So you figured hypnosis is sleep, being
gullible, being weak-minded and being controlled by someone else? Well, do
reconsider.
What exactly is hypnosis (if not the above)?
Hypnosis is actually a state of increased awareness, focus, concentration, and
suggestibility. It’s usually a state of relaxation that makes you more open to
suggestions and allows you to focus on these suggestions. It’s also important
to note that relaxation is not always a necessary component for one to be in a
hypnotic state. Also, suggestions given are suggestions you “allow” yourself to
accept. That means suggestions from others aren’t automatically accepted unless
you want to (or are acceptable to you). At least this is the case in hypnotherapy.
Some also think that hypnosis is synonymous
to being asleep. This is far from being the truth. While an individual in the
state of hypnosis may appear to be asleep, he/she remains conscious. The
individual hears what is being said (suggested) although he/she may not
remember everything that had been said.
Here’s a thought for you. Believe it or
not, we all experience hypnosis every day. For example, have you ever watched a
movie that got you so engrossed that you never noticed someone walk out of the
room or walk in? Or have you had tears roll down your face while watching a sad
movie? Oh feel your heart pounding during a tense/suspenseful moment in the
movie? How about shouting at or somehow cursing the actor/actress in the show?
Well, these are all examples of hypnosis at work. We may become so intensely
focused on the movie that our body reacts to the images and feels as if we are
experiencing what the actors/actresses are experiencing – even though it is
just a movie and the characters are merely acting.
Hypnosis is not sleep. It is not being
gullible, weak-minded or being controlled by another person. It is merely a
state of mind – a different state of consciousness and awareness
In a hypnosis session, you – the subject –
are in control. How is that, you ask? Well the fact is that when a suggestion
given to you is contrary to your principles and values, you will simply “snap
out of it” (‘it” being the hypnotic state). For example, if you were told to
get-up and go stand on your head in the corner of the room, you will probably
not be willing to do that. Because the suggestion is “unacceptable,” you will
almost certainly reject the suggestion by either coming out of the state of
hypnosis or simply by ignoring the suggestion.
Stage hypnosis vs hypnotherapy
There is a huge difference between stage
hypnosis and hypnotherapy. The former is
for the purpose of entertainment while the latter is where hypnosis is used to
help another with issues/challenges.
A stage hypnotist is a person who uses
hypnosis to entertain people – whether it is in a show or on stage. You may
have seen (on tv or life) or even participated in these events before where you
see participants bark like dogs or quack like a duck etcetera.
On the other hand, a hypnotherapist is one
who has been trained to use hypnosis to help others deal with challenges in
their lives. Hypnosis can be a very valuable tool in helping deal with issues
such as sleep disturbances, improving concentration and memory, overcoming
fears and phobias, strengthening one’s self confidence and many other issues.
Many have also employed this to help them manage their weight and to give up
smoking and other addictive habits.
This is just a simple description of what
hypnosis really is. Do keep in mind the hypnotherapist does not have control
over you. He or she only brings you to a state of heightened relaxation where
you are open to suggestions – suggestions that are acceptable to the
subject/participant/client.
Next round, we will look at the difference
between hypnotherapy and clinical hypnotherapy.
Peace & Namaste
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