What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a very normal and natural altered state of consciousness (an altered state of awareness), one we all experience from time to time in which the mind remains clear, alert and focused on something. Have you ever “become really absorbed” while watching TV? Or driven to work on “auto pilot?” That’s the same kind of altered state as hypnosis. Some misconceptions about hypnosis are that it’s a frightening or eerie state, or that it feels very weird, but it’s actually very normal and very pleasant. Some people ask if they’ve really been hypnotised, just because it feels like such a normal state and they were expecting something very strange. The zombie-type states you see depicted in movies and on TV are pure fantasy. . Back to top Hypnotherapy? Hypnosis itself is unlikely to assist in a relief of symptoms, whatever those symptoms might be. It is the therapy hypnotherapy – which is carried out within the altered state that is significant. It adopts two altogether different forms in
Hypnosis is a natural, psychological state experienced as trance. Hypnosis can be induced through the interaction of one individual speaking to another, or an entire group as in group hypnosis; and we can learn to self-induce as in (self-hypnosis). Hypnosis and it’s myriad of uses is rapidly emerging as a highly effective science in solving problems. It’s a valuable adjunct to standard medical care, psychotherapy and psychiatry when referred by a licensed practitioner. Yet it is probably the lowest risk procedure available from the standpoint of contraindications. Among other things, hypnosis is a valuable tool in stress management. It can help develop emotional strength, and can be a powerful aid in behavior modification. Using hypnosis, your therapist can make suggestions designed to help you formulate specific internal processes (feelings, memories, images and internal self-talk) that will lead to worthwhile outcomes you mutually agree upon prior to induction. Yet few procedures are
Hypnosis is a natural occurring state of mind and everyone has experienced hypnosis, in fact several times a day we go into hypnosis. Daydreaming is an example of self-hypnosis. Another example is what we call “Highway Hypnosis”; this is when your mind is concentrating on a task you have to do then realize you have missed your exit. The US Government defines Hypnosis as the “bypass of the critical factor”. The critical factor is that part of the mind that acts as the “gate keeper”; it compares new information with old information stored in your subconscious mind. Hypnosis allows us to by pass the critical factor and go straight to the subconscious mind where your limiting beliefs and habits are stored. Once we have access to the subconscious mind we can make powerful changes quickly. Since 1958 the American Medical Association has accepted the use of hypnosis for anesthesia as well as benefits concerning children’s issues.
Hypnosis dates back over 200 years and is believed to have been founded by a physician – Franz Anton Mesmer, although the term hypnosis wasn’t used until 1843. Hypnosis is a more alert state of consciousness that we each have experienced from time to time however may not realize it. Have you ever noticed how focused someone is when they watch the Superbowl, read a great thriller, listen to an amazing speaker – they get so caught up in what they are watching. Under hypnosis, you are mindful of your surroundings and what is going on. In fact, the brain wave activity of someone under hypnosis is consistent with the activity of someone awake and alert (not asleep) based on studies utilizing an electroencephalogram (EEG). While under hypnosis, an individual is capable of logic and reasoning, which is very different from a sleep state.
It is a pleasant, voluntary, state of relaxed attentive concentration, an altered state of consciousness, during which the conscious critical mind is relaxed and relatively inactive, and the doorway to the subconscious, inner mind is opened with a persons permission. In this comfortable state, suggestibility is heightened, mental absorption is increased, the senses are heightened, and the imagination is activated in a controlled manner. The inner mind is more receptive to acceptable, beneficial suggestions.
