Hypnosis is a natural and relaxed state that occurs to most people at some point at least once a day. It might happen while watching TV, reading a book, listening to music or even driving a car. It’s a state that is neither awake nor asleep, almost a day dream type of feeling where you are aware of things around you but in an altered way – effectively an altered state of awareness. The person is always in control and can not be made to do anything that they don’t want to do (including going against their belief systems – religious, cultural, spiritual or moral).
Being hypnotised is similar to being extremely relaxed, possibly more than you have ever been before. People who do yoga or meditation enter a trance-like state. Many people go into a trance state on a regular basis without realising that is what is happening.
Do any of these scenarios seem familiar?
- You arrive at a destination after driving a familiar route to discover that you can’t recollect anything about the journey?
- You’re so engrossed in reading a book or watching a program on the TV that you don’t notice someone enter the room?
- You are so focused on an activity that you are enjoying that time seems to go more quickly?
- You are so bored by an activity that time seems to drag by go more slowly?
All these are normal, common occurrences of people experiencing a form of hypnotic trance, so actually, you’ve been in a hypnotic trance many times before!
Why is hypnosis effective?
Hypnosis bypasses the conscious rational mind and therefore delivers suggestions at a very deep level. The subconscious mind is a huge reservoir of unrecognised potential strength and knowledge which can be bought to the surface to help you. Hypnosis allows a reprogramming of the mind.
Facts
- It’s a pleasant feeling of relaxation
- It’s an altered state of consciousness
- It’s a natural and effective technique
- It’s completely safe (if administered by a qualified professional)
- There are no side effects
- You are in control at all times
- The benefits are usually long-lasting and permanent
Myths
- It’s the same as being asleep
- You are unconscious
- It’s a magical power that the hypnotherapist has
- You’re completely out of control
- You might not wake up
- You’ll do things you don’t want to do
- You’ll end up clucking like a chicken!