What Is Hypnotherapy?

 

Essentially “hypnosis” involves achieving an altered state of consciousness while “hypnotherapy” makes use of hypnosis to create change or examine beliefs while in the altered state. Therefore, all hypnotherapy includes hypnosis. But not all hypnosis is hypnotherapy.

 

Although it appears, watching a stage hypnosis show, that very few people can be hypnotized, the fact  is that ALL people can be hypnotized and in fact ARE on a daily basis. AND most people can be “officially” hypnotized by a hypnotist as long as key factors are in place such as willingness, rapport and the use of the proper technique by the hypnotist.

 

Throughout any given day, we drift in and out of altered states. For example, when driving we sometimes don’t notice the landmarks we are passing. Or when reading a good book or enjoying a hobby, we might lose track of time. And we have all heard of the athlete or artist who goes into the “zone”. These are all examples of natural trance.

 

The problem is that most people are familiar only with the trance induced in stage hypnosis and therefore do not realize they are achieving trance in these states of focused concentration. They expect trance to feel like sleep, being unconscious or being under someone’s control. But in fact, trance involves none of these things. It can be useful to point out natural trance states when describing what hypnosis typically feels like as most people can relate to these experiences.

 

The following are natural trance states you are likely experience:

• Driving without paying attention to your surroundings

• Tuning out when someone is talking to you

• Becoming engrossed in a sport, hobby or activity

• Feeling emotional when reading an emotionally charged book or watching a tear jerker movie

• As you fall asleep noticing that you are having dream like thoughts even  though you aren’t  asleep yet.

 

hypnosis is essentially a state which allows access to the subconscious (SC) mind. Hypnosis is NOT  sleep, it is not unconsciousness, it is not mere relaxation. It is simply a state of focused concentration.