(This blog was originally posted on June 26, 2014)
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| Photo by Rick Hustead |
Many people
seek hypnotherapy to help them change an unwanted behavior: quit smoking, lose
weight, increase self-confidence, be able to relax, etc. Whatever their
ultimate goal happens to be, the person will have to control, change or
override a familiar behavior (known)
to achieve it. When they make that initial phone call to set up a first
hypnotherapy appointment they may have some or no previous experience being
hypnotized, but many people have an idea about what it may entail.
During that
initial conversation or our first meeting the person will express a conscious,
enthusiastic desire to make a positive change in his or her life. The idea of
having my (or another hypnotherapist) undivided attention for about an hour,
including the 15 to 20 minutes they will spend in hypnosis to work on changing
their undesired behaviors, appeals to a lot of clients. They know that this
appointment is their time to be
listened to in a confidential, supportive, nonjudgmental environment. They
understand that hypnosis and therapeutic guided-imagery are effective tools
that hypnotherapists use to help replace the unwanted behaviors that no longer
work for them. But one nagging doubt still lingers in the back of their mind: Will you be able to control my mind?
This is one of
the most common concerns people have about hypnosis. My answer is, no. Hypnosis is an ancient, natural and
drug-free state that can be used as an effective therapeutic tool. I explain to
each of my clients at our first appointment that hypnosis cannot make a person
say anything or behave in a way that he or she wouldn’t ordinarily act when in
a fully alert and aware state. I incorporate the language of the person’s
subconscious mind (suggestibility)
with the person’s words and expressions in the hypnotic
script that will help motivate, encourage and support the desired
behavioral change. The client is hypnotizing him- or herself; as the
hypnotherapist, I guide and facilitate this process.
Hypnosis is one
of the most relaxing states that you can experience. In fact, everyone is in a
light state of trance (hypnosis) twice each day: for 30 minutes after waking up
in the morning and 30 minutes before drifting to sleep. Contrary to popular
belief, it is not a state of unconsciousness or even sleep. Every sense is heightened during hypnosis. Yes, you
will be more receptive to suggestions and other sensory influences while you
are in this state. You may even suddenly notice a slight itching sensation on
your neck when I bring your attention to the label sewn into the collar of your
shirt.
However, during
hypnotherapy the only person who can and will control your mind is you, and that is how and why the
avocational and vocational self-improvement changes you want to make in your
life will be achieved. It provides an opportunity to gain even more control over an aspect of your life
that you may not have previously been able to change. If you would like to get
rid of an unwanted habit or behavior why not give hypnotherapy a try? You will
find that you have even more control over—not risk of losing control of—your
mind, behavior and beliefs than you ever imagined!
Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in
Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation
Institute in 2005. For more
information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an
appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/
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2018
