Hypnosis is deep relaxation and targeted focus.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a state of focused attention, heightened suggestibility, and deep relaxation. Often portrayed in popular culture with a degree of mystique, hypnosis is used both in therapeutic settings (hypnotherapy) and for entertainment purposes.
Key Elements of Hypnosis
Focused Attention: During hypnosis, the individual's attention is highly concentrated, often on the hypnotist's voice or specific visual or auditory stimuli. This focused attention reduces awareness of external distractions.
Heightened Suggestibility: People under hypnosis are more open to suggestions. This means they might be more likely to follow instructions or accept certain ideas or perspectives, which can be therapeutic.
Deep Relaxation: Hypnosis typically involves a deep state of relaxation, which can resemble sleep but with the individual remaining aware and able to respond to the hypnotist's suggestions.
Process of Hypnosis
Induction: The process begins with induction, where the
hypnotist uses various techniques to guide the individual
into a hypnotic state. Common methods include progressive
relaxation, focusing on an object, or guided imagery.
Deepening: Once a light trance is achieved, the hypnotist may use deepening techniques to bring the individual into a deeper state of hypnosis. This can involve counting down, visualising deeper levels of relaxation, or repetitive suggestions.
Therapeutic Suggestions: In hypnotherapy, the hypnotist gives specific therapeutic suggestions aimed at addressing the individual's issues. This might include suggestions for behavioural changes, pain relief, stress reduction, or overcoming phobias.
Reawakening: The hypnotist gradually brings the individual out of the hypnotic state, often by counting up or giving suggestions to return to normal awareness. The individual is usually left feeling refreshed and relaxed.
When you go into hypnosis, you simply get very involved with an inner reality and we create this involvement and focus by drawing attention to detail in an interesting way. It's just like when you read a good book;
a great author will make the words impossible to ignore - they paint pictures in your mind.
A good hypnotherapist will do the same.
What Hypnosis can help with
Grief and Loss
Stress & Anxiety
Fears and Phobias
Sleep Disorders
Relaxation Techniques
Misconceptions and Controversies
Control and Manipulation: A common misconception is that
the hypnotist has control over the hypnotised person. In reality,
individuals cannot be made to do something against their will
or moral beliefs.
Memory and Hypnosis: While hypnosis can be used to
enhance recall, it is not a reliable method for accurately
retrieving memories. Hypnotically induced memories can be
distorted or false.
Susceptibility: Not everyone is equally susceptible to hypnosis. Some individuals enter a hypnotic state easily, while others may find it difficult or impossible.
History of Hypnosis
As early as 3000 BCE, the Egyptians used sleep temples where priests would induce trance states to heal the sick.
James Braid (1795 - 1860), a Scottish surgeon coined the term "hypnotism" from the Greek word "hypnos," meaning sleep. He viewed hypnosis as a form of focused attention rather than a mystical force. Braid's work helped demystify hypnosis and paved the way for its scientific study.
Hypnosis saw increased use for treating soldiers with shell shock (now known as PTSD). This period helped validate hypnosis as a therapeutic tool.
The history of hypnosis reflects a complex interplay of science, medicine, psychology, and cultural practices. From ancient healing rituals to modern therapeutic techniques, hypnosis has evolved significantly, influenced by key figures and scientific advancements. Today, it stands as a respected tool in both medical and psychological fields, with ongoing research continuing to uncover its potential and mechanisms.
.png)
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) used hypnosis in his psychoanalytic practice for a brief period.
Milton H. Erickson (1901-1980), an American psychiatrist and psychologist who revolutionised hypnosis by developing what is now known as Ericksonian hypnosis. Erickson's approach emphasised indirect suggestions, storytelling, and the utilisation of the patient's own experiences and resources.
Call Angie today on 0421 311 485 to get started.
