What is Hypnosis?
Experts define hypnosis and the hypnotic state in various forms, however most consistently it’s described as:
- A state of deep relaxation
- A state of increased concentration and hyper-focus
- A state of high suggestibility
Hypnosis is not an uncommon state. Most of us experience some level of hypnosis often, in our daily lives. Have you ever gotten so immersed in a movie, music, or reading that the rest of the world “drops away”? Have you ever daydreamed so intensely that you momentarily forget where you are, or what you’re doing? Have you ever missed your exit on the highway, even though you were focused on your driving but thinking of something else? If you’ve ever experienced anything like this, you’ve been in a level of a hypnotic trance state!
What Does a Hypnotherapist Do?
A hypnotherapist “Induces hypnotic state in client to increase motivation or alter behavior patterns: Consults with client to determine nature of problem. Prepares client to enter hypnotic state by explaining how hypnosis works and what client will experience. Tests subject to determine degree of physical and emotional suggestibility. Induces hypnotic state in client, using individualized methods and techniques of hypnosis based on interpretation of test results and analysis of client’s problem. May train client in self-hypnosis conditioning.”
( “Dictionary of Occupational Titles: Hypnotherapist (079.157-010)”. U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Administrative Law Judges. Retrieved 2017-11-15.)
Hypnotherapists guide our clients into the hypnotic state, and guide their experience while in that state, to address and relieve pain, stress, and their other presenting issues. With our client’s permission, we realign our client’s perceptions and preconceptions. We help our clients gain control over their own sub-conscious, helping them to connect their conscious and subconscious minds. This enables them to reframe previous experiences and affect change and improvement.
A Typical Session
As a hypnotherapist, we speak with you to determine the change you wish to make and use various therapeutic techniques and modalities to find possible causes for those behaviors (if necessary) and resolve those issues. We work with you as an individual, as your teammate, and act as a catalyst to guide through this journey of change. We do all that during the “cognitive” portion of our sessions, and then induce hypnosis to enact the necessary changes, and guide you on your journey to improvement.
In the hyper-focused, relaxed state of hypnosis, we can allow our clients to use the power of their own mind, to quit smoking, relieve pain, lose weight, gain weight, alter habits and behaviors, effect physical afflictions, resolve grief, and so much more.
To learn more about Hypnotherapy
Check out the Wikipedia page on the subject.
For more information, see our FAQ, and our limited list of 146 Ways Hypnotherapy Might Help You.