What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis describes a range of naturally occurring states of altered awareness which may vary from momentary distractions and ‘absences’ through much enhanced states of relaxation to very deep states of inward focus and awareness. The mental processes which can occur in any of these states, appropriately utilized, are generally far more flexible and potentially far more powerful in effecting change than those we can achieve in most everyday states of active conscious awareness. These states may be induced quite formally or quite naturalistically, in an almost unnoticeable way, depending on the requirement of the problem, the capability of the practitioner and the needs of the client.
Hypnosis is a relaxing, naturally occurring state of mind which happens to us every day. Each time we read a captivating novel, float off in a daydream or see an engrossing movie we are in a natural state of hypnosis.
For thousands of years people have recognized the power of hypnosis to enhance learning, heal emotional scars, improve performance, change habits and speed the healing process.
Science is only now beginning to understand the awesome power the unconscious mind wields. It wasn’t until 1958 that the American Medical Association recognized hypnosis as a valid therapeutic tool. The medical field is also beginning to recognize the major role “psychological” factors play in illness and healing.
During hypnotism, direct communication with your unconscious mind can be established. In a hypnotic trance, if we are guided properly, our minds and bodies are able to accept change much more readily.
In hypnosis you are in control. The hypnotist is merely the guide who leads you through this comfortable, inspiring experience. The door is open to the abilities and resources of the ultra-powerful unconscious mind. Your conscious mind is just the surface.
Some people would tell us that by simply communicating with other people, we are already performing hypnosis on them. It is said that through effective communication with other people that we make a connection with them, thus causing them to be engaged in our thoughts and ideas. Some people may also view the definition of hypnosis as a relaxing and naturally occurring state of mind in our everyday lives. For example, while reading a book, daydreaming, and focusing on listening to music.
But the real definition of hypnosis, according to medical books and other sources is that it is a process wherein the critical thinking faculties of the mind are being bypassed to encourage the establishment of selective thinking and perception.
Today, a widely accepted means of hypnosis, called Ericksonian hypnosis, is used in many different applications.
Ericksonian Hypnosis vs. Traditional Hypnosis
Traditional hypnosis comes to mind when contemplating hypnotherapy. This involves the hypnotherapist giving direct commands to a client who is in a trance, or an extremely relaxed state of consciousness. These commands are said in a powerful manner.
Ericksonian hypnosis involves indirect suggestion, as opposed to the classic direct approach. The Ericksonian hypnosis process can either use the straight-forward trance state or create a light trance state using story telling.
When using the Ericksonian hypnosis process and story telling, a general theme is covered over and over in order for the subconscious mind to pick up the subtle message given.
Ericksonian hypnosis is in wide use today. There are many different methods and approaches to this form of hypnosis. They can range from therapy where a trance state is induced and then indirect suggestions are made, to the more subtle approach of a talk-therapy program.
Ericksonian hypnosis seems to work for many people whom traditional hypnotherapy has been unable to help.