Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation or altered consciousness characterised by increased suggestibility. Clinical Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy, therefore, is the use of an altered state of consciousness, or trance, for therapeutic endpoint.
There are different brain waves associated with hypnosis. Starting with Alpha , which is a brain wave state when the body begins to relax. Some examples of alpha state are light hypnosis, meditation, day-dreaming, being absorbed in a book, music or television, driving and arriving at your destination without recalling all the usual landmarks!
As the brain waves slow down into theta and delta states, hypnosis deepens and a person’s subconscious or unconscious mind is more accessible for suggestions.
How does Hypnosis work?
Hypnosis works by inducing a deep state of relaxation often called trance. Under trance the conscious, rational part of the brain is temporarily bypassed, making the subconscious or unconscious part, which influences mental and physical functions, receptive to therapy. Under hypnosis, there is heightened concentration for the specific purpose of maximising potential like changing limiting beliefs and behaviours and gaining insights etc, while there is temporary suspension of peripheral awareness.
Once the individual has achieved desired depth of trance the hypnotherapist uses many different therapeutic methods aimed at overcoming specific problems. These therapeutic methods range from simple suggestions, encouraging imagination, to exploring deep seated beliefs and thought patterns and many more.
Some uses such as calming a person require minimal intervention, more complex behaviour patterns such as overeating or treatment of panic disorders, pain management etc require a complex therapeutic intervention together with psychological and behavioural homework.
A few points to note:
- Nobody can ever be hypnotised against their will and even when hypnotised, you will remain in complete control of any suggestions given.
- The whole object of clinical hypnosis is to take back control that has been lost and has therefore resulted in the occurrence of the problem.
- It is estimated that approximately 85% of people of all age groups will readily respond to hypnosis. And usually those who resist hypnosis, do so consciously, and therefore constitute the other 15%.