How it works

Hypnosis is a natural, altered state of consciousness that can be used therapeutically to promote positive change and enhance well-being. 

Hypnotherapy is performed by a Certified professional trained in this technique.

Each session is about an hour, but an adult client is typically only in a hypnotized state for about 15 minutes. The rest of the session is cognitive when the Hypnotherapist and individual discuss goals and favorable outcomes. 

Hypnosis involves guiding a person into a focused and relaxed state of awareness. This state is often described as a trance, which sits somewhere between being fully awake and asleep. During this state, a person is more receptive to suggestions and can access deeper levels of thought and feeling.

 Focused Attention: In hypnosis, the individual’s attention is narrowly concentrated on certain ideas or images, which reduces their peripheral awareness. This helps bypass the critical, analytical part of the mind, known as the conscious mind. 

 Relaxation: Physical and mental relaxation is essential for hypnosis. The state of deep relaxation allows the person’s mind to become more open to positive, beneficial suggestions. 

 Heightened Suggestibility: In this state, the subconscious mind, which governs habits, memories, and emotions, is more accessible. This means that suggestions made by the hypnotherapist can be absorbed and acted upon more readily. These suggestions often focus on changing thought patterns, behaviors, or emotions to achieve desired goals. 

 The human mind operates on two primary levels: the conscious and the subconscious. The conscious mind is logical, critical, and involved in daily decision-making. The subconscious, however, is where habits, automatic reactions, memories, and deeply ingrained beliefs reside. 

 In a hypnotic state: 

 The critical faculty of the conscious mind is bypassed, allowing suggestions to communicate directly with the subconscious. 

 This can help reframe negative thought patterns, alter unwanted behaviors, and reinforce positive beliefs. 

 Techniques Used in Hypnosis 

 Guided Imagery: The hypnotherapist may use vivid descriptions to create a scenario that induces calmness and deep focus. 

 Progressive Relaxation: This method involves systematically relaxing each muscle group in the body, which promotes deep relaxation. 

 Direct and Indirect Suggestion: Suggestions can be explicit (e.g., “You feel calm and at peace”) or embedded within a story or metaphor, allowing the subconscious to pick up on the intended message without resistance. 

 Applications of Hypnosis 

 Hypnosis can be used for a variety of therapeutic purposes, including: 

 Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Helps manage anxiety and promotes a sense of calm. 

 Behavioral Change: Supports changes like quitting smoking, losing weight, or reducing habits such as nail-biting. 

 Improved Sleep: Hypnosis can help with sleep disorders by reducing racing thoughts and inducing deeper, more restful sleep. 

 Emotional Healing: It can assist with processing and releasing past traumas or emotional blockages. 

 Pain Management: Hypnosis can be a tool for reducing the perception of pain, making it useful for chronic pain management. 

 The Science Behind Hypnosis 

 Neuroscientific studies have shown that during hypnosis, there are measurable changes in brain activity. Functional MRI (fMRI) scans and EEG readings indicate that the brain can enter a state where it’s more receptive to suggestion, and certain areas related to focused attention and imagination are more active. 

 This state of suggestibility doesn’t mean the individual loses control or awareness. On the contrary, most people remain aware of what is happening and can come out of the hypnotic state at will. This is why a common myth—that hypnosis can make you do things against your will—is inaccurate. People maintain a degree of agency and will only accept suggestions aligned with their values and desires. 

 Hypnosis in Practice 

 A hypnotherapy session usually begins with an induction phase, where the hypnotherapist helps the client enter a relaxed state. Once the person is in this state, the hypnotherapist offers therapeutic suggestions based on the client’s goals. These suggestions may be repeated or reinforced throughout the session to strengthen their impact. 

 Post-Hypnotic Suggestions: These are cues given during hypnosis that take effect after the session, such as associating a certain word or action with a feeling of calm or confidence. 

 Hypnosis is a safe, effective way to access the subconscious and promote positive change. While it isn’t a magic cure, it works by helping individuals harness the power of their own minds, reinforcing new beliefs and behaviors that align with their goals. It’s most effective when combined with a willingness to engage in the process and follow up with positive actions in daily life.