What is hypnosis?

To understand Hypnosis; think about how you feel when you are daydreaming or find yourself lost in a book or film, you are fully conscious but can tune out most of the stimuli around you; focusing on only the story for example. The imaginary events you are reading about or watching can cause you to feel real fear, sadness or happiness; by focusing intently on the subject at hand you can exclude other thoughts and other sensations; this is very similar to what you experience when you are hypnotized and in fact some would argue this is a type of self hypnosis.

Certain fundamental characteristics are identified when in Hypnosis, intense concentration, extreme relaxation and high suggestibility. Hypnotism usually involves both a hypnotist and a subject; although it is possible for someone to hypnotize themselves.

It involves a trancelike state in which a person becomes highly focused and is much more open to suggestion; at all times the subject remains aware of the presence of the hypnotist.

Some experts describe it as an alternative state of consciousness; attention is focused away from the present reality and toward particular images, thoughts, perceptions, feelings, motivations, sensations and behaviours of another time.

When someone is hypnotized they may be more able to access their own creativity; limit the effect of inhibitions and work to re programme patterns of thinking and behaviours; they can be especially receptive to suggestions to help heal them, critical judgment may be weakened and their response to suggestions or commands strengthened.

This state resembles sleep but is induced by suggestion. Calling it sleep is inaccurate; rather than being in a drowsy state of sleep the subject is actually hyper attentive, focused on the words of the hypnotist.

How does Hypnosis Work?

By using intentional relaxation and focusing exercises an individual can obtain a mental state similar to that state between wakefulness and sleep. Many believe this is a way to access a person's subconscious; free of inhibitions and critical thinking.

That subconscious is always active but is overruled by the conscious mind; often what we identify as sudden insight is really the effect of the constant work of the subconscious to put together plans and ideas. When we dream the subconscious is free to come to the forefront where the conscious mind does not filter its messages.

The subconscious can also regulate bodily sensations and trigger feelings; it contains memories of past events that we have consciously forgotten; all of this is available to us through hypnosis.

There are definite physiological changes in someone undergoing hypnosis; different brainwaves occur during hypnosis; during fully conscious awareness we see Bata waves at 14-35 hertz this state is described as an attentive mind which uses logic to reason , evaluate, assess, judge and make decisions. The Hypnotic state shows a marked increase in Alfa waves 8-13hertzs similar to brainwaves of someone meditating. This state has been described as opening a doorway between the conscious and subconscious where memories are easily accessible and new information can be stored.

It is not thinking in the traditional state but instead experiencing without questions, critical judgment or analysis. This state is different to the dream state with its Theta waves or sleep with Delta waves.

Studies have shown that some parts of the cortex; the upper part of the brain are activated during Hypnosis; the left side of our brain considered the more analytical area; the logical control centre which uses deduction, reasoning and convention has less activity while the right side becomes more active. Although there is mental activity distributed throughout the brain the right side is usually more attributed with increased imagination and creativity.

It is hypothesized that during Hypnosis this area can be accessed and deep seated instincts and beliefs can be re programmed. Although suggestion must be acceptable to the subject a lowered critical factor allows new information to be absorbed.

How do we get Hypnotised?

The most common form of Hypnosis uses progressive relaxation exercises to systematically relax and focus the subject while the Hypnotherapist speaks in a slow and soothing voice; self Hypnosis training, meditation and relaxation all use this method. We know certain things must be in place for someone to be effectively Hypnotised; the subject must want to be Hypnotised; believe he/she can be Hypnotised and be willing to feel comfortable and relaxed.

Myths about Hypnosis!

We may all think we know a lot about Hypnosis because displays of it have been part of popular culture most of our lives but that familiarity has bred many myths.

Myth number one: when you are Hypnotised you are asleep?

In fact you are awake at all times; if anything you are hyper alert focused completely on specific images, thoughts and ideas.

Myth number two: when you are Hypnotised you can be forced to do something against you will.

No one can make you do anything you don't want to do. Although your critical judgment may be weakened; changes in thought and behaviour must be acceptable to the subject on a moral and ethical level as well as considered safe. At all times you remain in control.

Myth Number three: Hypnosis is an unnatural altered state of being:

Hypnosis is a completely natural state of concentration and relaxation used for centuries; it is a state of mind in which mentally and physically relaxed we can facilitate communication with our subconscious and conscious mind.

Myth number four: Some people just can't be Hypnotised!

If someone wants to be Hypnotised they can be; all they need to do is follow simple instructions on how to relax; however alcohol or drugs can interfere with obtaining a hypnotic state.

Myth number five: you don't remember anything that happened while you where Hypnotised.

There is no confirmed amnesia after hypnosis; a subject will remember everything that took place during the session.

Myth number six: you cannot talk while you are Hypnotised.

Not only can you speak during Hypnosis but in analysis you will be encouraged to do so.