HYPNOTHERAPY
Hypnosis is a state of inward attention and focused concentration. It is often referred to as trance or as an altered state of consciousness. When the mind is concentrated and focused, people are better able to tap into and utilize their inner resources, to make personal changes, and learn how to better govern their own lives. Because hypnosis and self-hypnosis allow people to use more of their potential, they gain more self-control (it is a myth that people lose control during hypnosis). Everyone has experienced hypnosis or trance, although it may not be referred to by that name. If you’ve ever been absorbed in thought, reading a book or watching TV, and failed to hear someone talking to you—-you were in a trance-like state. Perhaps you have been watching a movie at the theater, and lost track of the fact that there are dozens of people nearby—another hypnotic-like state of mind. These very focused states of attention are, in fact, everyday experiences of what is called hypnosis. Clinical hypnotherapy is different only to the extent that you will be experiencing it with the guidance of your Hypnotherapist, rather than spontaneously.
Clinical hypnotherapy can be used in various ways. For one, guided mental imagery is very powerful in a state of mind such as hypnosis. The mind responds to imagery to assist in bringing about personal changes and desired outcomes. A client with an unwanted behavior may be encouraged in hypnotherapy to vividly imagine acting differently and more appropriately. The subconscious mind then has a tendency to bring about the imagined change. Another client, with a fear of some sort, might be invited to imagine being a supportive advisor to herself, and as a result, find the fearful response no longer troubles her. Athletes, teachers and business people are currently being taught to use hypnotic mental imagery to enhance their performances.
Another basic hypnotic approach that is often used by Hypnotherapists, is to offer hypnotic and post- hypnotic suggestions to the client. Suggestions given during hypnotherapy are more likely to be accepted by the client’s subconscious. When hypnotic suggestions are given that encourage beneficial changes, they can dynamically influence the client’s life into the future. Clinical hypnotherapy can also be used to better understand underlying motivations for emotional or behavioral difficulties. Hypnotherapy provides a safe and secure state of mind in which to both examine the roots of problems and explore promising alternatives. The Hypnotherapist can then help the client select from the alternatives and make healthier choices.
Hypnosis is a state of inward attention and focused concentration. It is often referred to as trance or as an altered state of consciousness. When the mind is concentrated and focused, people are better able to tap into and utilize their inner resources, to make personal changes, and learn how to better govern their own lives. Because hypnosis and self-hypnosis allow people to use more of their potential, they gain more self-control (it is a myth that people lose control during hypnosis). Everyone has experienced hypnosis or trance, although it may not be referred to by that name. If you’ve ever been absorbed in thought, reading a book or watching TV, and failed to hear someone talking to you—-you were in a trance-like state. Perhaps you have been watching a movie at the theater, and lost track of the fact that there are dozens of people nearby—another hypnotic-like state of mind. These very focused states of attention are, in fact, everyday experiences of what is called hypnosis. Clinical hypnotherapy is different only to the extent that you will be experiencing it with the guidance of your Hypnotherapist, rather than spontaneously.
Clinical hypnotherapy can be used in various ways. For one, guided mental imagery is very powerful in a state of mind such as hypnosis. The mind responds to imagery to assist in bringing about personal changes and desired outcomes. A client with an unwanted behavior may be encouraged in hypnotherapy to vividly imagine acting differently and more appropriately. The subconscious mind then has a tendency to bring about the imagined change. Another client, with a fear of some sort, might be invited to imagine being a supportive advisor to herself, and as a result, find the fearful response no longer troubles her. Athletes, teachers and business people are currently being taught to use hypnotic mental imagery to enhance their performances.
Another basic hypnotic approach that is often used by Hypnotherapists, is to offer hypnotic and post- hypnotic suggestions to the client. Suggestions given during hypnotherapy are more likely to be accepted by the client’s subconscious. When hypnotic suggestions are given that encourage beneficial changes, they can dynamically influence the client’s life into the future. Clinical hypnotherapy can also be used to better understand underlying motivations for emotional or behavioral difficulties. Hypnotherapy provides a safe and secure state of mind in which to both examine the roots of problems and explore promising alternatives. The Hypnotherapist can then help the client select from the alternatives and make healthier choices.
