By Amanda Jewel DeJong
Over the years, a vast pool of negative connotations has formed around hypnosis. Many people refuse to even look past the name and realize there is so much more to the practice than the myths and stories about people doing foolish things during comedy shows. (Who hasn’t heard of someone clucking like a chicken in a trance?) The stereotypes surrounding this vocation include mind control, manipulation and brainwashing. So, let’s demystify this technique and bring to light its powerful potential as a healing and self-improvement tool.
In truth, hypnosis is one of the easiest and most profound ways for us to overcome fears, phobias, addictions and other hurdles in life.
Its simplistic approach allows for participants to experience hyper awareness, heightened senses and enhanced critical thinking—all while enjoying a state of contented tranquility that is achieved through an induction process that includes suggestive instructions.
Indeed, hypnosis has proven highly effective. It allows us to experience a sense of freedom and control and provides a unique ability to release whatever is no longer serving us for the highest good.
Hypnosis is a completely natural way for the mind and body to go into a deep state of relaxation and address the subconscious mind so that an individual may become more susceptible to legitimate suggestions made by a qualified practitioner or through a self-learning process. All of this is done with the specific intent to modify any behavior or thought pattern that is no longer desirable. During hypnosis, variations in brainwave activity occur, the body itself relaxes, thoughts become more internalized and focused, breathing deepens and both blood pressure and heart rate decrease.
As a result of these reactions, hypnosis has been found proficient in helping people make improvements and address problems in many areas of their lives including weight control/management, depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, smoking or tobacco cessation, self-esteem, negative thinking patterns, athletic enhancement and pain management. The term hypnotherapy is the incorporation of hypnosis techniques with a therapeutic approach and/or setting catered to the specific needs of each person.
The key to a successful hypnosis induction lies in the both the willingness of someone to undergo such a process, as well as the abilities of the hypnotherapist.
The job of any good hypnotherapist is to screen for individuals who are contraindicated for such a procedure and, above all, make sure that each client encountered feels safe and comfortable throughout the entire progression. After a thorough intake regarding past medical history, the current frame of mind the client is in, and what goal he or she wishes to accomplish in the session or sessions, the duo will then develop an agreed upon protocol that will aid the client to reach the desired outcome, and the process can thus commence.
While induced in a hypnotic trance-like state, the body and mind become completely tranquil yet highly sensitized. The client is completely aware of what is being said at all times. In fact, the senses of smell, taste, touch, sight and sound are actually enhanced while under hypnosis. Therefore, it is impossible for any of the following to occur to a person during a session:not knowing what is being said by the hypnotherapist; physically, mentally or emotionally doing anything that he or she does not want to engage in, including divulging personal information; not remembering the experience; and not being able to come out of hypnosis. In fact, it is quite easy to come out of hypnosis! It often happens spontaneously throughout a session and it certainly happens when a person is asked to do so upon completion.
Essentially, hypnosis is an excellent resource for those seeking a powerful and effective alternative therapy to free themselves from a vast array conditions and negative behaviors. Whether administered personally or in a therapeutic setting by a trained professional, hypnosis can open the door to our subconscious and usher in our true potential for positive improvement.
Amanda Jewel DeJong is a licensed massage therapist, transpersonal life coach, hypnotherapist and Reiki master. She has worked with most aspects of metaphysical practices for well over a decade and is currently obtaining a degree in holistic healthcare specializing in mind/body psychology with a major in hypnosis as well as spiritual studies. Email Amanda at ajewel65@gmail.com.