In our society, there are many stereotypes and myths about what Hypnosis is and what it can do. Actually, it is simpler and more straightforward that you might think. According to the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis:
“Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention. It is like using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the sun and make them more powerful. Similarly, when our minds are concentrated and focused, we are able to use our minds more powerfully.”
In other words, Hypnosis is a skill you can use to influence your brain and body. When you use that skill, you can change a number of problems.
I’m a Clinical Hypnotist, Not a Stage Hypnotist
These two roles differ in how they use Hypnosis. Some of you may have watched a show in a bar, at a fair, or on TV that featured a “Stage Hypnotist.” You probably saw him/her get volunteers to do what she/he wanted and “make them” act very silly (they actually pick people who want to act silly). Stage Hypnotists are performers who use Hypnosis for entertainment purposes (I call it “Hypno-tainment).
As a “Clinical Hypnotist” my work is very different from Stage Hypnosis. First of all, I’m a trained healthcare professional, not an entertainer. I use Hypnosis with interested clients to help them resolve personal problems. Also, unlike a Stage Hypnotist, I train people in Self-Hypnosis so they can use this powerful skill to make changes in their life. For example, Sheila M. suffered from sharp Migraine headaches most every day. After learning how to use Hypnosis on her own, she discovered that when she practiced it her headaches became less intense and sometimes disappeared altogether.
What Does Clinical Hypnosis Help You With?
Over two hundred years of research and clinical work has demonstrated that Hypnosis is helpful for the following conditions and situations:
Physical Pain
Surgical Preparation and Recovery
Harmful Habits (i.e., smoking, overeating)
Anxiety and Stress
Trauma
Depression
Sleep Disorders
Childbirth Pain
Life Transitions
Skin Problems
Tension and High Blood Pressure
Poor Concentration and Study Difficulties
Is Hypnosis Dangerous?
Some of you may be concerned that Hypnosis may be harmful. You might fear that the hypnotist will somehow take advantage of you. Although it is good to be careful, when you receive Hypnotic treatments from a competent practitioner, you will have a safe and rewarding experience. Here are some facts about Hypnotists:
A Hypnotist cannot make you do something against your will (i.e., quack like a duck)
A Hypnotist cannot force you to enter a hypnotic trance
A Hypnotist cannot keep you in a trance forever
A Hypnotist cannot make you tell all of your secrets
A Hypnotist cannot conjure up the devil
What Happens During a Hypnosis Session?
After orienting you to what Hypnosis is, I would invite you to calmly settle in your seat and allow your awareness to gently focus on something, like the sound of numbers as I count from ten down to one. After you enter a relaxed state I’ll offer some ideas that may help you move towards your goal in therapy. For example, if you wanted to feel more comfortable, I may suggest an experience that brings you comfort (i.e., floating in a swimming pool). Finally, I’ll invite you to slowly return to the room, perhaps by following the sound of the numbers as I count from one up to ten. We’d end the session by discussing your experience.
“All Hypnosis is Self-Hypnosis”
It’s good for you to know that, no matter what I may say, deep down in your brain you will shape your own experience. For example, I once hypnotized a fellow and suggested that one of his arms would feel very light and pleasant. He entered a very deep trance and afterwards he said he liked it very much – but he didn’t feel anything in his arms! Instead he said, “My left leg felt really light and pleasant!” What he had done was to translate the suggestion of comfortable lightness from the arms to his left leg. In other words, he used my words to do his own Self-Hypnosis.
What Can You Do Next?
Read More about Hypnosis. You can visit the websites of well-established Hypnosis organizations to learn more:
Call/Text or Email Me if you have any questions or would like to talk with me. My number is 808-633-6569. You can also reach me at my email address, TheComfortDoc@gmail.com
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