Some of us think of hypnosis and we imagine stage shows where an individual is standing on a chair acting silly or quacking like a duck. We may say to ourselves, "Oh, my goodness, I would never want someone to have control over my mind like that."Actually, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, which means that the client has complete control over their experience. Remember, those at stage shows are there for entertainment purposes and when given the suggestion to "quack like a duck," would probably do so in their own living room as well. No one can ever make us say or do anything out side of our value or belief system when we are in hypnosis.
So what exactly is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an "awake" state, where the physical body is relaxed, yet the mind is mentally alert. When the conscious mind is relaxed or at bay, the subconscious mind becomes open to suggestion. Hypnosis is similar to guided visualization, and allows us to become greatly absorbed in the experience and sensations of our ideas and imagination. If we can perceive it, we can achieve it.Hypnosis is a tool that is used to rid us of inhibitions or behaviors that may be holding us back in life. We are always in complete control. Therefore, a Hypnotherapist or hypnotist cannot make us do or say anything outside our belief system or without our participation and agreement. Let's take a look at the mind, and how it functions, to better understand how hypnosis can benefit us.
The circle below represents the Theory of Mind. Our conscious mind represents 12% of our total function. This is where we use our logic, our reasoning and our will power - like when we go on a diet, and our analytical skills - should I eat this or not? Our subconscious mind, which consists of the remaining 88%, is where we store all of our belief systems about life.
When the 12% conscious mind goes up against the 88% subconscious mind, who do you think eventually wins?
Whether positive or negative, between birth and about 8 years old we take everything in like a sponge. If mommy or daddy said it, it must be true. Our subconscious mind is what we truly believe. It has no reflection on reality. It is simply what we believe. So for instance, let's say we like chocolate cake -yummy. How about snakes? Yikes -most people think they're at least a little scary. We may believe that chocolate cake is delicious and maybe snakes are scary. Someone else may have been brought up around snakes and think they are great pets. They also may be allergic to chocolate. Therefore, they may have a negative association with chocolate. It has no reflection on reality, it just matters what we believe.
Does this Scenario Sound Familiar?
As an example, let's say we're off to a birthday party, and we have been on a diet. We decide that we are not having any of the snack foods or the dessert. Our clothes are fitting better. We're feeling good. We're not having any of the junk. Soon they start singing Happy Birthday, and cutting up the cake. We start to think, "I'm not having any cake." Then Mary, John, Samantha - everyone else is getting a piece of cake. And we're thinking - "boy that looks really good. That chocolate cake might even be worth having." Everyone else is having some. The hostess hands you a piece and you think, well..."maybe I'll just have a bite. I don't want to hurt her feelings." We start eating and keep going as we're thinking "I shouldn't be doing this. I can't believe I'm doing this. I was doing so well. I can't believe I finished it. Oh well...I'll have another piece and start my diet again on Monday." Sound familiar? When we leave the party, we are thinking, "I was doing so well, I can't believe I did this." Hence, we are off and running until we can finally get control of the food again.
What went wrong?
We start thinking, "why do I keep doing this?" I didn't want to do this. I had a plan. Why can't I stick to it? The reason is our belief system in our subconscious mind is that chocolate cake is good stuff. It reminds us of fun, childhood parties, happiness, feeling good inside, why would we give it up? When the 12% Will Power goes up against the 88% Beliefs/Feelings, guess who will eventually win? When dieting, we are relying on the mere 12% of our mind's function. No wonder diets fail us.
How can hypnosis benefit us?
We use hypnosis to change those beliefs that aren't serving us to things that better serve us as an adult. Hypnosis is used at the end of each session to reinforce the new behaviors we've just learned during the session. Weight loss is a natural by product of changing our thinking patterns and not overeating anymore as we make healthy food choices. When we change how we process information, it changes how we respond to life and therefore changes what shows up in our lives, and ultimately how we feel about ourselves. We can now make permanent lifestyle changes, including our relationship with food, and lose the weight naturally and permanently.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness where the subject chooses to see only what is relevant to their task, blocking out everything else. Hypnosis involves guided visualization to create suggestibility in the mind. This allows those in hypnosis to rid themselves of inhibitions, behaviors, or negative habits. It is the quickest and easiest way to facilitate change in behavior. It is something that we can learn to do entirely by ourselves, with the help of a Hypnotherapist or by using materials such as audio compact discs.
Will I always be in Control?
Yes. You are always in control. A Hypnotherapist is a guide who will show you how to utilize natural tools to your advantage. No one can make you do anything you don't want while in a hypnotic state. In addition, we can learn to do this entirely by ourselves, with the help of a Hypnotherapist or by using materials such as audio CD's.
Can a person be made to do or say something against their will?
No. A person in hypnosis has complete control over their actions and thought process. Individuals who do not want to be hypnotized cannot be hypnotized, nor can they be induced to do or say anything that is beyond their moral or belief system. Those who are hypnotized during a stage act, elect to participate and therefore accept the playful suggestions.
Can smart analytical people be hypnotized?
The more perceptive a person, the better a client they make. The application of hypnosis puts an individual in greater control of him or herself, allowing them to become less influenced by the overflow of societal pressures and environmental stimulants.
Is Hypnosis safe and relaxing?
Yes. Every person goes in and out of hypnosis several times a day. Right before we fall asleep at night or fully wake in the morning, the body enters a drowsy state yet the mind is still aware of its environment. Have you ever driven somewhere, and found yourself thinking, "I don't remember how I got here." Yet your physical body and mind were able to make all the right turns while perhaps you were focusing on picking the kids up, making a mental grocery list, thinking about work, or certain conversations. Have you ever gotten so engrossed in a movie or TV program that you forgot about your physical environment? These are all altered states of the mind. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis.
Will I be asleep while in hypnosis?
No. You may look like you are asleep but you are not. Instead, you are in a voluntary altered state which can be terminated by your decision not to participate at any time. During hypnosis, a person has a heightened sense of awareness, is very alert, and in complete control.
How does one get into a hypnotic relaxed state with this program?
The Hypnotherapist helps you to relax, as you listen to the calming and soothing voice, on the audio CD. Once relaxed, they guide you through a series of images. The imagery and the suggestions are always positive.
What does a hypnotic state feel like?
Go ahead and close your eyes, now open them. It feels just like that. You will feel very relaxed and calm during and after hypnosis. Many clients comment that the CD's are so relaxing it's like taking a mini vacation.
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