Ever wondered what hypnotherapy is?
Then this is exactly for you! Imagine this: a serene state of mind where permanent positive change becomes not only possible, but absolutely probable. This is the essence of hypnotherapy.
On this little journey together, we will talk about the power of the subconscious mind, what hypnotherapy is and how it works, debunk myths and of course, what hypnotherapy can help with.
So, in summary, in this article, we will demystify hypnotherapy, address common questions and shed light on how it can take you on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Let’s get started!
The power of your subconscious mind
To truly understand the power of hypnotherapy, it’s important to first understand the powerhouse that is the Subconscious Mind.
So, let’s take a moment to appreciate this unsung hero of your life story. Your subconscious can easily be compared to the behind-the-scenes crew that is constantly working hard to keep the show running.
Studies have shown that your subconscious mind is responsible for a staggering 95% of who you are, leaving just 5% for your conscious mind. This is like saying that your conscious mind is the tip of the iceberg, while your subconscious is the colossal, invisible mass under the surface. This immense processing power is what allows your mind to process vast amounts of information, make split-second decisions, and form complex habits.
Your subconscious mind is like a puppet master, silently shaping your thoughts, beliefs, and responses to the world around you. It is responsible for such automatic reactions as your instincts and intuition. A common example is how you can effortlessly tie your shoes or complete difficult tasks. You can thank your subconscious for that, it’s an expert at turning routine actions into automatic behaviors.
Now here’s the best part: our subconscious isn’t just about survival instincts. It’s also the guardian of our beliefs, both empowering and limiting. It’s the vault where our memories, experiences, and emotions are stored, influencing our decisions and shaping our perspective on the world.
So when we talk about the power of the subconscious mind, we’re really talking about harnessing your own superpower to change. It’s the secret ingredient that can transform our habits, beliefs, and responses, ultimately shaping the narrative of our lives.
So, what is hypnotherapy?
Formally, Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that involves using hypnosis to induce a state that is a good mix of deep relaxation, focused attention and heightened suggestibility. In this state, a trained therapist provides tailored suggestions to help address specific concerns, such as overcoming fears, mental blocks, managing pain or breaking bad habits.
The state of hypnosis is completely natural and it is important to emphasise that the individual is not under the control of the therapist and cannot be forced to do anything against their will or values. As the client, YOU are in control of accepting or rejecting the suggestions given by the hypnotherapist.
In this state, your mind becomes exceptionally open to positive suggestions. It’s like planting seeds of change in the fertile soil of your subconscious. These suggestions can trigger real, tangible changes in your behaviour, thoughts and emotions. You could say it’s like unlocking a treasure trove of untapped potential, all within the comfort of your own mind.
That’s cool and all, but how does hypnotherapy work?
Now, let’s dive into the mechanics of it all.
Expanding on hypnotherapy itself, it can be described as a multi-step process that travels to the deepest areas of your subconscious, allowing for lasting change. And to make this super easy, here is how the process I use to ensure results:
Connection and Trust
Before hypnotherapy even begins, a genuine connection between client and hypnotherapist is established. All questions and concerns are answered so that an environment of trust and safety is built. This step is crucial to successful hypnotherapy.
Entering Hypnosis
The hypnotherapist uses relaxation techniques, which may include deep breathing, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation, to help the individual enter a state of deep relaxation and focused attention, the state of hypnosis.
Entering Hypnosis
In this state, you are guided to access inner parts of your subconscious, which will now also be open to new suggestions and reflections.
More specifically, you access the cause of your emotional conflict or “mental blocks”, so that you can resolve it within yourself. By resolving the conflict, we free the mind from this negative association and replace it with a positive, empowering belief.
Returning from Hypnosis
At the end of the session, the hypnotherapist guides the client out of the hypnotic state. You return to full wakefulness feeling refreshed and often with a greater sense of presence and clarity.
Integration
After the session, the client reflects on what they learned and how it connects to their goals. The positive suggestions from the session stick around and continue to affect your thoughts and actions in you daily life, leading to lasting positive change.
What is important?
I have discovered through years of experience with over a thousand sessions that it is not enough to just follow this process. For hypnotherapy to be truly effective, these three pillars must remain strong:
Real Connection
Building a real connection between client and hypnotherapist is essential to therapeutic success. When you feel understood and supported, it creates an environment where trust can flourish. This trust is what allows us to delve deep into your subconscious and work toward positive change.
Commitment
Your commitment is the fuel for the journey. Without it you can not expect real change, because in the end it is YOU who are the hero of this story, the hypnotherapist is only there as a guide. Commitment shows your readiness for change and keeps us moving forward, even on challenging days.
When you are committed, you are setting yourself up for success.
