Hypnotherapy
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is the application of hypnosis used therapeutically for issues such as weight loss, anxiety reduction, and fears, in order to exact change. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, and is a natural state that we naturally move in and out of constantly. We are in a state of hypnosis when we are in the liminal in-between states of wakefulness and sleep, when we forget we are in a movie theater during a compelling film, and when we arrive at a destination and do not recall the details of driving there. Whether your goal is for weight loss, anxiety reduction, or reframing a fear response, hypnotherapy can produce rapid change. The conscious part of our mind that regulates day-to-day cognitive activities such as decision-making, will power, logic, and reasoning takes up only about 12% of our total mind. The other 88% is unconscious. This is why changes are so difficult to achieve and maintain. It’s like trying to have a tug-of-war with 12 people against 88! The unconscious mind is here to serve us. Change represents threat, and so our subconscious mind naturally resists it. Anyone who has tried to institute change in his or her life can attest to hoe determination seems to whither away after about three days. Hypnotherapy can bypass the unconscious mind and assist in keeping that resolve strong.
How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
By accessing the subconscious parts of the mind, it is possible to tap into unseen potential possibilities, change old reactions and habits into new behaviors and perceptions, and to create positive changes and improve performance, all while promoting growth in a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical approach. Hypnotherapy is a pleasant state of deep relaxation and calmness, which results in rapid, positive changes. During the hypnotic state, the mind is alert while the body is relaxed, allowing the mind to become more receptive than in normal states of awareness.
Is Hypnotherapy Mind Control?
An individual in a state of hypnosis is in complete control of their thoughts and actions. Nothing can be said or done that would conflict with the personal ethical, or moral standards or desires. The client is and active participant throughout the hypnotic process and is able to hear and respond during the therapeutic session. Id a suggestion were given that conflicted with one’s belief system while an individual is in a hypnotic state, the conscious mind would jolt the person back into consciousness. Getting stuck in a state of hypnosis is not possible, any more than it is possible to become stuck in a daydream or a relaxed state. A typical session is 50 minutes. A hypnotherapy session starts with a discussion of the goals. Once the focus of the session in clear, the session moves to a progressive relaxation, focusing on breath ad body awareness. Once in this relaxed state, the therapist guides the client into the hypnotic state, moving to the desired level of hypnotic state necessary to address the specific issue. The hypnosis portion of the session lasts only about 20 minutes, though often feels much longer to the client. In the final part of the session, the client is brought back to a conscious state, and though at first may feel extremely relaxed, a feeling of calm wakefulness generally follows. Many describe a brief experience of feeling very “light” or “heavy” which quickly dissolves. What Kinds of Issues Can Hypnotherapy Help? Hypnotherapy can be used to address many issues of day-to-day struggles. My goal is to teach clients the tools they can use on an on-going basis. Many individuals come in for a period of time and leave with a toolbox of approaches that enable them to continue the work of their own. Issues that create stress and anxiety can be greatly helped by hypnotherapy. Stress can activate past experiences and events, current events, and fear of future events. Test taking, public speaking, social anxiety, sports competitions, and unwanted habits are examples of reasons seek help. Weight management Insomnia Self-image and confidence issues Pain management Motivation Relationship strategies Grief Feeling stuck Fears and phobias Learning strategies Concentration Habit control Contact me to discuss how hypnotherapy may help you.