In hypnotherapy the use of language constitutes one of the most powerful tools in helping the person under hypnosis overcome a problem, unlike what some people believe hypnosis is not synonymous of sleep, in fact during hypnosis you are neither asleep nor fully awake but in a natural state of relaxation combined with a state of intense focus. When compared to sleep, hypnosis offers some marked differences despite some of the similarities. During hypnosis for instance, it is possible to obtain answers to questions during the hypnotic state which does not happen during sleep, also during hypnosis the individual pays attention to every word subconsciously even the ones that are softly whispered, while during sleep you will have to speak quite loud to get the individual’s attention.
Having said this, hypnosis can have some common points with sleep, in the sense that both often involve a state of deep relaxation (but not necessarily needed as a condition for hypnosis to happen e.g. stage hypnosis), both involve some physiological changes such as in breathing pattern, pulse, heart rate and facial expression.
Despite all the controversy on whether or not hypnotherapy is a therapy in its own right or
a variation of counselling the truth is, that it has helped and proved to be more efficient in areas where other therapies have failed such as smoke cessation, phobias, anxiety, IBS, relationship problems and insomnia to name a very few. Through decades, hypnotherapy has been successfully applied to a multitude of health conditions as well as helping to change perceptions, negative believes and emotions.
Hypnosis is not a new tool for developing positive changes and behaviours but is certainly one of the most powerful techniques to be used in a therapeutic relationship.
In reality, all hypnosis is a process of auto hypnosis where the client allows him/her self to experience changes of sensation, perceptions, thoughts and behaviours. Hypnosis is a natural state referred to as the alpha level, one of the levels experienced during sleep however during hypnosis you can experience trance with your eyes open as it often happens on our daily lives as we concentrate on thoughts, tasks or pay great attention to something on T.V. for example.
The process normally starts with an induction, mainly containing suggestions for physical and mental relaxation and once the client is relaxed the therapeutic procedure is initiated.
Hypnosis can be used in conjugation with a number of psychotherapeutic approaches according to the problem of the client or just with simple positive suggestions directed to the unconscious mind to motivate the needed change. Often involve visualisation and in general is a very pleasant experience.
As hypnosis is a change of conscious awareness, where the therapist speaks directly to the unconscious, you will be more open to new positive ideas and any advice given during the process, explanations or suggestion will be more readily and easily taken during hypno-psychotherapy without the need to rationalise its practicality.
However suggestions must be within your internal code of morals, ethics and in line with your deep beliefs or values in order to be accepted by the unconscious, otherwise they will be rejected. Even though you are under hypnosis you are still in control all the time and have the capability to decline an idea if it opposes you principles.
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