Hypnosis

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness in which a person is guided into a state of deep concentration and relaxation, while remaining receptive to suggestions. This state allows easier access to unconscious resources, such as memories, emotions, or thought patterns, in order to facilitate desired changes in behavior, perceptions, or sensations.

Contrary to the popular view of hypnosis, where the individual seems to be under the control of the hypnotist, the person in a hypnotic state remains conscious and able to decide whether or not to accept the suggestions. Hypnosis is not sleep but a state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep, often described as a state of “deep concentration” or “light trance.”

While in his practice Olivier Gavin adjusts and “colors” his sessions with his own practical experience and knowledge, it is primarily therapeutic hypnosis (or hypnotherapy). This is used to treat psychological or physical disorders. It can help reduce anxiety, manage pain, overcome phobias, improve eating habits, treat stress, or help with quitting smoking and adapting more easily to new situations.

Two main approaches are employed depending on the situation:
1. Ericksonian Hypnosis: A gentle and permissive approach based on the work of psychiatrist Milton Erickson. It uses metaphors and indirect suggestions to induce deep changes in the unconscious.
2. Classical Hypnosis: A more directive approach, often used in specific contexts such as pain management, smoking cessation, or for achieving short-term concrete goals.

Most Common Issues Treated:
– Stress and anxiety management
– Phobia treatment
– Smoking cessation or weight management
– Pain relief (particularly in palliative care or chronic pain management)
– Enuresis (bed-wetting)
– Eating disorders
– Emotional management
– Performance improvement (for athletes or individuals wishing to better manage performance-related stress)
– Sleep disorders (insomnia, nightmares, night terrors, etc.)
– Trauma or post-traumatic stress management
In summary, hypnosis is a powerful method that allows access to unconscious resources to facilitate change, whether for therapeutic, behavioral, or emotional reasons.

Fees and Session Process:
Sessions generally last between one hour and an hour and a half, and may, upon request, be extended up to two hours.
Starting in January 2025, the fee is 170 CHF per hour. Depending on the insurance and the type of coverage, it may be possible to get reimbursement through complementary insurance, especially if it is affiliated with ASCA (Swiss Association of Naturopaths and Complementary Therapists).

Each first session begins with a preliminary interview, during which the patient can ask all their questions and express their expectations. Olivier takes the time to fully understand the patient’s situation and to define a personalized hypnotic intervention based on their specific needs.
For minors, this preliminary interview must be conducted in the presence of one or both parents as well as the child. In some situations, parents may prefer to meet alone, without the child, which is also possible. It is essential that the child is motivated for change, whatever the issue. Please note, parental expectations may sometimes differ from the child’s!
As a general rule, the first session follows immediately after the preliminary interview. However, in some cases, the interview may take up the entire session. It is crucial to fully understand the motivation, context, resources, and expectations of each individual in order to conduct the hypnotherapy session as effectively as possible. Most of the time, the session is recorded so that the patient can practice at home and become autonomous in their practice (self-hypnosis).