HEALTHY CHANGES

 

Hypnosis can be defined as a mental state of focused awareness during which the subconscious mind is more open and receptive to suggestions. Hypnosis is induced by a procedure known as hypnotic induction. This is a series of instructions and suggestions made to the subconscious mind. Hypnosis is not a form of sleep, but rather a wakeful state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. It is often said that "all hypnosis is really self-hypnosis" and the hypnotist is simply the facilitator in the process. People are often in a state of "self-hypnosis" when they daydream, watch TV or drive a car over a familiar route. The process of hypnosis may feel just like one of these situations.

 

There are many myths about hypnosis, and some people fear the process because they feel they will lose control and be made to do or say things against their will. However, a person cannot be hypnotized without his permission and participation and if told to do something that runs counter to his beliefs or value system, will simply come out of hypnosis and refuse to cooperate.

 

During hypnosis, the hypnotist speaks directly to the person's subconscious mind, while the conscious mind is otherwise occupied. The person under hypnosis can hear everything that is said and often remembers everything that went on during the session. Sometimes the person under hypnosis thinks he has not been "under" because he heard everything that was said, but the subconscious mind has heard and understood everything that was said. The subconscious mind serves as a person's "protector" and has the job of protecting the person's emotional, mental and physical well-being throughout life. Often, however, behaviors and perceptions that were originally developed to protect the person are no longer beneficial and, in fact, may now be detrimental. Usually, if the subconscious mind is made aware of these problems, it can be convinced to give up the behavior or perception that is not for the person's highest good and positive or beneficial suggestions put in place. For example, a person who is overweight may be unable to reduce their weight for reasons the subconscious mind thinks are protective, and it can be convinced to release these reasons to help in weight reduction.

 

When hypnotism is used for therapeutic reasons, it is called hypnotherapy and has been shown to be effective in a number of areas, such as pain relief, overcoming addictions, relieving fears and anxieties and in stress reduction.