Hypnosis is an altered state of awareness/consciousness. It is a state of mind where we are very deeply relaxed, yet focused and our subconscious mind becomes highly receptive. We switch from a Beta Brain Wave pattern, waking state, to a Theta Brain Wave pattern, deeply relaxed but not asleep state. This trance state is natural to us and we cycle through it every morning and night. We are also in this state when we are deeply absorbed in an activity (being in the zone). This state is highly beneficial for our body and mind even without the therapeutic input. Unlike the mystical mind control implied by stage hypnosis no one can be made to go into trance nor can anyone be made to do something they do not want to do. No one is “unconscious” nor asleep or unaware of what is happening. Therapy simply could not take place as a dialogue between client and therapist is required. But where this therapy differs from normal talk therapies is the fact that by accessing the subconscious mind we deal right from the onset with the actual issue at hand, not with the perceived issue by the conscious mind.
Hypnotherapy allows you to reprogram the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are holding you back from being happy, content and healthy. Hypnosis has been used for thousands of years and is one of the oldest healing methods and self- help programmes known to civilization. Modern imaging technology (fMRI) can no show what is happening to our brain while being in this whole brain state of excellence. Today hypnosis is used in major hospitals around the world, in dentistry, in sports psychology and by many therapists, who treat symptoms like anxiety, phobias and depression.
Please click on Dr Bruce Lipton and Dr David Spiegel to hear more about the science of the subconscious mind and Hypnotherapy.
Questions and Answers
Can I be hypnotized?
Anyone who wants to be hypnotized can be hypnotized. If you want to experience hypnosis all you need to do is follow some simple instructions and be an active participant. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis.
However, some people enter hypnosis more easily than others. People who have great imagination, or can easily shut out external stimuli enter hypnosis more easily.
Will I be asleep or unconscious?
No. Most people expect hypnosis to be like sleep or think to “go under” for a while, and then wake up without remembering anything. That’s not the case. You hear everything, remember everything, and know exactly what’s happening the entire time. In fact, all therapy requires communication between the therapist and client.
Can I be controlled in hypnosis?
No. While in hypnosis, you are in control the entire time. You won’t do anything in a hypnotic state that you would not find acceptable in your normal waking state. In fact, if a suggestion is made that is against your beliefs, values and morals you simply return to your normal state of awareness.
Are there any side effects?
No. Hypnosis is natural and safe. You will be very relaxed afterwards. Every 15 minutes of hypnosis is equivalent to approximately 2 hours of sleep.
Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
No one has ever been stuck. It simply cannot happen. If the hypnotist left the room, or if you were listening to a tape and the power went out, you would either fall asleep and wake up naturally, or your subconscious mind would detect that there is no voice guiding you and bring you to conscious awareness.
Will I tell you anything I don’t want to?
No. Hypnosis is not a truth serum so you will not divulge secrets. In fact, if you don’t want to be honest, you don’t have to. It wouldn’t be productive, but it’s always your choice.
Does it work?
Yes. A survey of psychotherapy literature by Alfred A. Barrios, PhD revealed the following recovery rates:
Psychoanalysis: 38% recovery after 600 sessions, Behavioural Therapy: 72% after 22 sessions, Hypnotherapy: 93% recovery after 6 sessions Hypnotherapy is effective and efficient and has no expiry date.
The three keys to success are:
1. There needs to be a willingness and readiness for change and a strong belief by the client that change is possible or a goal can be achieved.
2. The more motivated (really wants to let go or change) and committed the client is, the better the result
3. The client needs to use repetition to reinforce the change. (Personalized CDs are very effective).
What does it feel like?
It just feels like you are daydreaming or when you are so absorbed by something that you forget your surroundings and time. We all experience it every night just before we fall asleep and our mind rests. Hypnosis, however, is a very personal and individual experience as everyone has different levels of hypnosis. Some just feel completely relaxed and at peace. They are in an almost dream-like state. Others might even feel they are almost weightless or so heavy that they can’t move.