Personalization
When the hypnotherapist tailors the approach to your unique needs, it ensures that each technique and suggestion is perfectly suited for you. Together, we create a personalized path towards your goals. This ensures that we are addressing exactly what you want to work on and maximizes the effectiveness of the sessions.
Myths about Hypnotherapy
There are a lot of myths about hypnotherapy, some of which are laughable when you have a good understanding of what it actually is.
Here, I’m going to focus on debunking 6 of the top hypnotherapy myths – You might find that you thought some of these were facts:
The Hypnotherapist will control your mind:
Hypnosis is a natural state of mind – all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. It is up to you to choose whether to accept or reject the hypnotherapist’s suggestions.
You run the risk of never coming out of the hypnotic state:
During hypnosis, you are not going anywhere, so there is no risk of not coming back. You will be relaxed, with your eyes closed, you will maintain your ability to think and reason, and you can decide to open your eyes at any time.
Online Hypnosis does not work:
Hypnosis is characterized by relaxation and internal focus. This state is induced 100% verbally by the hypnotherapist, so there is no need for physical touch, just a good internet connection.
I’m going to do something or say something I don’t want to:
Hypnosis is not a mechanism for controlling or manipulating the mind. It is essential to understand that, even in a hypnotic state, you maintain your free will and ability to discern.
Clinical Hypnosis is the same as entertainment or movie hypnosis:
Clinical Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique guided by trained professionals to help you achieve positive results. It is a safe, evidence-based approach used to address emotional issues.
Movie hypnosis is a form of entertainment that dramatizes hypnosis, often exaggerating its effects to create a sense of mystery or humor, which highly misrepresents its true nature.
You run the risk of not being hypnotized:
Hypnotherapy is a practice that relies on collaboration between the therapist and the client, rather than on any inherent skill or lack thereof. Some people are naturally more susceptible to hypnosis, while others may need a little more practice. However, this does not mean that a person is incapable of being hypnotized.
OK, I get it, but what can Hypnotherapy treat?
I’m so glad you asked! Now that you have a good understanding of what hypnotherapy is and, more importantly, what it isn’t, we can get to the good stuff.
What can hypnotherapy do for me? How can it help? The short answer:
It will be very effective in facing fears, removing emotional and mental blocks, eliminating bad habits and increasing confidence.
With hypnotherapy we can treat a wide range of emotional issues that cause anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, addictions, phobias. It can help you lose weight, overcome insecurities and much more.
All of this is possible, thanks to the tremendous power of the subconscious mind. This power is what makes it not only possible, but absolutely probable.
Hypnotherapy offers a holistic approach to personal growth and transformation. It provides us with a powerful tool to address a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges, leading to a more fulfilling and empowered life.
Are there any risks with Hypnotherapy?
Now, hypnotherapy is not all sunshine and rainbows where problems do not exist. Although hypnotherapy is generally safe and well tolerated, this does not mean that it does not pose some potential risks, such as:
- In very rare cases, hypnotherapy can produce false or distorted memories.
- People who are overly suggestive may experience a decreased sense of personal control while under hypnosis. (This is why trust is important.)
- Some people may experience side effects such as anxiety, headaches or dizziness.
- Hypnotherapy may not be appropriate for people who are experiencing symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions.
For these reasons, be sure to only attempt hypnotherapy under the supervision and guidance of a qualified professional.
(At Hipnose Despertar, your safety ALWAYS comes first)
6 things to look for when finding a Hypnotherapist
Starting your hypnotherapy journey can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.
My advice would be to trust your instincts when finding the right hypnotherapist for you. It’s about choosing a practitioner that you connect with, and feel comfortable with addressing your needs. Consider speaking to a few different therapists to ensure you’re making the best choice for your mental wellbeing. That way, you’re investing in a path that truly resonates with you.
Here are the 6 things that I would always look for in a hypnotherapist:
- Connection: Do you feel a connection with the therapist?
- Understanding: Does he/she really understand your goals and needs?
- Personalization: Is personalizing treatment a priority for him/her?
- Support: Does he/she provide support outside of sessions?
- Feedback: Check for positive and trustworthy reviews/testimonials.
- Comprehensive Approach: Do they offer additional tools and practices alongside hypnotherapy to achieve better results?
- Guarantee (Bonus): These are rare in hypnotherapy and are definitely not a requirement. It is very important to know that a guarantee should never be the main factor in choosing a mental health professional. Also, no one can guarantee a “cure” to mental health problems, but only results or betterment.
Now, it’s important to emphasize that this is all about finding the right fit for you. Speaking to a few different therapists can help ensure that you’re making the best choice for your mental health and well-being. Don’t hesitate to trust your gut in this process. Your well-being is worth it!
Do you want to get started with Hipnose Despertar?
Now that you know what hypnotherapy is and how to choose the right hypnotherapist, I would like to invite you for a free 20-minute call to see if I might be the right fit for you.