Hypnosis is a natural state of inward-focused attention where the conscious mind is relaxed.
We actually go in and out of a hypnotic trance state several times per day, and right before we go to bed, so hypnosis is a very natural and comfortable state of mind for a person to go into.
While in a state of hypnosis, one can experience higher levels of relaxation in their mind and body. During this process, the conscious mind, which is often very critical or analytical, is able to relax, while repressed emotions, old patterns, habits, and perceptions can be accessed. In this comfortable state, suggestibility is heightened, mental absorption is increased, the senses are heightened, and the imagination is activated in a controlled manner.
Thus, the inner mind is more receptive to acceptable, beneficial suggestions, and emotional releases and relearning are more likely. The hypnotized person is relaxed, comfortable, focused, and in a state of daydream type thinking. His or her analyzing, thinking mind (the conscious mind) is turned off and his or her feeling and intuitive, creative mind (the subconscious mind) is aware of everything that is going on.
How Effective is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a very effective modality to change deeply ingrained thinking patterns or behaviors. But in order for it to be effective, a person has to be a willing hypnosis participant and full cooperation is required. While in a hypnotic trance, a person is not asleep. In fact, a person is fully aware of their surroundings, can hear what the hypnotherapist is saying, and will remember most if not all of the therapy session.
A client cannot be made to do anything he/she is unwilling to do, and the success of the hypnosis is dependent on a collaborative relationship between hypnotherapist and client. The only requirements of being a good hypnotic subject are mainly voluntary participation in hypnosis, the ability to concentrate, and the willingness to cooperate and follow instructions.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is psychotherapy done within the context of the hypnotic trance. Both hypnosis and hypnotherapy can be helpful in treating a variety of symptoms associated with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, mood disorders, and other psychological conditions. During a hypnosis session, a person can achieve deep relaxation, while also reaching new insights and releasing repressed emotions, feelings, or pesky habits. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy can also be beneficial for improving performance and self-confidence, while also increasing positive thinking or behaviors.
Guided Imagery
During the hypnosis process, guided imagery exercises using all 5 senses may be used to allow the imagination to move towards some specific outcome via a focused, directed way. The guided imagery exercises may or may not be limited to guiding a client towards relaxation, emotional understanding and release, or finding their inner guide, for instance.
Why Should I Try Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a deeper type of work that can quickly get to the root cause of maladaptive thinking and behavior patterns that are causing disruptions and stress in a person’s life. With our clients, we have found hypnotherapy especially helpful at shedding light on why/how people get stuck in certain behavior patterns that are counter-productive. While creating new insights and a corrective experience for the client, hypnotherapy often leads to a sense of peace and understanding. As a result, symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression can significantly improve while healthier behavior and thought patterns begin to emerge. As time goes on, our hypnotherapy clients continue to report positive changes and shifts in their life that seem to come automatically and seamlessly.
Additionally, like the Somatic Experiencing, the hypnotherapy we use with our clients works to clear shock and pent up negative energy from the body. As a result, our hypnotherapy clients have reported increased energy, better sleep, less stress, improved relationships, and less overwhelm with negative emotions.
A recent client of ours reported that prior to her hypnotherapy session she was feeling fear and dread everyday but she wasn’t sure why. After our hypnotherapy session she reported the feelings of fear and dread were gone, and she went from having anxiety and frustration daily to feeling more balanced and present in her life.
In all, everyone’s results are different, but every client we have done hypnotherapy with has reported improvements across several variables (sleep, energy, mood, etc.) and improved life satisfaction. It’s pretty powerful work, so please reach out to us if you are looking to clear some of that negative energy from your life!
