What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a deep state of calmness and relaxation, however you are always in control of yourself, meaning your body and your beliefs. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis and no one can be induced into a hypnotic state against his or her will. You allow yourself to be guided into hypnosis and you remain in control at all times. You always know what is happening and you are aware of where you are and can come out at any time by opening your eyes.
Everyone can be hypnotized. Hypnosis is a natural state we enter in our day-to-day life. We automatically enter a hypnotic trance often, such as before falling asleep, while driving the same route such as to work and back, or while participating in creative endeavors.
Because hypnosis works directly with your subconscious (with your conscious mind as an active participant) results are seen much faster than through traditional psychotherapies. While in a hypnosis session, your subconscious mind is suggestible to the suggestions the hypnotherapist is giving. This weakens the subconscious programs you wish to get rid of to allow your conscious wants and desires to take hold, replacing your old unwanted limiting subconscious programs.
Hypnotists do not possess the power to control other people’s minds. They guide you into deep relaxation so that you can access your unconscious mind. In this state you are not constrained by the inhibitions which normally prevent you from accessing you inner thoughts and feelings. You could never be made to do anything against your will.
Hypnosis can be characterized by:
~Increased muscle relaxation
~Feelings of well-being
~Increased pain threshold
~Predominating alpha and even theta brain waves
~Diminished ability to want to vocalize