Introduction
In this blog post, we’ll explore the following:
- What hypnosis is
- 3 things that hypnosis cannot do
- 3 things that hypnosis can do
- And debunk some common myths and misconceptions,
What is Hypnosis?
We’ll start with a definition from the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) which is the largest organization of hypnotists in the world. The NGH defines hypnosis as “a state of heightened suggestibility, in which you can reprogram your mind and body for success.”
Another way of defining hypnosis is that “Hypnosis is a natural, state of mind where the conscious mind is relaxed and the subconscious mind is more receptive to suggestions.”
Understanding the Hypnosis Experience
What does it Feel Like?
Whether you know it or not, you’ve experienced a light state of hypnosis sometime in your life.
Have you ever experienced:
- Daydreaming to the point that you felt it was real
- Being so absorbed in a book or video game that you lost track of time
- Watching a movie and becoming so involved that you felt that you were there.
If so, then congratulations, you’ve experienced a light level of hypnosis. The examples above are all day-to-day examples of a light hypnotic state.
So, what does actual “hypnosis” feel like? Imagine being deeply relaxed both mentally and physically. Quite often my clients report that it feels like they are physically just on the verge of falling asleep and yet their mind is alert.
While in this relaxed state, you’ll still be aware of everything going on around you. If a car drives by you’ll hear it. If someone walks down a hall you’ll hear it. You’ll even think of extraneous thoughts such as “I need to stop at the grocery on the way home.” This is all normal.
Now let’s take a look at the most important concept in hypnosis.
All Hypnosis is Self-Hypnosis
Please understand this, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. This means the power to enter hypnosis and make changes is under your control.
No one can force you into hypnosis.
The hypnotist only provides instructions and guidance, that’s all. Follow the instructions and you get hypnotized. Don’t follow them; there is nothing the hypnotist can do to force you into hypnosis. It’s as simple as that!
Now, because all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, you maintain control throughout the process.
You decide whether or not you will enter hypnosis.
You control how deep you go into the experience.
You control whether or not you accept the suggestions given.
Finally, you control when you will emerge from hypnosis. This gives you complete control over the entire process.
Having given you some background on what hypnosis is, let’s take a look at 3 things hypnosis cannot do.
3 Things Hypnosis Cannot Do
It’s crucial to understand the 3 things hypnosis cannot do to separate fact from fiction and set realistic expectations for your hypnosis experience.
The Hypnotist Cannot Force a Behavior
One common misconception is that the hypnotist can force people to engage in behaviors against their will. This belief is perpetuated by stage hypnosis shows, where participants seem to perform bizarre or embarrassing acts at the hypnotist’s command. You are always in control. The hypnotist cannot force you to do anything that is against your core beliefs, morals, or values.
In stage hypnosis, participants are often more willing to engage in outrageous behavior due to the social context and the expectation that they will perform entertaining acts. The hypnotic state simply makes them more suggestible and open to following the hypnotist’s instructions. However, if a suggestion goes against their deeply held beliefs or values, the participant would likely reject the suggestion, even while in a hypnotic state.
In clinical hypnosis, the hypnotist works with the client to achieve a positive change. The suggestions provided during hypnosis are designed to align with the client’s objectives. The client can choose to accept or reject the hypnotist’s suggestions.
Hypnosis Cannot Change Your Personality
Something else hypnosis cannot do is completely alter a person’s personality. Hypnosis cannot change the core personality.
Instead, what hypnosis can do is help you resolve specific issues or behaviors that you wish to change or improve. For example, hypnosis can help you overcome a fear of public speaking, manage stress more effectively, or quit smoking. These changes can lead to personal growth and improved quality of life but do not constitute a complete personality overhaul.
Hypnosis Cannot Guarantee Success
Finally, understand that a hypnotist cannot guarantee success. That’s up to you. You’re in control. It’s your motivation and willingness to change that is key.
