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Hypnosis and its uses in the practice
of Hypnotherapy are rapidly emerging as a highly effective
science in solving peoples problems. It can be very
beneficial in many cases as a therapy in itself. It
is a valuable adjunct in psychotherapy and psychiatry.
Yet, it is probably the lowest risk procedure available
from the standpoint of contraindications.
Yet few therapeutic procedures are less
understood, or more plagued by misconceptions and misunderstandings.
Before considering what hypnosis is, perhaps it would
be appropriate to establish what it is not!
Most Hypnotherapists, on interviewing
a new client will ask such client what he or she thinks
hypnosis is. Replies range from sleep, to unconsciousness,
to surrender of mental powers and control, to magic,
to voodoo. All are in error.
Hypnosis cannot be sleep. In most cases,
the subject is fully aware of communication and is able
to respond on request either verbally or by signal.
Neither is unconsciousness involved. A subject asked
to make a specific movement will comply with the request
unless it is objectionable, in which case there will
be a refusal.
There is no surrender of mind or control.
A person who does not want to be hypnotized cannot be
hypnotized or be induced to do or say anything, which
violates personal standards of behavior or integrity.
There is neither magic nor voodoo involved. Any Hypnotherapist
can explain the actions or behaviors seen in stage,
film or television shows, where the subject seems to
follow directions mindlessly.
Actually, hypnosis is better described
than defined. It is often considered an altered state
of consciousness featuring "selective perception,
a process in which the subject (who is in control) chooses
to see only what is relevant to his task, blocking out
everything else. Hypnosis involves guided concentration.
The guidance, however, may be provided by a qualified
practitioner or, in the case of self-hypnosis, by the
individual subject. Self-hypnosis, which can be taught
by a properly certified Hypnotherapist and learned by
virtually any client, can provide the recipient with
a lifetime of benefit.
Where Did Hypnosis Originate?
The basics of hypnosis go back to ancient
times. Those who have read Jean Auel's memorable book,
'Clan Of The Cave Bear', will remember accounts of magic,
hearings, inherited memories and revelations performed
or created by the 'Mogurs' and 'medicine women' of prehistoric
clans. In the early centuries of our own land, the medicine
men of Indian tribes performed seeming miracles. Hypnosis'
wider, non-secret usage began in the 1700's in several
forms under different names.
There were periods of progress and periods
of stagnation in the development of modem hypnosis.
Medical interest and acceptance expanded following World
War 11 when the use of hypnotherapy proved especially
helpful to surviving battlefield casualties suffering
from shock, injury, battle fatigue and various psychological
disorders. As understanding increased, hypnosis began
to be recognized as an important adjunct to counseling,
psychology, psychotherapy, psychiatry, and medical fields
including neurology, obstetrics, emergency medicine,
burn therapy and others.
Hypnosis is finding increasing usage
in dentistry and other areas where pain control is important.
All humans (and possibly several animals) have two distinct
minds - the conscious mind and the unconscious mind.
The unconscious mind is vastly larger and more powerful
than the conscious mind, yet it is the least understood
and used by mankind. Actually, the great unconscious'
mind has two functional elements, the subconscious and
the Superconscious, the former the storehouse of memory,
the latter dealing with the spiritual.
How Does It Work?
The subconscious mind receives and retains,
neither accepting nor rejecting, all the messages we
receive from our backgrounds, whether genetic, social,
religious or experiential, plus all the conflicts (little
or big) that enter our lives daily. When, for whatever
reason, the conscious mind (which deals with everyday
living, logic, reason, etc.) becomes overloaded, the
subconscious prepares us for what is considered appropriate
action (usually fight or flight). However, the subconscious
mind does not analyze, as does the conscious mind, but
accepts all messages in the literal sense.
In essence, hypnosis is a means of communication
between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind.
Many human problems, habits, stresses, anxieties, attitudes
or apparent deficiencies can be traced to interpretations
by the subconscious mind which, when understood by the
conscious mind, can reduce or resolve specific problems.
The subconscious is also the seat of
all permanent memory. Traumatic events can be buried
or suppressed in the subconscious. A major benefit of
hypnotherapy is its ability to uncover and bring into
the light of understanding the buried information or
experience, which may be the cause of a troublesome
disorder.
What You Will Experience
Your first visit with your Hypnotherapist
is primarily exploratory. You will learn about hypnotism
and become comfortable with it. Your Hypnotherapist
will discuss your interests and your desires to determine
if hypnotherapy can accomplish what you want to achieve.
If you both feel that it will be worthwhile
to proceed, your Hypnotherapist may give you some small
tests to determine your type of suggestibility, your
ability to relax, your skills at visualization - procedures
which help your therapist adapt to you as an individual
so as to design programming personalized for you which
will be acceptable to your subconscious, retained and
acted upon in a manner leading to full achievement of
your goals.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general informational purposes
and does not provide medical, psychological, or other
professional advice.
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