reality Hypnosis. The therapy comprises of a head
mounted display which provides audio and visual stimuli. The patient is
removed from all external distractions in this environment. They are then
taken on a journey through many different environments, during which time
they reach a deeply relaxed state, where therapeutic hypnotherapy can
take place.
How is it different to conventional hypnosis?
Unlike traditional hypnosis, VRH does not rely
solely on verbal communication to induce a hypnotic state. 93% of our
communication is non verbal, 55% of that is visual. This type of communication
occurs on a subconscious level and the subconscious mind is the area of
the brain we must reach in order for hypnotherapy to take place. The key
to effective hypnosis is the ability to evade the conscious mind and communicate
directly with the subconscience. Traditional hypnosis relies on words
to induce the patient. Words make up only 7% of our communication and
must be filtered and evaluated by the conscious mind.
VRH immerses the patient in a virtual environment where visuals and coordinated audio are used to evade the conscious mind and communicate directly with the limbic system (subconscious mind).
Where is VRH being used?
VRH is currently being used in public hospitals,
private medical clinics; by psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors
around Australia. Refer to the directory to locate these facilities.
Is VRH dangerous?
Therapeutic hypnosis is very safe. Virtual Reality Hypnosis units are
only operated by health care professionals who are trained in its use
and provide the appropriate care and supervision. There has never been
a documented case of injury in the use of Virtual Reality Hypnosis. There
has never been a documented case of injury in any form of hypnosis.
Will I lose control?
Virtual Reality Hypnosis cannot make you do anything against your will.
You will always be in control of your thoughts and mental state during
the sessions. Anytime you feel that you wish to stop, you can immediately
discontinue the program.
How will I feel during the
session?
You will feel calm, in control and deeply relaxed. Many people have reported
a sense of weightlessness, while others have described a heaviness or
a sense of melting into the chair.
How will I feel after the
session?
You will feel very relaxed after the session. There may be some mild drowsiness,
like waking from a nap. This is normal and will pass in a few seconds.
You should then feel refreshed and invigorated throughout the day. Most
patients have also reported that they sleep very soundly when they go
to bed that night and feel energized the following day.
How will I know if I have
been hypnotized?
If you have ever become lost in a daydream, or so engrossed in a movie
that you lost track of time and place, then you have been hypnotized.
We move in and out of hypnotic states many times throughout the day. You
may remember every detail of the VRH program or you might only recall
sketchy details after the session. Both these sensations are common and
in most cases time seems to fly by during the session.
Can I be hypnotized against
my will?
No. In order to reach a state of hypnosis, you must be a willing participant
in the process. You can stop the process simply by deciding you want to.
What is the subconscious mind?
The subconscious mind, also referred to as the limbic system is that part
of the mind that operates just beyond conscious awareness. It processes
memories, experiences and sensory data. Our conscious mind is in turn
influenced by these past experiences to form our behavior and decision
making without us being aware of the process. Our belief systems about
ourselves and how we interact with the world around us are all formed
by the subconscious mind.
More importantly, it has a profound affect on our mental and physical health. This includes the choices we make about how we treat our bodies, the foods and substances we choose to put in it, our self esteem, self confidence and self worth. Our perception of pain and levels of anxiety are also profoundly influenced by these past experiences.
It is in the realm of the subconscious mind that Virtual
Reality Hypnosis focuses on changing these erroneous perceptions and beliefs,
replacing them with positive messages and experiences, which will in turn
change conscious perception and behaviour. Once again, this can only take
place if the patient truly wishes to make these changes.
Will it help me with my pain?
VRH has helped many people with pain in areas including severe burns and
oncology patients through to migraine, shingles, back injuries and tendonitis.
Most experience a reduction in pain levels, some become completely pain
free and a small number experience no benefit. Anxiety plays a large part
in pain perception and if there is any anxiety present in the patient,
there is a greater likelihood of success. If the patient is not responding
to analgesic pain control and there is a possibility of psychosomatic
pain symptoms, there is a strong likelihood of success with VRH.
What else has VRH been used
for?
VRH is used in a wide range of therapeutic applications, including pain
management, anxiety, depression, substance and alcohol addictions, weight
control and smoking cessation. The list of areas of use is continuously
growing.
Will it replace my current
medical treatments? Should I stop taking my medication while I’m
using the program?
No. VRH is not recommended as a replacement for your current health care
program and you should always seek the advice of your doctor regarding
medication. While patients have reported a reduction in their pain control
medication requirements after VRH, this should only be done under the
strict supervision of your doctor.
Who should not use VRH?
Virtual Reality Hypnosis should not be used on people sensitive to video
games or with a history of epileptic seizures.
Your practitioner should discuss your medical history and requirements with you prior to treatment.
Are there any side effects?
You may feel a little drowsy immediately after the session, like waking
from a deep sleep. This is normal and should clear in a few moments. There
may be some redness of the eyes. This is also normal and often indicates
that a deep state of relaxation or hypnosis has been achieved. This should
also dissipate quickly.
To learn more or to arrange a demonstration
of the technology, contact Virtual Medicine by email or on 1800 NO PAIN
(1800 66 7246).
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