What is Hypnosis?

Greetings everyone, and thank you for taking the time to visit our website! Not surprisingly, the first thing most people ask in this realm is, “What is Hypnosis all about at its core”? Well, that certainly makes sense, right? That’s ultimately why you’re here to begin with! There are numerous misconceptions out there in the public domain about both what Hypnosis is, and, equally as important, what it isn’t!

The basic Merriam-Webster definition of hypnosis states: a trancelike state of altered consciousness that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject.

A definition of hypnosis, derived from academic psychology, was provided in 2005, when the Society for Psychological Hypnosis, Division 30 of the American Psychological Association (APA), published the following formal definition:

Hypnosis typically involves an introduction to the procedure during which the subject is told that suggestions for imaginative experiences will be presented. The hypnotic induction is an extended initial suggestion for using one's imagination, and may contain further elaborations of the introduction. A hypnotic procedure is used to encourage and evaluate responses to suggestions. When using hypnosis, one person (the subject) is guided by another (the hypnotist) to respond to suggestions for changes in subjective experience, alterations in perception,[26][27] sensation,[28] emotion, thought or behavior. Persons can also learn self-hypnosis, which is the act of administering hypnotic procedures on one's own. If the subject responds to hypnotic suggestions, it is generally inferred that hypnosis has been induced. Many believe that hypnotic responses and experiences are characteristic of a hypnotic state.

Okay, so, those are two textbook definitions of the term “Hypnosis”.

However, we personally prefer the following version of what Hypnosis actually represents:

Hypnosis, also called hypnotherapy, is a state of deep relaxation and focused concentration. It’s a type of mind-body medicine.
A trained and certified hypnotist or hypnotherapist guides you into this deep state of focus and relaxation with verbal cues, repetition and imagery. When you’re under hypnosis, this intense level of concentration and focus allows you to ignore ordinary distractions and be more open to guided suggestions to make changes to improve your health.

Now, moving forward, how does hypnosis work?

Interestingly enough, how hypnosis authoritatively works isn’t completely understood. However, it’s commonly believed that in the deep state of focus and relaxation that’s achieved with hypnosis:

• Your conscious mind is quieted, allowing for much easier access to your sub-conscious – where the amazing “work” of hypnosis sessions takes place.

• You’re able to tap into the part of your brain where your thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, sensations, emotions, memory and behaviors originate.

• In this state, you’re more open to gentle guidance from your hypnotherapist to help you modify or replace the unconscious thoughts that are driving your current behavior.

What are some myths about hypnosis?

Myth: Hypnosis isn’t real. It’s only a form of entertainment.

• While hypnosis can be used, in a proper setting, as a form of entertainment, Hypnosis isn’t a stage act or some magical act. Clinical hypnosis is a type of holistic therapy that’s often used as part of a treatment plan that improves client’s overall well-being.

Myth: You lose consciousness or have amnesia when you’re hypnotized.

• Most people remember everything that happens during hypnosis. You remain aware of who you are, where you are and remember what happened during a hypnosis session.

Myth: You’re under the control of your hypnotherapist when you’re hypnotized.

• Your hypnotist or hypnotherapist guides hypnosis, but hypnosis is something you do for yourself. You can’t be made to do anything against your will. You won’t reveal any information that you wished to remain secret. You don’t lose control over your behavior. Hypnosis makes it easier to experience suggestions but doesn’t force you to have certain experiences.

• This fact is so extremely important, that it bears repeating once again!

• Your hypnotist or hypnotherapist guides hypnosis, but hypnosis is something you do for yourself. You can’t be made to do anything against your will. You won’t reveal any information that you wished to remain secret. You don’t lose control over your behavior. Hypnosis makes it easier to experience suggestions but doesn’t force you to have certain experiences.

Myth: Hypnosis is nothing more than deep sleep.

• Hypnosis isn’t sleeping. There are some deeper forms of hypnosis that could make you appear to be asleep because your body is very still and quiet, but you aren’t asleep.

What conditions is hypnosis helpful in treating?

Hypnotherapy may help treat any number of conditions in which psychological factors influence physical symptoms.
Common beneficial hypnotherapy uses include:

• Stress and anxiety, especially before medical or dental procedures; panic attacks; and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

• Phobias.

• Behavior control issues, including giving up smoking, losing weight and enuresis (bedwetting).

How do people describe the hypnotic experience?

People describe hypnosis in different ways. You may feel like you’re “zoned in” or in a trance-like state — so focused that you’re able to block out surrounding distractions. Have you ever been so focused on a TV show or so entrenched in a good book that you don’t hear your family talking around you or even your dog barking? This experience is somewhat similar to how you might feel while hypnotized. Many people say they feel calm and relaxed despite their increased concentration. Most described it as a pleasant experience.