Hypnosis Faq: Answers To Common Hypnosis Questions
It's true that there are many misconceptions about hypnosis. But what is hypnosis really? What kinds of things can it help with? How does it work?
In this post, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about hypnosis. We'll also dispel a few myths and misconceptions in the process! So whether you're interested in trying out some new self-hypnotherapy or learning more about what it is, read on to learn all you need to know before going under...
What Is Hypnosis Really?
The word "hypnosis" has come to mean different things over time. It's often used to refer to a state of mental relaxation or a feeling of being entranced or transported, but it actually originated in the medical field, and refers specifically to a medical procedure developed in the late 1800s called "hypnotism."
In its original form, hypnosis was used as an experimental treatment for many different disorders, including insomnia, narcolepsy, and tuberculosis. The idea was that if you could make someone more suggestible while they were under hypnosis, they might be able to more easily accept new ideas (such as the healing power of hypnotherapy) while they were in their resting state. In this way, you could potentially treat patients more efficiently.
So what is hypnosis really, in a sense? It's actually very simple: it's a state of heightened suggestibility. It's like the ultimate guided meditation session. During hypnosis, you enter into a state of heightened and focused concentration, making you extra responsive to suggestions for how to improve your life.
What Are Some Common Myths About Hypnosis?
There are many common myths about hypnosis floating around out there: the most widely believed one is that people who undergo hypnotherapy are at risk of "going under" and doing things they wouldn't do normally if they weren't hypnotized. Other myths include the idea that hypnosis is too dangerous to use, or that it might have negative side effects like memory loss.
But these are just myths! Hypnosis is not a state of awkward passivity, where you're being pushed around and forced to do things you otherwise wouldn't do. On the contrary, the stage hypnotist forcing his subject to cluck like a chicken might make for good entertainment, but it's nothing like what happens during a medical hypnotherapy session.
Hypnosis is not a magical state of mind in which you lose your free will and act against your own wishes. You can't be forced to go against your own moral values or your innermost beliefs while you're under hypnosis. The only reason that people don't behave normally is because they're unfamiliar with hypnosis and aren't familiar with what going under feels like.
After all, the only problem when you're going under is that you might be feeling a little light-headed or disoriented, or that you might think the hypnotist seems kind of cheesy or weird. This doesn't mean anything unusual is happening to you!
What Problems Can Hypnotherapies Help With?
Hypnotherapy can help with a wide variety of things. The most common uses include:
Weight loss
Stop smoking (quitting smoking)
Overcoming or managing your fear of public speaking, heights, needles, or spiders (public speaking anxiety)
Managing pain through hypnosis pain relief techniques when you are unable to take medication due to side effects or other medical conditions (hypnotherapy for medical conditions). You might have heard of people using hypnotherapy for pain management or relaxation before getting a procedure like a dental exam or surgery. This is real! People with sensitive teeth can use hypnotherapy to relax back teeth before having a filling done, and people with chronic back pain can use hypnosis for surgical prep as well.
You can use hypnosis to overcome phobias of many kinds, such as a fear of flying or fearful encounters with wild animals.
Managing obsessive behaviors, like gambling or hoarding (addiction)
Managing phobias, anxiety, and stress through trance-based techniques. You can use hypnotherapy for relaxation before major events (anniversary parties, business trips), or for dealing with a major exam such as a medical exam, job interview, or the SATs. This can also be helpful if you're experiencing an anxiety attack from a major public speaking engagement. Here's an example video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89nShGcEgCQ I've also written an article on the topic of dealing with stress during an exam or job interview: Should You Use Hypnosis For An Exam, Interview, Or Job?
Relaxation and trance-based techniques might be able to help with a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain (both physical and emotional), insomnia, eating disorders, and even depression. Almost any problem that can't be solved by conventional treatment might benefit from going under.
The Most Commonly Used Trances In Hypnotherapy
The most famous technique in hypnotherapy always remains the "sleep-hypnotherapy" that's been used for so long. However, this isn't the only form of hypnotherapy in existence! Some therapists prefer to use other methods that allow them to get their clients into a deeper state of trance, but that also make it easier for the therapist to know when they are and aren't under.
One common method used by medical hypnotists is the "eye-fixation" trance. In this type of trance, the client will be told to focus on a single item (like a flame or a crystal ball) with their eyes open, and then focus on nothing at all. This helps them enter into a more relaxed state just by relaxing their eyes and turning off visual stimuli.
Another method is the "guided meditation" trance, which can be helpful for people who have difficulty getting into a deep state of hypnosis. A guided meditation is similar to a guided visualization, except that it follows a consistent structure and plotline. This makes it easier for the client to enter into a relaxed state.
These are only two of the most common types of hypnotherapy, however! One important thing to keep in mind is that there isn't just one "right" way to conduct hypnosis sessions, and you might find different methods working better for different people.
What Is Stage Hypnotism, And How Is It Different From Medical Hypnotherapy?
The most well-known form of hypnosis tends to be the stage hypnotism that you see at magicians' shows. This is a fun, entertaining way to experience hypnosis and get a taste for what it's like. However, it's not a good idea to try to use stage hypnosis techniques on yourself!
Stage hypnosis is actually an incredibly bad way to go about learning how to do medical hypnotherapy or relax with the help of trance states. Stage hypnotism relies on showmanship and audience participation over any real understanding of the power of medical or therapeutic hypnotherapy.
Conclusion: What Can You Expect From A Session?
The first step in hypnotherapy is the initial visit. During this meeting, you can learn about what the hypnotherapist does, how he or she will work with you, and ask any questions that you might have. The therapist can also demonstrate some techniques to get a better idea of what it feels like. (Remember, though, that true hypnosis doesn't feel bizarre or otherworldly.)
Then comes the actual session! This is where you get to try out a series of different techniques to see how they affect you. Many people find that it's easier to focus during sessions when they're not being directly addressed by the therapist.