Hypnotherapy

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What Is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of relaxation in which the subconscious mind can be accessed, allowing change and transition to take place in a gentle, easy and effective way. Hypnosis techniques are designed to facilitate this process, making it a powerful tool for personal transformation.

The late Dr. Milton Erickson is a key figure behind much of the hypnosis we use today. Erickson believed that the client’s subconscious mind already possesses all of the resources necessary for the desired changes to take place. The therapist’s job is to help the client find and use these resources effectively, especially to overcome anxiety and other negative patterns.

Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation that is natural and safe. It feels very much like daydreaming, i.e., the state between sleeping and waking. In this state of relaxation, the brain wave vibration rate slows down (alpha state), giving access to the subconscious mind. Suggestibility is heightened, enabling suggestions for healing and empowerment to be readily accepted. We are all influenced by suggestions, and hypnosis uses this natural process to change negative patterns into positive behaviors. During hypnosis, you remain in control of yourself and are aware of what is going on around you. Most people find hypnotherapy an enjoyable, relaxing way to achieve positive outcomes.

Hypnotherapy is based on the relationship between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind has no power to reason and therefore accepts and acts upon any fact or suggestion given to it, which is why hypnotherapy is so effective.

Common Misconceptions

The techniques and principles of hypnosis have been used to benefit mankind for many years. When stripped of the misunderstandings and mystery surrounding it, hypnosis can be seen for what it really is – a normal, natural healthy state of mind which virtually anyone can achieve with the correct guidance. All that is needed is a desire to be hypnotized and cooperation with the hypnotherapist; you cannot be hypnotized against your will.

One common misconception about hypnosis is that the client is giving over their control to the therapist. Hypnosis is not about power over another person; rather, it is a cooperation between therapist and client, where the client remains in control of themselves and allows themselves to go into a state of relaxation with the therapist as a guide.

The Subconscious Mind

The subconscious (or unconscious) mind accounts for approximately 90% of your mind. It is the part of your mind that is responsible for controlling your automatic bodily functions such as breathing, heartbeat, blinking, etc. It is also responsible for storing your memories—the data for all the experiences you have ever had. It contains your values, your core beliefs about yourself, and every thought, feeling, and emotion you have ever experienced. In a nutshell, it holds every experience you have ever had!

The subconscious mind is creative, intuitive, irrational, and emotional. Because it’s illogical, it can create anything you want to be, such as wealthy, slender, or happy. However, it can also keep you stuck in negative behaviors. Your subconscious mind operates on its programming, just as a computer does, and like a computer, your subconscious mind can be reprogrammed. We are constantly reprogramming our subconscious mind through our experiences and self-talk. If we are repeatedly telling ourselves that we are a smoker, a success, or a failure, then that is what we become. With hypnotherapy and subconscious mind therapy, we can effect change at the subconscious level.

The Conscious Mind

The conscious mind accounts for approximately 10% of your mind. It is the part of you that is aware of what is going on right now. The conscious mind is logical and analytical, and it is where we spend most of our time. The conscious mind analyzes and evaluates whatever concern, situation, or issue has its attention. 

The conscious mind makes decisions and choices. It exercises what we call willpower, but willpower alone seldom lasts. You may mean well, but conscious intent can fail, leading to the recurrence of old behaviors.

The conscious mind is also the place of working memory, the memory we use every day to function. Conscious decisions are influenced by the data stored in our subconscious mind.