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.

The late Dr Milton Erickson is the 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.

Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation which is natural and safe.

It feels very much like day dreaming 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 patterns of behaviour. 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. This 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 that surrounds 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 hypnotised and co-operation with the hypnotherapist, you cannot be hypnotised against your will.

 

One common misconception about hypnosis is that the client is giving over their control to the therapist. Hypnosis is not power over another person rather a co-operation between therapist and client, the client remains in control of himself and allows himself 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 your self, every thought you have ever had, every feeling, every emotion. In a nutshell – 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, i.e.wealthy, slender, happy. It can also keep you stuck in negative behavior.
• Your subconscious mind operates on it’s 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 ourself that we are a smoker, a success, a failure etc; then that is what we become. With Hypnotherapy and NLP we can effect change at the subconscious level.
• 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.
• The conscious mind exercises what we call will power. Will Power alone seldom lasts, you mean well, but conscious intent fails and the old behaviour reoccurs.
• The conscious mind also is the place of working memory. It is the memory we use every day to function.
• Conscious decisions are influenced by the data stored in our subconscious mind.

 

What is a hypnotic trance like?

The sensations of hypnosis vary from person to person. It is usual to experience pleasant feelings of relaxation, comfort and wellbeing. We have all experienced the trance state in our normal daily lives. For example: If you have ever driven along the highway, reached your destination and thought “I don’t remember how I got here”, you were in a trance state, you were still completely aware of what was going on, you made the right manoeuvres on the road and had there been danger you would have acted instantly, but you were in a pleasant daydream for the whole journey. Another example is television advertising! Watching television programs induces a hypnotic trance and the programs are interspersed with hypnotic suggestions, called commercials!

 

What can Hypnotherapy be used for?

Hypnotherapy is fast, effective way to:

• Resolve past trauma
• Increase self esteem and confidence
• Enhance performance in all areas of life
• Release unwanted habits such as smoking (MP3 Download Available)
• Manage pain
• Improve general health and wellbeing
• Lose Weight (MP3 Download Available)
• Relieve allergies and skin disorders
• Relieve irritable bowel syndrome
• Improve memory and motivation

If you would like more information or would like to make an appointment,

please contact Absolute Awareness

For more information about becoming a Hypnotherapy Practitioner

or for information on Hypnotherapy Workshops see Courses and Events