What Is Hypnosis?
Thought Process
In order to explain hypnosis it helps to understand how we process
the endless stream of information we are bombarded with everyday.
Our conscious mind acts as the gate keeper. It judges, critiques,
accepts or denies information for storage in our long-term memory
or subconscious mind. With repeated exposure or repetition to
the same information or experiences, our thoughts can evolve into
actions.
The subconscious stores all of our habits, patterns, values and
beliefs. It’s also the home of our imagination as well as
our body’s control center. It tells our heart when to beat,
our lungs when to breath and controls every step we take every
day of our life. It’s a very powerful place.
Once a subconscious pattern is established it’s pretty
tough to break. Think of the subconscious mind as the hard drive
of your computer. Once you down-load a program it automatically
repeats every time you run it. The more often we repeat an action
the longer the root of this pattern becomes. For example, by repeating
an action 36,000 times it’s likely to become a consistent
part of your life routine. This is the number of times a ½
pack a day smoker reinforces their habit over a ten year period.
Hypnosis 101
Have you ever driven to the store and wondered how you got there
because you remembered no details of the drive? Or stared at your
computer screen for what you thought was an hour only to be surprised
that most of the afternoon had disappeared? These are examples
of naturally occurring hypnotic trance, which we all experience
several times a day.
Hypnosis is the formal process of accessing subconscious thought
and then directing it to support intended goals. Think of a hypnotist
as a tour guide. They point out wonderful vacation spots in your
mind, which you may visit if you choose.
They create a safe, relaxing environment and are prepared to
direct the client toward the still, peaceful depths of subconscious
thought. For most clients hypnosis is the deepest level of relaxation
they have ever experienced.
Then the hypnotist offers the clients subconscious mind the help
it needs. They assit the client to relax and focus inwardly and
then gently give the subconscious mind the new direction it needs.
Also, because the imagination is part of the subconscious mind
the hypnotist will help clients create vivid imagery involving
goals and desires, which can offer dramatically positive results.
The hypnotist should tailor all sessions to the specific needs
of the client. A typical session might be 15-25 minutes long.
Often there is soft music or nature sounds playing quietly in
the background. Some hypnotists may have clients wear headphones,
which allows them to blend music and voice while blocking out
any extra sounds that may interfere with the process of relaxation.
It’s also ideal if they record the session so you can listen
to it on your own.
What a Deal
Not only can you create positive healthy changes with hypnosis,
but you are involved with the process. You choose to enter this
level relaxation, accept the suggestions and create the images
supporting your success. Hypnosis is also an empowering tool you
can use on your own. There is no withdrawal, patches or gum, no
sedation, medications, prescriptions, interactions or allergic
reactions. And once you know the technique, it’s free.
Things to know
Weight loss by hypnosis is generally widely believed to be an
effective tool for limited weight loss when combined with other
forms of treatment like modified diet and exercise programs. Hypnosis
is a relatively new weight loss method that is only now being
fully researched in terms of its long-term effectiveness. Ongoing
clinical research has been documented in such professional publications
as The Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology and The International
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. Studies to date
seem to indicate that hypnosis does help to provide assistance
in learning positive eating behaviors -- and that support lasts
a lifetime.
When considering weight control hypnosis, the single most important
thing to remember when looking for a qualified hypnotherapist
is that no practitioner should only have a CHT (Certified Hypnotherapist)
after his/her name. In addition to a CHT, a practitioner of weight
control hypnosis should also have some indication s/he is a licensed
health care practitioner. Licensed health care professionals usually
have seven to nine years of university coursework, supervised
training in internship and/or residency programs, and their hypnosis
training is in addition to their health care training. Also: Be
sure that hypnotherapists have PhDs from accredited institutions.
An accredited university has certain standards their graduates
must meet to be licensed mental health professionals
In the quest to get fit, have you ever considered using hypnosis
to lose weight? Hypnosis alone can't create a perfect body. However,
it has been proven to be an effective tool for moderate weight
loss. When combined with behavioral weight management programs,
hypnosis can help you to lose weight, by gently training you break
old patterns that may have caused the weight gain in the first
place!
Many hypnotherapists believe that weight problems are a symptom
rather than a cause. During weight loss hypnosis, hypnotherapists
help you tap into your own subconscious to address possible causes
for weight gain. Just a few of these are: emotions toward food,
negative body image, improper nutrition, and lack of exercise.
When using hypnosis as part of a weight loss program, it's important
to remember that you are performing active problem solving. The
hypnotherapist will give you positive stimulation and mental imagery
to assist you, but when you engage in weight loss hypnosis, you're
actually effecting the reversal of your own learned behavior patterns!
Weight Loss By Audio Hypnotherapy
A specific method of receiving the benefits of weight loss by
hypnotherapy is through the use of audio tapes and CDs. Once your
hypnotherapist has decided self-hypnosis will work for your weight
loss program, these guides give you the freedom to continue your
work on your own time! With this method, trained hypnotherapists
have pre-recorded guided sessions that you can use on your own
for private sessions at home, during travel, or even in your office.
Audio hypnotherapy is certainly an empowering way to take control
of your own physical health.