Hypnosis is not a magic wand that can instantly resolve issues or create lasting change without effort on your part. You must genuinely want to change and be open to the process for it to work effectively. A person who is resistant to the idea of hypnosis or not fully committed to making a change will likely fail in achieving their desired outcome.
Additional Hypnosis Facts Vs. Fiction
Let’s debunk some myths about hypnosis.:
Myth 1: Hypnosis is mind control
Fact: As you’ve already learned you are always in control and can choose to accept or reject suggestions.
Myth 2: You can get “stuck” in hypnosis
Fact: Hypnosis is a natural state of focused relaxation, and no one has ever been stuck in it. Again, you’re in control. You control going into hypnosis and no one can prevent you from emerging from hypnosis.
Myth 3: Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized
Fact: The ability to be hypnotized is not related to “weak-mindedness.” People with higher intelligence and better concentration are often more responsive to hypnosis.
Myth 4: Hypnosis can make you reveal your deepest secrets
Fact: Another oldie but goodie from Hollywood. I’ve said it many times before, you are always in control. The hypnotist cannot make you reveal anything you don’t want to reveal. When I do hypnosis, the client rarely needs to say anything. The work is done silently
Myth 5: Hypnosis can erase your memories
Fact: Nope doesn’t happen. And even if I could erase your memories, that would be unethical. However, it can help you process and reframe memories in a more positive and empowering way.
So, What can Hypnosis do?
Let’s explore the s true potential of hypnosis.
Hypnosis is a tool
Hypnosis is a versatile and powerful tool that can facilitate profound personal growth and change. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for the mind – with the guidance of an experienced hypnotist, it can be applied to various issues involving the subconscious mind.
Hypnosis allows you to choose what you want to change. Then it gives you the means to effectively reprogram your mental habits and thought patterns (programs)..
Hypnosis does this by:
- Removing unwanted “programming,”
- Adding new, more beneficial “programming”
- Or by updating and improving existing “programming”.
3 Things Hypnosis Can Do: and more!
Improving Your Mindset for Success
One of the most popular uses of hypnosis is to create a “success” mindset. Imagine what it would be like to feel unstoppable. I’ve worked with many clients who wanted exactly that. And guess what? By the end of our sessions, they had achieved that. They felt unstoppable and their careers and family life reflected it.
Smoking Cessation
Hypnosis has been proven to be an effective method for quitting smoking by addressing the underlying psychological triggers and habits associated with the addiction.
Weight Loss and Healthy Eating Habits
Hypnosis can help you develop a healthier relationship with food, promoting mindful eating, portion control, and a balanced diet, ultimately leading to sustainable weight loss.
Managing Stress and Anxiety.
Hypnosis can help with both stress and anxiety. If the stress or anxiety is brief and periodic, for example, stress regarding a sales presentation, then one way to deal with it is to provide a band-aid. This can include any technique that allows you to get through a momentary situation.
For chronic situations, I prefer to go after the root cause. Find it and eliminate it. This provides a more permanent solution. The best part is that the subconscious knows exactly what the root cause is. And, the subconscious knows exactly how to remove it.
Overcoming Phobias and Fears
Fears and phobias can be dealt with just like stress and anxiety. Find the root cause and remove it. Once the root cause is removed, the fear goes away.
These examples merely scratch the surface of the multitude of issues that hypnosis can address. The only limitation of what hypnosis can be used for is your imagination. The possibilities are virtually endless. If you’re not sure if hypnosis can help you, why not call me? I’d be glad to discuss the use of hypnosis with you.
Takeaways
- Hypnosis is a natural state of focused relaxation where the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to suggestions.
- The hypnotic state is a collaborative process where the client remains in control and can choose to accept or reject suggestions.
- Hypnosis cannot force behavior, change personality, or guarantee success.
- Hypnosis is a powerful tool for personal growth. It can be used to improve any aspect of your life.
- The only limitation of what hypnosis can be used for is one’s imagination.