HYP·NO·SIS    HIPˈNŌSƏS/    NOUN  NOUN: 

Hypnosis the induction of a state of consciousness in which a person apparently loses the power of voluntary action and is highly responsive to suggestion or direction. Its use in therapy, typically to recover suppressed memories or to allow modification of behavior by suggestion, has been revived but is still controversial. the state of consciousness produced by hypnosis. Origin late 19th century: from Greek hupnos ‘sleep’ + -osis.   

WHAT REALLY IS HYPNOSIS?

Hypnosis is a state of trance, a natural everyday occurrence that we all share and experience. Most of us experience this state of being about 2-4 hours per day. We sometimes refer to it as “zoning or spacing out”, “daydreams”, most of us don’t even consider ourselves “hypnotized” or recognize it as such, when in reality hypnosis or trance is nothing more than a narrowing of the focus of the mind. Hypnosis can exist in many forms, watching movies, T.V. books, driving, basically any re-directed focus. Hypnosis or trance is valuable for the sense of relaxation it brings, nothing more.

Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of trance or hypnosis to bring about a desired change in an individual. Hypnotherapy involves hypnosis; hypnosis does not necessarily involve hypnotherapy if there is no intent to bring about desired change.

“Clients come to see a hypnotherapist to make tomorrow better, in some way than yesterday. Clients come for a change. They want to learn more, think faster, feel less pain, stop nasty habits, change their emotional responses to events in their lives and all other sorts of reasons.”

“In 1999 less than 1% of all Americans sought the services of a hypnotherapist. By comparison, almost half of all adult Americans bought an herb of some kind for some health benefit. It is certainly true that herbs can really help some people’s health, but it is doubtful that any herb can do for a client what effective hypnotherapy or even self hypnosis can do for them”

CHARACTERISTICS OF HYPNOSIS

It is my thought that the understanding of a subject is not just what that subject is, but more often, having an understanding and comprehension of what it is not as well. This statement applies directly to the study of the mind, and hypnosis in particular.

A PERSON IN HYPNOSIS IS:

  1. In a total state of awareness 
  2. A consenting participating individual
  3. Fully in control
  4. Comfortably relaxed
  5. Aware of their surroundings and what is happening

In fact, research has shown a subject that is in trance to be in a state Hyper-awareness.

Scientists have speculated that the state of deep relaxation produced while in hypnosis prompts the brain to release chemicals called endorphins, natural mood-altering substances that can change the way we perceive pain and other physical symptoms.

Some others feel that it acts through the subconscious, the part of the mind responsible for involuntary reactions ranging from blood pressure and heart rate to hunger.

Whenever you are in a relaxed, trance-like state, you are more receptive to suggestions that can help you react differently to negative situations, turn your attention away from harmful or unpleasant stimuli such as pain by way of disassociation, discourage unwanted behavior, and even change your pulse rate or body temperature.

Hypnosis can also put you in touch with memories that may explain the origins of current problems and habits. Once you understand why you act a certain way given specific stimulus, you're in a better position to change the way you respond. Your mind can focus on productive solutions and hopefully overcome negative reactions

A PERSON IN HYPNOSIS IS NOT:

  1. Unconscious
  2. Asleep
  3. Submissive to another’s will or power
  4. In an uncontrollable trance state
  5. Prone to reveal confidential information
  6. Act immorally or against their ethical boundaries

Hypnosis is not a devious way of controlling the minds and actions of so called “weak minded” people, nor is it a means of enticing people into performing immoral or unethical acts, persuading them subconsciously to join religious cults or even believing any specific way of thinking.

It is not a panacea for mastering all pain and illness, accomplishing feats beyond the abilities of modern medical science, “proving” the theory of reincarnation and/or past lives, or proving that one has been abducted by aliens.

It is not shamanism, crystal therapy, Reiki, massage or dozens of other “alternative” modalities. It is also not a special means of “channeling” the messages of New Age guru’s who then share their messages with their followers.

Although these methods or modalities exist and may have their rightful place, and some may make USE of hypnosis,  this therapist's definition of hypnosis for therapy purposes adheres to the scientifically provable one.