Simply defined, hypnotherapy is a safe, altered, trance-like mental state characterized by deep relaxation, focused attention, and openness to “positive” suggestions. The hypnosis trance state is very similar to sleep, but unlike sleep, it is recognized as heightened consciousness rather than the unconsciousness of sleep. Did you know we all go into a hypnosis trance every day? A prime example is when you are driving home, get there, and don’t even remember driving there or even pulling into the driveway. It also occurs when you are just about to fall asleep or wake up and are in a dreamy, drowsy state.
Realize that in this state you are in complete control and will never do anything you wouldn’t otherwise do. But it is in this state of trance when you are more susceptible to permanent change and will be most successful in making the lasting changes you desire. Almost all permanent change occurs in the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind does not know the difference between a real experience and a suggested experience. If you can imagine it, your body will respond to it if you want it to. Again, a hypnotherapist can’t make you do anything you truly didn’t want to do. “If the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve” is a common phrase used in hypnotherapy.
Try this:
Close your eyes and, in as much detail as you can, imagine a very cold, bright yellow, very sour lemon in your fridge. Get it very clear in your mind. Now imagine taking a bite out of it and the juice flowing into your mouth and down your throat. What kind of face did you make? Now realize that you did this all from your mind and no actual lemon was used.
Close your eyes and, in as much detail as you can, imagine a very cold, bright yellow, very sour lemon in your fridge. Get it very clear in your mind. Now imagine taking a bite out of it and the juice flowing into your mouth and down your throat. What kind of face did you make? Now realize that you did this all from your mind and no actual lemon was used.
Imagine if you could do the same thing with building self confidence, losing weight, or fighting anxiety. Well, you can with the help of a hypnotherapist.
Hypnotherapy is most effective if the person really wants to make the change because in hypnotherapy you are in an altered trance state where positive suggestions are more likely to make a lasting impact and affect change if you want them to.
Conquering unpleasant habits is not the only benefit of hypnotherapy; it is also used in helping people deal with or overcome pain, stage fright, fears, and phobias as well as for stress management, child birthing, and much more. What hypnosis can’t do is cure a major disease such as cancer or Parkinson’s, make you give all your worldly possessions to the hypnotherapist, or make you do anything else you wouldn’t normally do.
Hypnotherapy could be used as a tool during counseling sessions but can also be used as a separate form of therapy depending on the case. If you feel like hypnotherapy would be of benefit to you, please feel free to reach out to me and I would be happy to discuss it with you during a free 15 minute consultation session.
