Hypnotherapy is the process of using hypnosis to interact with the subconscious mind to create positive change in your life. It empowers people to change and update their unconscious beliefs. Through hypnosis, we can reframe and update old beliefs (for example - that changing careers will be difficult and painful) and replace them with new, more helpful expectations.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is simply a natural state of relaxed focus. Each of us enters such a state - sometimes called a trance state, many times during the day. Zoning out while driving, listening to music, working on a favorite hobby or activity in the "flow" state, these are all "altered states of consciousness," and are various levels of trance. Trance is a normal, natural and common occurrence.
Another example is when you are watching a movie and are really into it. Even though you know it is all pretend, your heart starts pounding with fear during a scary scene, or you tear up during an emotional scene. But there is always a part of your brain that knows you are still in control. So if someone yells “fire” you will have no problem switching back to reality to head to the nearest exit without hesitation.
What Does Being Hypnotized Feel Like?
That varies from person to person. Some people “go out”, while most people are just relaxed and receptive to change.
Clients sometimes leave their first hypnotherapy session saying, "I wasn't hypnotized - I knew what was going on the whole time!" Hypnosis is not a state of amnesia or of no awareness, Hypnosis is a state of very heightened awareness and focus.
Will I cluck like a chicken?
You may have seen a stage show where a hypnotist “made” people do some crazy things. These are skilled stage hypnotists, using hypnosis for entertainment. But entertainment is not the purpose of hypnotherapy.
Hypnosis cannot make you do something that is against your morals or ethics. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis and no hypnotist can make you do something that you really don't want to do. That's why some people can be hypnotized to stop smoking and yet they still smoke. You have to want the change, agree with the change, and then hypnosis is an instrument for helping make that change better, faster, and permanent.
How is hypnotherapy different than affirmations?
Hypnotherapy has the advantage of being able to communicate with the subconscious in a two-way fashion. Affirmations don't facilitate direct responses from the subconscious, they only speak to the subconscious.
A post-hypnotic suggestion is also different than an affirmation. The effects tend to be more direct, more specific, and more immediate when using post-hypnotic suggestions.Other than that, the language of hypnosis and of affirmations is similar. Both are always expressed in the positive and present tense.
So hypnosis is mind control in the sense that, working with a trained hypnotist, you have control using the power of your own mind to change the old, outdated, unconscious programming that is no longer serving you, to new, positive programming that helps you to live your very best life.
Patti is an Integrative Coach and Certified Hypnotist. Her dedication for teaching and passion for learning has led her to further develop her skills in hypnotherapy, addictions, sexual freedom, PlantBased Nutrition, Yoga, and Reiki - all in service of causing a whole-body transformation for her clients. Learn more about her and her approach at www.FindPurePotential.com.
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