More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
The Practical Uses Of Hypnosis and Self-Hypnosis
Clinical hypnotherapy can be used in various ways. For one, guided mental imagery is very powerful in a state of mind such as hypnosis. The mind responds to imagery to assist in bringing about personal changes and desired outcomes. A client with an unwanted behavior may be encouraged in hypnosis to vividly imagine acting differently and more appropriately. The unconscious mind then has a tendency to bring about the imagined change.
Another basic hypnotic approach that is often used by hypnotherapists is to offer hypnotic and post-hypnotic suggestions to the client. Such suggestions, given while in hypnosis are more likely to be accepted by the client's unconscious mind. When hypnotic suggestions are given that encourage favorable changes, they may dramatically influence the client's life into the future.
Hypnosis is most effective when the client is motivated to change. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that hypnotherapy, like any other modality, can benefit some people more than others.
Many false beliefs about hypnosis are based on what people read in novels, see in the movies or stage hypnosis shows. People are often concerned that being hypnotized means loss of control or that only weak willed people are hypnotizable. This too is a falsehood and, in fact, the opposite is the case. Learning to experience hypnosis and to use self-hypnosis can provide more self-control for the client. The idea that people will do out of the ordinary things is perpetuated by stage hypnotism shows.
Another myth is that people “go under” and experience a loss of consciousness while in hypnosis. As a result, they mistakenly think they will be “knocked out” and won't remember what happened during their hypnotic session. In fact, hypnosis is a state of heightened awareness. However, because there is an inward focus of attention, some extraneous external happenings may not be noticed. Nonetheless, people usually can remember everything that occurs in hypnosis.
Finally, in hypnosis, the client is not under the control of the hypnotist because hypnosis is not something that is imposed on people. The hypnotherapist merely serves as a facilitator helping the client discover that hypnosis is a natural, safe and useful state of mind. Modern hypnotherapy is often referred to as a co-active, or collaborative approach. The hypnotherapist assists the client to discover their own inner resources and paths to achieving beneficial change and well-being.
