Hypnotherapy, which is a process not well understood and shrouded with myths, must be understood in terms of the ability to manipulate the natural condition known as hypnosis. It is a technique that involves the utilization of the ability of the mind to relax to modify behavior, deal with psychological issues, or improve the self. Hypnotism is not new, however, the use of hypnotism in the modern techniques of treatment has improved it.
In recent years there has been increased attention to the issue of hypnotherapy and therefore people's curiosity as to how and why it is effective. Some people cannot but ask themselves if hypnosis does exist and whether it can help the mind address various challenges dementia, anxiety, stress, and other related problems. Here, in this blog post, I want to talk more about what hypnotherapy IS: its roots, applications, and popular myths. What is hypnosis? How does it help? Is it right for me? — by the end of these lessons, these are things you should know.
In simplest terms, hypnosis is the process of intentionally concentrating on one idea in conjunction with the act of relaxation. A person in this state has a more relaxed attitude towards suggestion and is more capable of plugging into his/her subconscious. This is where hypnotherapy is done. The person, referred to as the hypnotic subject, is led by the therapist, also called the hypnotherapist, into this state enabling the handling of mental locks, habits, or as a result of a mental disease.
Hypnotherapy cannot be associated with the terms people might associate it with like the loss of control of one's mind or, falling asleep. While in this state you are fully conscious of where you are and what is happening, but you are much less easily distracted and therefore much more amenable to suggestions on how to change. The process of hypnotherapy involves the following stages:
That is, hypnosis is not a process where someone’s mind is controlled or manipulated. Instead, it is a process where the therapist has to work with a patient and depends on the subject’s compliance and readiness for change.
Hypnosis therapy has its beginning traced to several hundred years back, when it was practiced by various civilizations. Historically, hypnotic-like procedures might have been used even as early as the Egyptians and Greeks. However, the term “hypnotism” as practiced today has only come about in the 18th century.
Hypnosis can be dated back to the 18th century, although the modern type of hypnosis was developed by a German physician known as Franz Mesmer. He came up with a procedure he called “animal magnetism” that he used to influence a supposed force field to make diseases vanish. Mesmer’s work in his theories was disapproved later, however, made a dent to the future analysis of hypnosis.
James Braid, an Ango surgeon of the XIX century, was the first who use the term ‘hypnosis’, which is the Greek word hypnos meaning sleep. However, he spent some time familiarizing himself with hypnosis and then discovered that it is not a sleeping state but rather an alert. Even the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, was interested in hypnosis at the beginning of his practice, although later he shifted to his practices.
During the twentieth century, a psychologist and psychiatrist, Milton Erickson redefined hypnotherapy. Hypnotizing people was another form of therapy in which he brought new methods that focused on persuading indirectly and using stories to change the subconscious mind; current methods of hypnosis owe much to this KonCDF. Erickson’s work played a big role in the general acceptance and recognition of hypnosis as a viable psychological treatment modality.
Today hypnotherapy is still very much practiced and under investigation and application research, it finds its extended application in many kinds of therapeutic facilities.
Hypnotherapy can be applied when treating several physical, psychological, and emotional disorders and conditions. Some of the most common uses include:
Some of the other sectors that apply hypnotherapy include; self-esteem boosters, attention and concentration boosters, and also overcoming performance anxiety in sports or public speaking.
The usefulness of hypnotherapy stems from its utilization of the brain's inherent capabilities for concentrating focus and relaxation. In hypnosis, the brain is in a different mode of operation from that of wakefulness. Research with the electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment has demonstrated that as hypnosis occurs, there is a realignment of the electrical leakage whose frequency is changed from the usual waking state’s beta waves to the relaxation and daydreaming’s alpha and theta waves.
The subconscious mind can be suggested by the brain’s activity and this change makes it easier for the subconscious mind to be manipulated. The limbic system is also found to be responsible for programs that dictate behavior, beliefs, and habits, hypnotherapy enables individuals to change such programs when accessed at the subconscious level.
Besides, other studies underscore the efficacy of hypnotherapy since it makes changes in patient’s experience in the actual sense. For instance, the ability to diminish pain indicates that hypnosis may change the neurological way of perceiving pain. Similar research indicates that hypnosis positively impacts concentration, memory, and acting ability; plus, lowering stress symptoms by affecting the brain’s feeling function.
However, the studies show that hypnotherapy is not an absolute cure. It has generally been proven to work best when the person involved is willing to go through the process and has faith in it. However, there is literature that is accumulated as literature and which keeps supporting the therapeutic application of hypnosis across various domains.
To those who are not quite familiar with Hypnotherapy, it will be useful to know what goes on during a Hypnotherapist session. Each session may not be similar in that it will depend on the hypnotherapist or even the patient’s agenda, although, the general flow of a hypnotherapy session is as follows:
A normal hypnotherapy session involves greeting introducing of the client then the issues that the client wants to be changed. The therapist will then engage the client in questions to know what the client wants to achieve as well as to confirm whether hypnosis will be fit for the client.
The therapy then progresses and the hypnotherapist starts to induce the area, taking the client into a trance. This may be done in several ways including; deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or focusing at a certain point of imagery. The client becomes more receptive to suggestions as they lie down.
After reaching the hypnotic state, the therapist proceeds to the deepening phase where the client is relaxed more and his attention is intensified. The deeper suggestibility the subject has, the better the chances that post-hypnotic suggestions will prevail.
In this stage of the therapy, the therapist incorporates positive statements or proposals concerning the client’s objectives. All these are recommendations that are meant to appeal directly to the subconscious which is home to many patterns in behavior.
When the suggestions are given, the hypnotherapist gently brings the client back to a normal waking state during the awakening phase. This process is slow and the client is made to feel perky, refreshed, and in total control of their movements.
Most of the sessions take an average of an hour to an hour and a half, and the clients get out fully relaxed and in harmony with their objectives.
Hypnotherapy can be helpful to several different people, but it does not have to be for everyone. People who claim to have no prejudice for hypnosis and those who are ready to post assumptions for the hypnosis also tend to have greater changes.
Individuals dealing with stress or anxiety: By using hypnotic suggestions, a person can work through the subconscious changes of stress or anxiety by using emotions as a trigger.
Nevertheless, there are some conditions under which hypnotherapy cannot be used. For example, patients who have severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and psychotic disorders may not respond to hypnosis. Preparations for hypnotherapy always require that people contact their doctor so that the treatments can be commenced appropriately.
Hypnotherapy tends to be put in context with other healing modalities like Psychotherapy, CBT, meditation, or mindfulness. What’s important to remember about these therapies is their differences and specific roles, even though all of them may have some common elements.
All these approaches can be useful; possibly, in some cases that occur from time to time, they can intertwine with each other. For instance, present moments can help in combination with hypnotherapy to deal with anxiety levels and improve the general quality of life.
In essence, hypnotherapy is a potent technique by which people can connect with their subconscious selves to beat numerous physical and psychological disorders. What may be needed to alleviate anxiety, quit smoking, or enhance one’s well-being, is a hypnotherapy solution based on relaxation with suggestions.
To be clear, hypnotherapy is not a magic bullet and its effectiveness can indeed be quite variable based on the willingness of the participant; but hypnotherapy has been proven to help a great many people. In such a case you want to try hypnotherapy; it is wise to see a professional in this area who will help you determine if you are fit for the treatment.
Having outlined what hypnosis is, how it operates, and what it has to offer, you can make an informed choice as to whether you want to see a hypnotist.
Dr. Rajnee Garg Kesri is a certified Tarot Card Reader, Numerologist and a SPIRITUAL HEALER. She...
