Hypnosis assists dentist’s patients
Technique can help with migraines, weight-loss, smoking

BY JIM KILLACKEY Comments 0
Published: October 19, 2008

Patrick Coleman, left, and Dr. Curtis Cunningham at Quailbrook Dental Care. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, THE OKLAHOMAN

When northwest Oklahoma City dentist Dr. Curtis Cunningham has a jittery patient, he enlists a hypnotherapist, whose livelihood is to remove fear, numb people and create comfortable environments.

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AT A GLANCE

How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, which is generally artificially induced. When you’re under hypnosis:

• You’re more focused.

• You’re more responsive to suggestions.

• You’re more open and less critical.

• The purpose of hypnosis therapy is to help you gain more control over behavior, emotions or physical well-being.

Source: American Council of Hypnotist Examiners

Such are the duties of Patrick Coleman, 35, a second-generation hypnosis practitioner who has a small office in the back of Cunningham’s Quailbrook Dental Care complex.

Hypnosis, he said, is a state that resembles sleep but is induced by a trained professional whose suggestions are readily accepted by a patient.

The fact that Coleman uses hypnosis in medical or dental treatment demonstrates how mainstream the practice has become, Cunningham said.

"And it works,” he said.

Hypnotherapy has been approved by the American Medical Association, Cunningham said.

With his relaxation techniques, Coleman helps people conquer their fears. Hypnosis also can be used as a treatment for migraine headaches, asthma, allergies, nervousness, impotence, nail-biting, depression, insomnia, and weight loss.

Norman hypnotist Nancy Davis used her relaxation techniques to stop smoking. She had smoked three packs of cigarettes a day, but hasn’t smoked a cigarette in years.

Her hypnosis training occurred at the National Guild of Hypnosis in New Hampshire.

Both Davis and Coleman acknowledge that hypnotherapy isn’t for everyone.

"Some patients just can’t let go of their control over things in their world,” Davis said.