Most of us know all about daydreaming or zoning out. It is that unique moment in time when we lose all connection to whatever is going on around us. We may be present physically but we feel as though we are millions of miles away. That is an example of naturally occurring subconscious thought and hypnosis is
simple process of enabling it to occur. The subconscious mind is a complex and powerful place. It is where all of our values, beliefs, habits and patterns reside. It is also our body’s control center; it regulates our breathing, heart rate and thousands of metabolic functions that occur automatically everyday of our lives.
The subconscious mind is active when we daydream, zone out, stare at a television or computer screen or when we sleep. It is also active when we are hypnotized. Having access to this powerful level of thought is reason hypnosis is so effective in offering long term solutions for so many physical and emotional concerns.
The conscious mind, or short-term memory, has a much different job description. It keeps us in here and now. It analyzes, critiques, accepts or denies storage of daily information into long term memory or subconscious mind. With client’s trust and co-operation hypnotherapist helps them bypass critical conscious factor and is then able to offer new positive direction in form of suggestions, imagery and metaphors directly into subconscious mind, where it is then acted upon and becomes client’s new reality.
Think of hypnotherapist as a tour guide. Since hypnosis is language of mind they skillfully use nothing more than words to point clients toward relaxing vacation spots in their minds. The hypnotherapist has no power over client at all; it is completely up to them how relaxed they choose to become or if they wish to become relaxed at all. So essentially, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.
Hypnosis feels as right as rain! It is a natural peaceful moment of inner stillness. Some clients describe it as a peaceful heaviness, as though they are sinking or melting into surface beneath them. Others describe sensations of floating or a mind–body separation. For most, hypnosis is a combination of deep physical relaxation and heightened focus.
Fifty to 100% of those hypnotized hear and remember everything that is said to them during a session because conscious mind may be taking a break, but it is still quietly monitoring things from background.
Today hypnosis is widely used in 21st century medicine, psychotherapy, athletics and dentistry. It helps with smoking cessation, weight loss, relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, pain and stress. Hypnosis enhances general health, academic, sales and creative arts performance. It can help improve public speaking skills, confidence and self-esteem. Hypnosis helps clients to sleep better, improve concentration, memory and relationships.
It also helps students ace exams; it supports complication-free surgery and helps mothers comfortably deliver babies without need for any medications. With hypnosis, clients are involved with process of creating positive change, which is as empowering as it is rewarding.
The keys to success with hypnosis are fairly simple: you need to be an open and willing participant; you need to be truly motivated and lastly you should be sitting with someone who is professional and capable. In most states hypnosis is not a regulated profession which means there are no professional standards ensuring competence or accountability.
A good direction to take when looking for a qualified hypnotherapist is to find someone who is also a licensed healthcare provider such as a physician, registered nurse, psychologist, psychiatrist or a social worker. These individuals are educated and certified in their field and are more likely able to offer professional quality care.
