What do you think of when you hear the word hypnosis? Does a comedy stage show come to mind? Maybe it was your senior lock-in or a company work event and you got to see the funny but mysterious (and kind of strange) hypnotist make Stanley bark like a dog and Barb waddle around and quack like a duck. It was funny sure, but also baffling. Because Stanley was shy and Barb would never! So, how?! Why?! What is hypnosis? How does it really work?
Hypnosis has been around much longer than many of us realize. Used in ancient times as a sacred healing method and powerful tool for inwards connection, things took a turn in recent decades; hypnosis has been utilized for shock effect and comedic value in stage shows across America. Fast forward to present time, hypnosis is getting recognition for the power in its origins-a return to its roots if you will. We’re getting to explore why hypnosis developed to begin with, the incredible tool it is for healing and change, and the statistical outcomes following its implementation.
Hypnosis has a fascinating history. The first records of hypnosis span back many years, some speculate thousands. Early practices like mesmerism helped spark curiosity about the mind’s healing potential, and by the 1800s hypnosis began to be studied more formally as focused attention, suggestion, and our capacity for change.
What would it feel like if change came easier than you expected? Clinical hypnosis, often called hypnotherapy, is a state of hyper-focus. With induction into a state of relaxation, heightened inner attention and immersive focus, the busy, analytical part of the mind can begin to quiet. With visualization techniques and careful suggestion, hypnosis creates space to work with patterns that often operate automatically beneath everyday awareness. Information is not only heard but absorbed, and the blueprint for behavioral change, thought processes and relationship with self, is directly accessible for alteration.
What might shift if your mind no longer had to work so hard to protect you? Hypnosis can help soften the mental loops that often keep us stuck-the part working on overdrive, constantly trying to protect us by saying things like, “I couldn’t,” “I shouldn’t,” or “I wouldn’t ever.” As that protective noise begins to quiet, access can open to subconscious patterns that have been running automatically in the background. And beneath all of that may be another part of you-the part that wants desperately for you to succeed but rarely gets permission to lead. And if it could talk, might simply say, “Go for it. I’ve got you.”
And spoiler alert; you may already be familiar with trance-like states. You might recognize the feeling of becoming deeply absorbed in meditation, settling into a song on your favorite playlist, or drifting into thought while on a long drive. Formal hypnosis involves intentionally allowing someone to guide the way and provide suggestions while you’re in trance. Suggestions you request that are carefully discussed ahead of time.
Hypnosis, also referred to as hypnotherapy in clinical settings, can be used for stress reduction, anxiety relief, smoking cessation, performance enhancement, sleep improvement, confidence building, habit change, motivation, pain-reduction, self-image, etc. Is there something you like that you want to increase? Perhaps there is something you want to change. You may notice there is something you want to start/stop. Let’s talk about it!
Research continues to explore hypnosis as a supportive tool. Reach out today as you begin to consider if this treatment approach could be the right fit for you! Change may feel closer than it has before.
