How does Hypnosis work?

Hypnosis works by accessing the subconscious mind, which is more open to suggestion than the conscious mind. The subconscious mind could be described as everything within your experience and capabilities that you are not consciously aware of in this moment. Your internal storage if you like, a place you can keep your experiences, values and beliefs, internal programming and your habits the things you do without thinking. Everything you have decided to hold onto while learning is stored here.

For example: If I were to ask you, can you remember your last meal. Good chances that you could tell me about it. But were you thinking about it before I asked? Chances are not and that was you accessing your unconscious/subconscious mind.

A good way to look at the mind is 10% is your Conscious mind this is what you are aware of in the moment. While 90% is Subconscious, it’s there for you to access but not there so much that you are aware of it.

The subconscious mind governs many automatic processes and behaviours, and by tapping into this part of the mind, hypnosis can effect positive changes in thought patterns, behaviours, and emotional responses.

When you relax body, your mind also starts to relax this is the goal of a hypnotic induction. To simply relax and we can all relax, can’t we? As your mind begins to slow down your critical faculty lets its guard down and a hypnotherapist uses this moment to enter your subconscious mind. Be assured if something the therapist does or said is not right with you or goes against your beliefs or values your critical faculty will boot them straight back out. Your mind will always protect you first.  But if you feel that it is for a positive change you may just deicide to hold on to that suggestion and make it a part of your daily habits.

While in hypnosis or trance your brain wave begin to change to a Theta (4-7.5Hz) predominate state for the most part as throughout the session this will ebb and flow.

You begin to shut out external factors that you might normally be aware of in your day-to-day conscious awareness. While allowing yourself to focus more internally on what it is your wanting to shift. Keep in mind all you need to do is follow along and do as your therapist asks. Its like driving a car I can give you the keys and clear instructions how to drive, but the car would only start moving if YOU decided to follow my directions.

Several theories explain how hypnosis works:

• Dissociation Theory: This theory suggests that hypnosis causes a split in consciousness, allowing the individual to focus on specific thoughts or behaviours while blocking out other distractions. This split allows for heightened suggestibility and altered perception.
• Social-Cognitive Theory: According to this theory, hypnosis is a social interaction where the individual responds to suggestions based on their expectations and beliefs about hypnosis. The individual’s motivation and desire to achieve the hypnotic state play a crucial role in the effectiveness of hypnosis.
• Neurophysiological Theory: This theory posits that hypnosis induces changes in brain activity, particularly in areas associated with attention, perception, and the processing of suggestions. Neuroimaging studies have shown that hypnosis can alter brain function, supporting this theory.