HYPNOSIS AND HYPNOTHERAPY

Volume 4 Issue 7 July 2014

Hypnosis is a method by which a person can be guided into an altered state of consciousness called the ‘trance
state’. It is characterized by a deep state relaxation and increased suggestibility. In this state, one may achieve
physical and psychological changes that are seemingly beyond one’s normal conscious capabilities. Anyone who is willing to cooperate and follow simple instructions can be hypnotized. As a matter of fact, each one of us is using hypnosis, knowingly or unknowingly, in some form or the other. We experience some form of a trance-like state each time we are lost in thoughts. It is a common state of mind that we have all experienced countless times before; we just didn’t know it was called hypnosis!

Psychological therapy done using hypnotic state is called as Hypnotherapy. It is often classified as a form of alternative therapy but is perhaps better viewed as a branch of psychotherapy. It is not an occult esoteric art but a scientific therapeutic discipline. Utilizing these states of deep relaxation, the therapist assists the client in uncovering and exploring thoughts, emotions and memories of past events which may have been affecting a person’s present state of mind. By activating one’s own inner resources, hypnotherapy helps to heal numerous psychological and psychosomatic problems. Hypnotherapy can also be used to teach self-relaxation and to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations for personal growth and development. Hypnotherapy is indicated in ANY physical condition that has an emotional origin and ANY mild to moderate psychological disorders (neuroses).

A lot of people believe that when they are hypnotized they will not be aware of anything that is happening around them. In fact, a person is always in control and it is always up to the person, whether he/she wants to accept or reject the ideas and statements offered by the therapist.

As per international norms, “hypnosis and hypnotherapy” could only be offered by a licensed mental health practitioner like, psychiatrist and psychologist. However the regulations differ from country to country. One should differentiate between ‘hypnotist’ (one who has completed hypnosis certification course, but not a mental health professional) and a ‘hypnotherapist’ (a mental health professional trained in hypnosis) whenever pursuing hypnotherapy.

The mind is an amazing tool, but just like with any other tool you need to learn how to use it. Hypnosis is an excellent method to reprogramming the subconscious mind. Master your Mind with this powerful method. Master your life!