What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of heightened focused attention, heightened suggestibility, and deep relaxation. It is often used in therapeutic settings to help individuals manage pain, reduce stress, and overcome various psychological issues. We at Inner Circle Wellness like to use hypnosis to also strengthen the mindset of our clients so they can access their own strengths and build the life they what for themselves. This blog post will explore the fundamentals of hypnosis, its applications, and its effectiveness.

Understanding Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a natural and familiar state in which we enter multiple times per day. More commonly known in day-to-day life as trance. This is where we enter a state, and the Theta brain wave is more prominent. You may remember a time were you’re driving, and you suddenly find yourself already home but can’t remember the last 10 minutes of the drive. You also enter this state right before you go to sleep and before you wake up.

It is not sleep, but rather a state of consciousness where the mind is more open to suggestion. During hypnosis, an individual may experience deep relaxation and an altered state of awareness.

The Process of Hypnosis

The process of hypnosis typically involves the following steps:

1. Induction: The hypnotist guides the individual/participant into a state of deep relaxation and focused attention. This can be achieved through verbal cues, visual stimuli, or a combination of both. Another way you can enter hypnosis is a pattern interruption famously use by Dave Elman a godfather in the hypnosis world.
2. Deepening: The hypnotist uses various techniques to deepen the state of hypnosis, making the individual more receptive to suggestions. A common and easy to follow deepener is visualizing a staircase as you slowly walk down.
3. Suggestion: While in the hypnotic state, the individual is given positive suggestions aimed at achieving specific goals, such as quitting smoking, reducing anxiety, or managing pain. This will work if the client wants the change to accrue or is open to the experience.
4. Awakener: The hypnotist gradually brings the individual out of the hypnotic state, guiding them back to full awareness. (Eye open wide awake)

Applications of Hypnosis

Hypnosis has a wide range of applications, including:

• Pain Management: Hypnosis can be effective in reducing chronic pain and managing pain during medical procedures. This is more commonly seen in the UK currently, but the rest of the world is catching up.
• Stress Reduction: Hypnosis helps in managing stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and altering negative thought patterns. This is extremely beneficial on a regular basis even when using hypnosis just to relax.
• Behavioural Change: Hypnosis is used to address habits and behaviours such as smoking, overeating, and nail-biting. These sessions can encourage small or large changes, but the choice is yours.
• Phobia Treatment: Hypnosis can help individuals overcome irrational fears and phobias. For best results one on one sessions are recommended.
• Enhancing Performance: Athletes and performers use hypnosis to improve concentration, boost confidence, and enhance performance. One of the most prominent changes I have seen is that of changing one’s mindset and pushing through limited beliefs.

Effectiveness of Hypnosis

The effectiveness of hypnosis varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the individual’s susceptibility to hypnosis, the skill of the hypnotist, and the specific issue being addressed. Research has shown that hypnosis can be particularly effective for pain management, stress reduction, behavioural changes as well as changing the mindset of the individual to achieve outcomes. Keep in mind that success loves action.

Myths and Misconceptions

There are several myths and misconceptions about hypnosis:

• Loss of Control: Contrary to popular belief, individuals under hypnosis do not lose control over their actions. They remain aware and can choose to accept or reject suggestions. A phrase that we like to use is all hypnosis is self-hypnosis because hypnosis allows you to use your mind in a different way.
• Mind Control: Hypnosis cannot make individuals act against their will or perform actions they would not normally consider. A hypnotist cannot go against your core beliefs or values.
• Sleep: Hypnosis is not the same as sleep. While it involves deep relaxation, the individual remains conscious and aware.

Conclusion

Hypnosis is a valuable tool in the field of therapy and personal development. Its ability to facilitate deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility makes it effective for a variety of applications, from pain management to behavioural change. Understanding the true nature of hypnosis can help dispel myths and encourage individuals to explore its potential benefits.

If you have any questions about hypnosis that you would like to ask, feel free to get in touch with us via the contact button on the website.

We hope to see you on one of our online sessions soon.

Lee Ross
Inner Circle Wellness – Hypnotherapist