Hypnotherapy is seen to be such a mystical and mysterious thing. Sure, there’s plenty we’re still yet to learn and understand about hypnosis, but there is also a lot that we do know too. To give you a bit more information and guidance on the topic of hypnotherapy, we’ve put 5 common facts together that we think you should know about.
1. Hypnosis is Not Mind Control
While it may appear that the hypnotherapist is controlling the mind of the subject in some way, this is simply not the case. You can’t be hypnotised against your will. In fact, some people are more prone to hypnosis than others, so the success of hypnosis largely depends on how suggestible the person is to it.
You have to be a willing and cooperative participant in order to be hypnotised. A level of trust needs to be established too. If you believe that you can be hypnotised, then you will be more responsive to the hypnosis.
2. Hypnotherapy is Older Than You Think
Hypnosis is not some new fad that’s just popped up in the last few decades. Back in the 18th century, German physician Franz Mesmer was credited with bringing hypnotism to the mainstream. In fact, the hypnotic method ‘mesmerism’ was even named after Mesmer. Following Franz’s first use of hypnosis for treatment, hypnosis soon attracted significant scientific interest around the 1880s and the growth of the hypnotherapy industry has snowballed since then.
But while Franz Mesmer helped make hypnosis as significant as it is today, there’s evidence that hypnosis originated even further back in time. Over 4000 years ago, ‘sleep temples’ existed in ancient Egypt, the Middle East and Greece. People went to these sleep temples to be cured of their illness and ailments, and hypnotic suggestion was one method used for treatment. Along with putting patients into a trace like or hypnotic state, other treatment options included meditation, baths, dream analysis and sacrifices.
3. There are Multiple Ways to be Hypnotised
According to British Hypnosis Research, there are over 30 hypnosis induction techniques that exist today. Each one has benefits and is suited to different purposes and outcomes.
Despite the long list of techniques available, there are only a few methods that are commonly used today:
- Hypnotic suggestion – Guided relaxation where you fall under a hypnotic trance and gain heightened awareness. This allows suggestions to be received directly into the subconscious mind. These suggestions work to reinforce positive affirmations and desired changes you wish to obtain.
- Hypnotic visualisation – You are guided to visualise a scene or experience while under a hypnotic state. Appropriate guided imagery can help bring desired changes in a person.
- Analytical hypnotherapy – Two-way communication is established between you and the hypnotherapist. This technique can help the hypnotherapist discover why a beneficial suggestion is rejected.
- Regression – Brings out ideas that are unavailable to the conscious mind and gives you the opportunity to remember, review and understand them. This technique is often used to find the source of an issue.
- Progression – You are guided to visualise the future and long-term consequences associated with reaching their goal.
4. Hypnosis is a Natural Experience
While hypnosis may seem mystical and magical, it is, in fact, a very natural experience. We can put ourselves into a very similar trance-like state when our minds wander or when we zone out while doing things like watching TV, working or reading. The average person actually experiences hypnosis in this way around twice a day.
Being under hypnosis is very similar to the dream (REM) state, so the feeling you get just before falling asleep is very similar to being under hypnosis. The main difference here is that you will be alert and aware of your surroundings.
5. You Are in Control When Under Hypnosis
When you’re under hypnosis, you will still be aware of yourself and your surroundings throughout the process. While it may appear that hypnotised people (particularly for entertainment purposes) are acting like the hypnotist’s puppet, in reality, they’re still in control and are only undertaking actions they would be willing to do consciously anyway.
You are in control of how much suggestion you receive and take on. Your hypnotherapist is merely a guide to help achieve your goal. When under hypnosis you can also hear, understand and remember the hypnotic suggestions made.
Book a Hypnotherapy Appointment Today
Interested in booking a hypnotherapy session? Greg Thompson from Moving Minds Clinical Hypnotherapy is professionally affiliated with the Australian Hypnotherapists Association. With a long list of happy clients and a strong reputation in the industry, Call Moving Minds Clinical Hypnotherapy on 0422 741 041 or get in touch online to book a hypnotherapy appointment with Greg.