Hypnotherapy
What Is It and How Does it Work?
The entertainment industry has a lot to answer to when it comes to perpetuating myths and misconceptions about hypnosis. What most people think they know about hypnosis is based on fantasy – for example, mustached men in top hats wearing eyeliner, and waving fob watches – and people behaving like chickens during a corny stage show.
However, hypnosis is a naturally induced state of increased focus and concentration. Hypnotized individuals find it easy to focus intently on a specific thought to the exclusion of all else. The sensations hypnotized individuals often describe while under hypnosis include feeling a very pleasant relaxation.
During hypnotherapy, the hypnotized individual enters a trance state, which is an entirely natural event regularly experienced by all of us.
Common Trance Examples
People will often experience a form of hypnosis without even realizing it. Here are a few examples with which you will likely be familiar:
- You go for a drive and suddenly realize you have safely arrived at your destination, but parts of the journey are hard to remember
- Feeling intense emotions of sadness, fear or excitement during a movie, even though you know none of it is real
- Suddenly realizing your mind has wandered off during a conversation and you don’t have the foggiest clue about what was just said
The significant difference between the above examples and a hypnotherapy session is that one intentionally enters a state of hypnosis in order to bring about positive changes. Being able to enter a trance state with the guidance a trained hypnotherapist opens a world of possibilities for therapy and treatment.
The mind becomes more open and receptive during hypnosis, which means it can be a useful strategy for reaching your therapeutic goals much faster.
Interesting Hypnosis Myths and Facts
Myth Number 1: Only the weak and gullible can be hypnotized
Fact: For the most part, just about everyone can achieve a comfortable hypnotic trance if they are willing. People who think they are unable to be hypnotized are often surprised at how easily they can enter a pleasant trance state.
Myth Number 2: Hypnosis is a form of mind control where you can be made to do embarrassing acts.
Fact: Hypnosis does not give the hypnotist the ability to make the subject commit acts they would otherwise be opposed to doing. For instance, you couldn’t get a hypnotized person to rob a bank against their will. Nor could the hypnotist get you to say anything you otherwise wouldn’t.
The above-mentioned stage shows may be responsible for perpetuating this myth. After all, who would want to make complete fools of themselves in front of hundreds of strangers by acting like a chicken, unless their mind was being controlled? The people on stage acting like chickens are only doing so because they want to join in on the fun.
Myth Number 3: Hypnotized people are unconscious or asleep.
Fact: You can feel very relaxed and floaty while you are hypnotized, but that doesn’t mean you are asleep. You are still completely aware of everything happening around you during your trance state. When you are brought out of it, you will be able to recall everything which occurred.
Therapeutic Advantages of Hypnotherapy
When you are receiving counseling, hypnotherapy can be a valuable resource you can use to enhance your sessions. Here are just a few uses of hypnotherapy:
- Losing weight and keeping it off
- Quitting smoking for good
- Eliminating bad habits
- Treating substance abuse
- Reducing depression
- Managing phobias and anxiety
- Improving self-confidence
- Dealing with relationship issues
- Coping with grief and loss
- Healing from past emotional wounds
- Easing fibromyalgia discomfort
- Reducing IBS symptoms
- Managing diabetes
- Alleviating insomnia
- Coping with cancer treatment
- Managing hypertension
- Reducing chronic pain symptoms
Hypnotherapy can be done in person or virtually and it’s easy to get started. Click this link to connect with Valerie Dawson to book a complimentary consultation today.