Hypnosis is actually a state of mind where you become more focused and attentive. It creates a condition where your mind will be more active and suggestible to change. As opposed to the belief that hypnosis is a new concept, it is not! In fact, it is a state you go through very often, without realising it.
Have you ever driven in your car, without realising the turns you made, the cars that you over took or the bill boards that you passed? The next thing you know, you’ve reached your destination safely! That was hypnosis! You had focused your attention on arriving safely, while the other things that happened around you was captured by your subconscious mind.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy, is therapy done in hypnosis. In this process, both the therapist and the client works together to achieve a mind- body connection to encourage healing.
The therapist would guide the client to enter into his/ her theta level of sleep. At this level, you are almost asleep but not there yet. On a normal night, you might probably achieve this state very naturally for about 5 seconds after which you would drift off to deep sleep. However, the therapist would ‘hold’ you at this state and keep you there for the duration of the therapy. At this theta level, your subconscious mind is the most responsive, thus allowing changes to happen. In regular sessions, the therapist may make suggestions to facilitate change or techniques such as forgiving or accepting one’s self could be used.
What Hypnotherapy Can Do
Hypnotherapy can be used effectively to treat a remarkable range of health conditions. It is very effective in dealing with behavioural issues such as procrastination, habit breaking or weight loss, as mind-body techniques can often help reinforce motivation, self-discipline and willpower.
One area in which hypnosis can do wonders in is in treating anxiety, panic attacks or depression. By using various techniques, the therapist would assist you to regress to the root cause of the anxiety or trauma and help you to ‘fix’ it. The therapist would also teach you many techniques for relaxation and also guide you to perform self- hypnosis so that you can improve your personal well being. Other areas in which hypnotherapy helps is in phobias, insomnia, stress management, anger issues and the list goes on.
What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?
So what does hypnosis feel like? It is a pleasant feeling of relaxation. In fact, many people expect to feel different when in hypnosis, perhaps like what they see on the TV, but that’s not the case. Hypnosis is a state in which the mind is highly relaxed yet focused. It is a natural feeling and so normal to people that they deny being in hypnosis. Because of this feeling of inner calmness and peace, people are more receptive to positive suggestions and change. Each person’s experience is different and will vary from time to time.
When you meet a therapist, he/she will evaluate your needs and work with you to achieve your goals. It is all about cooperation, and not control. The focus would be to help you to reach your desired outcome. This can be as simple as being more relaxed or as complicated as trauma work.
The whole process of hypnotherapy is a natural and relaxing one. In fact, your therapist will guide you to focus on the positive and change for the better. You will be fully in control of the whole process. And very naturally, you would begin to feel good and confident about yourself.
Hypnosis Facts
- You will always be in-control: You cannot be forced to do things you do not want to do.
- You will always wake up: You cannot get stuck in hypnosis. The most that could happen is that you doze off into sleep and would wake up naturally.
- It is a collaboration: Hypnotherapy is a collaboration between the therapist and the client. The therapist does not force you to change your habits or make your goals for you. A mutual goal is made together.
- You won’t do things against your will. You will set your goals together with your therapist. Should he/she suggest something that is not relevant to you, your mind will not accept it and thus won’t be affected.
- Your rights are always protected. All therapists are bound by a professional code of ethics. The content of the therapy sessions will be kept highly confidential between you and your therapist.
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