Silver Lining Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis

What it is and what it isn’t

HYPNOSIS IS EITHER HEIGHTENED CONCENTRATION OR

DEEP DISTRACTION

Hypnosis is a unique tool to access the subconscious bringing up memories that aid in the healing process.

There are many misconceptions about what hypnosis is. Webster's dictionary incorrectly describes it as an induced like sleep. In actuality, sleep is not remotely involved in true hypnosis. There is more of a heightened sense of awareness.

I like noted hypnotherapist Dave Elman's definition:

"Hypnosis is a state of mind in which the critical faculty of the human is bypassed, and selective thinking is established."

(I will only make you quack like a duck, cluck like a chick or pretend like you're Superman if you pay me to!)

There are titles that hypnosis follows under in disguise. Such as:

Guided Visualization/Relaxation Imagery

Medical Guided Imagery/Healing Imagery

Guided Imagery/Mental Rehearsal

Past Life Regression/Pain Control Imagery

You get the picture. It's a safe bet that if it involves seeing something in your mind to promote relaxation or change, it's hypnosis.

In a hypnotic state, you are aware of your surroundings, hearing sounds, smelling smells, and in control of your actions. Consciousness is not lost: it becomes more selective. It is usual to be more aware of internal processes than in outside distractions.

There are many different theories about what hypnosis is and how it works. Cheek and LeCron in "Clinical Hypnotherapy" define hypnosis as a "state of having increased suggestibility, literalness of understanding and willingness to comply with optimistic suggestions."

Researcher Ernest Hilgard believes hypnosis is a state where the subconscious is capable of functioning more independently than when in its "normal working state." And based on evidence of EEG's alone, it appears the state of consciousness that hypnosis most closely resembles is the waking state.

Studies have also shown while meditating, one's oxygen consumption drops rapidly within the first five or ten minutes, but under hypnosis there is no noticeable change. Robert Keith Wallace and Herbert Brown.

The hypnotized will only do that which is acceptable to them: censoring everything the hypnotist does or says and responding according to their own beliefs. Dr. Fred Frankel, professor of psychiatry at Harvard medical school, said in 1976, "Clinicians learn readily that they exercise control over most patients only to the extent that the patients are prepared to let them"

Rather than trying to explain what it is, it may be easier to explain what it isn't.

It isn't something you can get "stuck in". This never happens. Sometimes people are enjoying trance so much they don't want to come back. He can choose to ignore the hypnotist and return to full awareness in his own good time.

It isn't a truth drug. You will not reveal your inner secrets. Fibbing is perfectly possible in trance and you are able to choose what to reveal.

It isn't a paranormal experience. No gimmicks are needed, there is no need for spinning discs, swinging watches, or flashlights. All the practitioner needs is a genuine interest in people.

It is a surprise to many that hypnosis is so normal and pleasant. There is no such thing as a 'hypnotized feeling' so you won't feel hypnotized at all. In fact what is most likely is a feeling of calmness and relaxation though not everybody experiences even that. It is different for everybody.

When people enter trance breathing usually becomes slower, skin color may change, and eyelids often flutter, indicating visualization.

One final note: those with higher intelligence tend to respond easily and excellently, as do children with their wonderful imaginations. 

 © 2003 Beverly Bryant. All Rights Reserved