Therapeutic Hypnosis

Hypnosis is one of the best tools ever employed for helping people to make fast and effective change. It has existed for centuries, yet was not labeled hypnosis until the year 1840, by a Scottish doctor named James Braid. The word hypnosis stems from the Greek word “hypnos,” which means, “to sleep.” This, however, is not an accurate description of hypnosis, since at no time is the hypnotized person sleeping. Yet, the term caught on in spite of Braid’s attempt to change it.

Hypnosis is a powerful tool that allows one to bypass his or her critical thinking faculties (the skeptical, fearful part of your conscious mind), communicating directly with the subconscious mind. Through teaching an individual to selectively focus his or her attention on a specific task, one is able to engage more fully in right brain (e.g., intuitive, emotional, creative) functioning. It is even possible to tap into the rich resources of one’s memory bank. People are able to consciously recall stored memories and information, access unconscious irrational beliefs and attitudes, and understand unconscious connections/reasons for their behaviors/feelings.

TV shows and stage hypnotism have made hypnosis look like some type of mind control. Hypnosis is a natural state that we slip in and out of everyday, more than you probably realize. Daydreaming can be considered a light state of hypnosis. By letting go of everything around you and just focusing on whatever imagery your mind conjures up, you enter into a hypnotic state. A hypnotic “state” or “trance” is merely a focused state of mind where you allow your creative imagination to flow. With daydreaming, you still remain in complete control, yet your mind seems to drift off into another world. When was the last time somebody could control you while you were daydreaming? Is daydreaming the work of the devil? Of course not. But what people don’t understand, they fear.
Too many will not utilize hypnosis as an alternative or complementary treatment simply because of fear or lack of knowledge (which causes it). Hypnosis is a very safe and helpful therapeutic tool and the more you utilize it, the quicker you will realize success.

Hypnosis has been described as an altered state of consciousness. We enter into this “altered state” quite often throughout each day. And although it is altered, it is also very natural. As stated before, if you have daydreamed or “spaced out,” you have entered a type of altered state. Children and adolescents go through this altered or natural state more often than adults. You are fully conscious and aware, but at the same time your mind is solely focused on the activity at hand. A part of you is always monitoring what is going on around you, but it cuts off a lot of distractions, which would normally distract you and interfere with your ability to concentrate. This phenomenon has been demonstrated quite effectively in” TV hypnosis.” While watching, you are totally concentrating and engrossed in what is going out with the exclusion of anything else around you. Just try to carry on a conversation with a person while he is attentively watching television. The same is true when using hypnosis for insight or behavior modification. While entering a deeply relaxed state, a part of you makes sure everything is safe and secure. This allows for another part of you to focus on imagery exercises and/or selective thinking processes. Selective thinking occurs when one chooses to center his full attention on one specific thought or feeling, making this thought or feeling part of whom he is. If you allowed this to happen, you successfully achieved selective thinking. You focused your mind around the thought. Then you made it become your reality.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HYPNOSIS :

Who is in control?
You are. The client has about 95% of the control. The hypnotist has 5% control. The client is hypnotizing himself, while the hypnotist is providing the instructions and suggestions. Because the client is in full control, he is able to put himself under hypnosis, bring himself out of hypnosis, and go as deeply relaxed as he chooses.

Will I go into a dream state or blank out and not know what is happening?
No. You will be fully aware of everything around you. In fact, you will become more aware of sounds, feelings, and sensations in this state. If you were to close your eyes right now and just listen, this simulates hypnosis, but you would probably feel more relaxed under hypnosis.

During hypnosis deepest, do I reveal my darkest secrets?
No, because the client remains fully aware and in control of the situation. If she decides not to reveal certain information, it will be her choice. People can lie under hypnosis if they so chose

What is the difference between hypnosis and meditation?
The main difference between the two is in the intent. With meditation, the goal is to quiet the mind. Inner peace and relaxation are achieved through focusing on a mantra, sound, or on the breath. The purpose is to remain in the present, still and observant. With hypnosis, the intent is to supply positive suggestions to the subconscious mind for the attainment of a selected behavior or goal. It is also used to make or break a negative pattern/connection in one’s life.

What happens if I don’t come out of it?
There has never been a reported case in which somebody did not open his eyes and “come out of it,” although subjects can at times be difficult to arouse. This is either because the person has fallen asleep (which is most common), or the individual is so relaxed and peaceful, he chooses to remain in this peaceful, relaxed state until he decides to bring himself out.

Do the international medical associations approve hypnosis?
All the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association together with the British Medical and Psychiatric Associations view hypnosis as an approved method of treatment. Since 1956, hypnosis has been recognized as an effective form of treatment for pain, behavior modification, and relaxation.