Hypnosis
Hypnosis is an altered state, a special psychological state, resembling sleep only superficially, and marked by the functioning of the individual at a level of awareness other than the ordinary conscious state. The state is characterised by a degree of increased receptiveness, during which a therapist can suggest that a client changes their perception of their reality in a way that improves their lives. The hypnotic context is generally established by an induction procedure. Although there are many different hypnotic inductions, most include suggestions for relaxation, calmness, and well-being. Instructions to imagine or think about pleasant experiences are also commonly included in hypnotic inductions. People respond to hypnosis in different ways. Some describe hypnosis as a normal state of focused attention, in which they feel very calm and relaxed. Regardless of how and to what degree they respond, most people describe the experience as very pleasant.
Some people are very responsive to hypnotic suggestions and others are less responsive. A person’s ability to experience hypnotic suggestions can be inhibited by fears and concerns arising from some common misconceptions. Contrary to some depictions of hypnosis in books, movies or television, people who have been hypnotised do not lose control over their behaviour. They typically remain aware of who they are and where they are, and unless amnesia has been specifically suggested, they usually remember what transpired during hypnosis. Hypnosis makes it easier for people to experience suggestions, but it does not force them to have these experiences.
Unlike some drugs and treatments, hypnotherapists say “hypnotism has no side effects, causes no allergic reactions, is not addictive” and is relatively cheap, since patients can be taught to hypnotise themselves. Moreover, hypnotic effects are real as some studies involving brain scans have shown changes in brain activity during hypnosis.
Below are described three steps that will always produce a pleasant state of self-hypnosis, from which all kinds of personal goals can be explored effectively. They are: -
1. Breathing
Gets into a relaxing position (no crossing of legs or arms), lying down or sitting in a comfortable chair, and take several slow, deep breaths. Imagine calmness being achieved as the breath comes in and tension leaving as the breath goes out.
2. Relaxation
Progressively relax the whole body. Start with the scalp and imagine all the tension draining away, and the muscles relaxing and sagging. Repeat this through the rest of the body: – eyes, jaw, neck, shoulders, arms, fingers and thumbs, back, chest, tummy, hips, legs, toes. Then, finally search throughout the whole body once again, looking for any areas that do not yet feel relaxed and relax that area again.
3. Deepening
The final step is to take yourself as deep as possible. This is achieved by imagining going down some steps. Each step is a step further down towards total relaxation. Say something like the following to yourself as you go down the steps.
No-one expects anything from me.
There’s nothing for me to do except relax.
I am now going to count down from 10 to zero, and when I get zero, I will be in the most relaxed state that I could ever have imagined: -
10. Just relaxing and letting go
9. Beautifully at ease and at peace
8. Letting go of all the tensions and worries
7. Sinking deep and deeper into a warm peaceful feeling
6. Becoming calmer and calmer, and even more calm
5. Continuing to let go — feeling really good
4. Moving down and down into deeper relaxation
3. Achieving a calm, peaceful, tranquil feeling
2. Enjoying that feeling of being half-awake, half-asleep, in hypnosis
1. Nearly all the way down now — feeling good, and relaxed .
Zero
Final Comments
You will now have achieved a level of hypnosis, sufficient to get any messages you wish directly to your subconscious mind. If you want to achieve certain goals, you can repeat to yourself certain suggestions to aid this . e.g.”I am becoming a more relaxed and confident person as each day goes by”, etc. Don’t say things that have a negative content such as “Don’t be Nervous” as this may be interpreted by your subconscious wrongly. Concentrate on positive suggestions relating to pride, achievement, etc.
CHANGE YOURSELF AND LIVE YOUR DREAMS
FAQ
What is hypnosis?
It is similar to that state that we all get at least twice a day; that twilight period between being awake and being asleep. When you are deeply focussed on something to the exclusion of everything else, that is also a form of hypnosis.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Yes, except those under the influence of drugs or alcohol or severely mentally handicapped.
Shall I be aware of what is happening to me?
Yes, you will remain in complete control and, whenever you wish, return to full awareness of everything around you. It is called conscious hypnosis.
Can I be trapped in hypnosis?
No, you would drift into natural sleep and awake as normal if you were not brought out of the hypnotic state. Alternatively if there was an emergency situation, your natural instincts would force you to come out of it immediately.
Can I be made to do something against my will?
Definitely not. You remain at all times in complete control, and would refuse to do anything silly or against your better judgement. Do not make the mistake of thinking the hypnosis used in therapy is like that used on the stage. It isn’t.
Can ‘normal’ people be hypno-analysed?
Not only can be, but should be. For an insight into yourself, it has no equal. Everyone can benefit from this therapy.
Do I need hypnotherapy if I use self hypnosis?
Sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees when trying to figure out your own problems. Hypnotherapy seeks to guide you in the right direction. Self hypnosis is still a very useful tool to calm the mind and make some positive affirmations.
Still wary of it?
Come and have a chat about it. It would be a shame to miss out on this unique relaxing therapy, which may change your life forever.
