Hypnosis is the induction of a naturally occurring state of consciousness (commonly referred
to as a trance state) in which the conscious mind is bypassed and a stronger connection
with the subconscious mind is established. The conscious mind, that reasoning, evaluating,
judging part of your mind, is overcome through hypnosis and the resulting heightened
connection with the subconscious mind allows for deeper insight and enhances the potential
for more long term growth and change.
This does not mean that you are not aware of, or in control of, your thoughts, feelings, or
actions during hypnosis, your are simply more open to suggestion and less apt to be critical
or judgemental of the thoughts and feelings that you experience. Throughout the
experience, the participant maintains control of personal experiences while the
hypnotherapist guides the process with suggestion. In fact, while in a trance state, if you are
asked to do something that you don't want to do....you won't do it.
You may wonder how this could possibly happen. We are actually subject to it all the time.
The advertisers are dedicated to bypassing our critical judgment, attempting to subtly
convince us that their products are right for us.
We suspend our critical judgment when we adhere to the advice or suggestions of an
authority figure; doctors, clergy, professors, etc.
This is not a state that we are unaccustomed to, but how does this help in a therapeutic
setting?
The process of hypnotherapy is dependent on this critical, judgemental portion of our mind
being bypassed so that we can effectively develop a deeper awareness of the roots of
unhealthy thoughts, feelings, beliefs, or behaviors. In developing this awareness, a person
is in a better position to create a healthier existence, follow the suggestions of the
hypnotherapist, or let go of these unhealthy thoughts, feelings, beliefs, or behaviors.
Issues that can be effectively addresses through hypnosis include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Chronic Pain
- Stress Management
- Self-confidence
- Weight loss
- Smoking Cessation