Hypnosis. A fascinating yet misunderstood topic for a majority of people. There are often many misconceptions as to how the process actually works. How can we actually use this tool to create real change in our lives? What makes it a viable healing modality?

If you think for a minute back to when you had your last problem or dilemma- what state was your mind in at the time? I can hazard a guess that it may have been racing, muddled or stuck. When our minds are in conflict it is difficult to see a new perspective and find a solution. In this panic state, we tend to forget that there is always a solution to any problem, even though it can seem bleak at that moment. However, these daily dilemmas build up in our minds until we feel so much stress that even small things seem overwhelmingly insurmountable. When you are relaxed you can manage your life well, no matter what arises. Over time we build imprints into our psyche that have effects on our thoughts, habits, and choices we make. The result is chronic stress. Stress can lead to bad habits. Continually making poor choices can lead to low self-esteem and loss of respect for ourselves. Who do we pick on first when things are not going in the way that we plan? The first target is usually ourselves. We make ambitious plans for change only to beat ourselves up for not being perfect. Hypnosis suspends the harsh judgments we make on ourselves. Under the state of hypnosis we can begin to see the patterns of our lives emerge from a detached place. Thus, enabling us to free ourselves from the grip of them.

How does our subconscious mind affect our daily life? The subconscious mind stores all of your memories, reactions, everything that has ever happened to you, even if you do not have a conscious recollection of it. It is like a giant storeroom of your past. It also controls our bodily functions: breathing, heart rate, digestion and body temperature.

Hypnosis brings us into an altered state of awareness, where the conscious mind is able to take a much-needed break from the unceasing chatter of the mind. Our brain waves transform into the alpha state. They slow down similar to when we are just about to fall asleep at night. At that time, we have allowed our body and mind to slow down. The mind reaches a heightened state of focus and clarity. Each person’s experience of the hypnotic process will be different.

One thing that is for certain is people’s expectation of the process is a major factor in creating an ideal space for change. The key is the person’s willingness and ability to surrender to something new. Through the hypnotic process there is an opportunity to learn about the deeper aspects of you and unlearn ingrained habits for a far more positive outcome.

The truth is that we are in and out of hypnosis all day long. A hypnotherapist acts as a facilitator for change in essence the transformation comes from within the client. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Hypnosis happens where there is a shift in the state of mind. This shift in mental state brings the ultimate space for letting go of limiting thoughts. Although much misunderstood, hypnosis can be just what you need for creating powerful change in your life.

Just for you guys that were wondering exactly what hypnosis should feel like. I would like to clarify that the hypnotic state is a natural, normal state of mind. It can be likened to when you become so engrossed in a book or movie that you feel like you have lost track of time. This state can be directed to your advantage to help reduce stress, control pain, alleviate fears and let go of unwanted habits. This is the ultimate time to instruct your subconscious mind. While in hypnosis suggestions are acted upon much more powerfully than in normal conditions. There is a heightened awareness and focus. The critical factor/voice of our conscious mind takes a vacation for a little while. (What a Relief!) That is why it is difficult to use sheer willpower when making a change because there is always that voice telling us all the reasons why we can’t make the change.