INTRODUCTION TO HYPNOSIS

IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH HYPNOSIS, PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO READ THIS MATERIAL.

I THINK YOU WILL FIND IT EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIVE.

​

There are many misconceptions about hypnosis. A simple definition of hypnosis is that it is a state of increased suggestibility and concentration.

First of all, DO NOT EXPECT TO GO TO SLEEP or lose touch with reality. During hypnosis, you know everything that is going on around you, if you care to pay attention.

The predominant school of thought on hypnosis is that it is a way to access a person's subconscious mind directly. Normally, you are only aware of the thought processes in your conscious mind. You consciously think over the problems or situation that is right in front of you, consciously choose words as you speak, consciously try to remember where you left your keys.

​

But in doing all these things, your conscious mind is working hand-in-hand with your subconscious mind, the unconscious part of your mind that does your "behind the scenes" thinking. Your subconscious mind accesses the vast reservoir of information that lets you solve problems, construct sentences or locate your keys. It puts together plans and ideas and runs them by your conscious mind. When a new idea comes to you out of the blue, it's because you already thought through the process unconsciously.

​

Your subconscious also takes care of all the stuff you do automatically. You don't actively work through the steps of breathing minute to minute - your subconscious mind does that. You don't think through every little thing you do while driving a car - a lot of the small stuff is thought out in your subconscious mind. Your subconscious also processes the physical information your body receives.

​

The deep relaxation and focusing exercises facilitated by a professional hypnosis practitioner work to calm and occupy the conscious mind so that it takes a less active role in your thinking process.

In this state, you're still aware of what's going on, but your conscious mind takes a backseat to your subconscious mind. Effectively, this allows you easier access to the subconscious for you to find solutions and plant positive suggestions.

​

​

​

Hypnosis is an education communication process that allows a person’s conscious and subconscious mind to believe the same message. During Hypnosis the body and conscious mind are in a relaxed state, while the subconscious mind remains awake and receptive to suggestions.

In this state, the person suspends critical judgement and exercises selective thinking.

​

Excerpt from the IMDHA Exam for Certified Hypnotherapists