What IS the big deal with Hypnosis? Isn’t it just a bunch of woo-woo?
Is hypnosis real?
This has to be hands down, the number one question I am asked. And in response I have a question (or two) for you. Have you ever slipped off into a day dream? On your drive to school or work do you realize you are there before you know it? During either of these situations have you worried “what if?” or “how will I?” or maybe you were imagining a perfect date. It doesn’t really matter you see, because you have already experienced hypnosis.
Hypnosis is simply a state of focused attention where the analyzing, critical factor is less active, and acceptable, selective suggestions are being received. Perhaps you may have noticed you get really great ideas just as you have deeply relaxed, before falling asleep, or maybe while taking a run or drive. You simply became focused in your activity and the critical factor is not dismissing your creative thoughts before they can ‘bubble to the surface’.
The beauty of hypnosis.
When in the hypnotic state we can take advantage of the overtly critical part of the mind stepping back and help people change long standing habits. You see, once we develop a habit it becomes a part of the belief system in the subconscious mind. Then when some of us try to consciously change that habit, the critical factor jumps in the way and says “Oh, no. Don’t think you’re going independent on me. We’ve always had a cigarette in the car on the way home from work. It makes us feel good. You just won’t have a good evening if we don’t have that cigarette,” because that is what the subconscious mind BELIEVES. The critical factor protects the ‘status quo’.
In hypnosis you can stop smoking, end cravings, become more positive, let go of self-limiting belief, even get pain relief. You see, the area of the brain that is active in hypnosis is where all of the subconscious information is ‘tallied up’ so to speak before the critical factor influences conscious decision making. Hypnosis really can change your life.
Can I be hypnotized?
There are countless articles and papers and so on that address this issue. Everyone’s mind is unique. There is no way to measure if any 2 people enter the hypnotic state in an identical time, pace, or manner. What I can tell you is this: if you are of normal intelligence, and you can follow directions, you CAN go into hypnosis. Period. If your hypnotist has done a good job of answering all of your questions and preparing you for your session it will be easy.