What Does Hypnosis Really Do?
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009Three main problems cause people to seek out a hypnotist.
1. Quit Smoking 2. Lose Weight 3. Manage Stress
Each of these is testimony to the grave difficulty of changing behavior that is detrimental to our health and well-being.
Tobacco is physically addictive and has been forced on people by marketing experts and enabled by peer pressure.
We can modify our eating behavior but we cannot quit.
The foundation, though, to achieving the first two is number three ” managing the everyday stresses of life in positive ways as alternatives to overeating and smoking.
Is stress good or bad? The answer, of course, is both. It is the behaviors - or responses - that are at the root of smoking, financial problems, alcohol or drug abuse. There’s lots of theory about this but really it is a combination of conscious thoughts and subconscious motivations. Learning about them greatly improves the chances of changing the responses and consequent associated behaviors.
Stress management is really “response management”. Hypnosis explores the subconscious mechanisms under the surface thoughts. After learning them you can realign your thinking and learn more appropriate responses.
As a result of a hypnosis session, some clients discover talents and abilities they werent aware they had. Hypnosis utilizes the individuals strengths and resources to create the world they want to experience. Nowhere is this more important than changing harmful responses.
FAQ’s about hypnosis are:
Will someone else control my mind?
You are the one in control of your mind. No one else can do that and hypnosis will actually give you more control.
Will I give up my free will?
Hypnosis only gives you a relaxed state during which you are presented suggestions for a better outcome. You are free to reject or accept them. You don’t lose your free will, personality or strength.
What if I can’t be hypnotized?
Anyone can be hypnotized in the hands of a skilled hypnotist or hypnotherapist. The only requirement is that you want to.
What is the danger?
Hypnosis is generally no more distressing than daydreaming. If you read the medical literature or ask for case studies, you’ll see that hypnosis is no more dangerous than taking an aspirin.
Will I be asleep?
You are just relaxed but fully awake and aware.
A better response to stress can be achieved through the sense of calm focus provided in a hypnotic state.