Much of AIT is about psychotherapy - helping to change for the better the way the mind thinks and reacts. However AIT is better described as 'body-mind-spirit' psychotherapy, as the mind is only a part of what AIT seeks to help.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a psychotherapy that is delivered during the natural, altered state of hypnosis - a relaxed, trance state of focus. As with humans, this state can be very light or very deep, but the results are generally the same.
For humans hypnosis can mean a variety of things, but for animals who don't have our preconceptions, it is merely a relaxed, focused and comfortable feeling state that is pleasurable for being entirely absent of fear.
How is hypnotherapy useful?
In a relaxed state where mental distractions are minimised, it is possible to access and process even deeper or unconscious memories and bring about deep emotional healing. The animal has control over what is dealt with, and how and in what way a session progresses. The therapist's role is as a facilitator, helping and guiding the animal to process and release sometimes intensely painful emotions safely, gently and effectively.
With AIT it is possible to give positive and empowering suggestions, just like you can with a human - not because they understand the words, but because they understand the sensory information (images, thoughts and intent) that go with them.
Many of the resource-building tools used within hypnotherapy, such as guided imagery, visualisation, positive suggestion, installing and rehearsing positive future images and expectations, can be used very successfully with animals too.
