(This blog was previously posted on March 13, 2014)
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| Image courtesy of Microsoft |
The
subconscious mind controls almost all
of our beliefs and behavior. Therefore, the subconscious mental script for an entrenched
habit will trump the conscious mind’s logic, will-power, decision-making and
reasoning faculties that want to change this habit every time. When I help a
client to change a behavior in hypnotherapy, I utilize a technique called
“pattern interrupt.” The purpose of the pattern interrupt is to give the SCM a
time out while the individual engages in something completely different for a
little while. Through this exercise, the client experiences how it feels to
have the power and control to choose whether to engage in an activity that has
been controlling his or her life.
When I work
with someone to change a behavior, such as to quit smoking or lose weight, I first
ask what specifically triggers the undesired behavior, and how he or she
handles this kind of temptation. Next, we discuss options for dealing with the
trigger without engaging in the unwanted behavior. It is important that the
person comes up with these alternative behaviors in order for the client to
remain motivated and enthusiastic about working to achieve his or her goal. The
pattern interrupt should be simple and easy to do, whether it is taking ten
slow, deep breaths instead of lighting a cigarette; drinking a glass of water
instead of a can of soda; take the dog for a walk instead of playing a computer
game. I will also reinforce these options as hypnotic suggestions so the
subconscious mind will also start to recognize these new activities as “known”
behaviors.
Every time you
choose to do the replacement activity, even for just a couple of seconds, you
are reinforcing a new behavior and creating a new known in the SCM. The great
thing about the pattern interrupt is that anyone
can do this. You don’t need to be in hypnosis or to have received a
post-hypnotic suggestion to substitute an unwanted behavior. When temptation
strikes, you just need to do something else for a little while… just long
enough for the craving to subside and your subconscious mind to forget, for a
little while, that this behavior ever existed, at all.
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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