What is hypnosis and how can it help us?

Misconceptions

• There are many misconceptions held about the nature of hypnosis which detract from the beneficial effects it can instil. Only 10% of the population are susceptible to a deep state of hypnosis and even this minority are in full control of their mind during the process. The emergence of stage hypnotism has given rise to apprehension by presenting the illusion that subjects are under full control of the hypnotist and can be made to act against their will. Nobody (even in the deepest trance) will do anything against their will and subjects are in full control of their faculties right throughout the process. People who participate in stage shows have an inner desire to participate which is reinforced by the atmosphere of the occasion. Anyone who is asked to do anything they find objectionable will come out of the state immediately.

• Nobody has ever come to harm during hypnosis. 
• The subject is fully aware at all times; there is no loss of consciousness.
• It is impossible to become stuck in this state. Clients induce trance themselves, and can readily revive themselves.
• The subject is not weak minded; hypnosis requires concentration, the best subjects are intelligent.

What is hypnosis?

In essence hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation much like daydreaming. Its purpose in a clinical situation (clinical hypnotherapy) is to treat minor psychological problems such as anxiety, low self-esteem, stress and phobias. Many of these problems are rooted in the sub-conscious mind which is far more accessible when the subject is in a light trance or deeply relaxed state. The state just before hypnosis is called the 'hypnoidal state' examples are given below:

• Waking hypnosis: a state often induced while driving, watching television, or reading.
• Day dreaming and reverie.
• hynopompic and hypnogogic states: These are essentially the same. The hypnogogic state is the state entered just before falling asleep and the hypnopompic state is entered just after waking up.

Why do we use hypnosis?

Many of us long to clear the clouds of unknowingness, the 'hidden' patterns of the past that cause us to think, feel and behave in rigid ways. Ourselves, and society as a whole, are enmeshed in patterns that no longer serve us. Hypnosis is a tool that enables us to by-pass the interference of the conscious mind, that part of the mind that is so easily distracted by exterenal stimuli; it enables us to reach the ingrained catalysts of our problems and impedances: it enables us to treat the cause rather than the symptom. Using the vehicle of hypnosis, we are not only able to access the encumberances of this life time, but we can identify patterns stemming many life-times.

 

The Merseyside Academy of Hypnotherapy

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