No, reading this post is not mesmerizing! 😄
What is a state of hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a modified state of consciousness.
This means that the brain is not in an alert state. It is between the conscious state and the sleeping state.
This happens when we are driving, while we are in our thoughts.
One part of us is elsewhere (the conscious mind), while another part is driving (the unconscious mind).
We are then under hypnosis, which is called dissociation.
Being in hypnosis puts us in a state where we are more able to let our unconscious part take control.
What types of hypnosis are there?
There are 2 hypnoses, whose objectives are diametrically opposed.
Stage hypnosis
Popularized by television, stage hypnosis is impressive.
It consists of hypnotising spectators in a room and getting them on stage.
Then the hypnotist will make the people live improbable scenes, and they will react as if it were reality.
For example, the performer might make them believe they are on the moon.
The aim of show hypnosis is to make the audience laugh, at the expense of the hypnotized people.
Example: Imagining they are in the sea with a shark. This can create phobias that did not exist before.
Hypnotherapy
Therapeutic hypnosis is designed to help people get better.
Generally, the patient lies down comfortably, and the practitioner puts him or her in a state of hypnosis by talking.
The practitioner then tells hypnotic metaphors.
These are stories that contain hidden messages to the unconscious mind.
In this way, it can heal itself.
Example: I have skin problems. The hypnosis session can help me to release some of the emotions that are causing them.
There are many currents of therapeutic hypnosis, all of which stem from Ericksonian hypnotherapy.
What can hypnosis treat?
Hypnosis can generally help with any problem, whether physical or emotional.
However, the main areas of focus for hypnosis are
- Addictions (especially tobacco).
- Phobias.
- Allergies.
- Traumas.
- Sleep disorders.
- Skin problems.
How does a session work?
Hypnosis offers the advantage of being guided by the practitioner.
The patient is lying down and can relax.
He or she remains conscious during the session, but oscillates between awake and deep states.
At the end of the session, the therapist brings him/her back to reality.
Most of the time after a session, the hypnotized person remembers everything.
What are the dangers of hypnosis?
Therapeutic hypnosis is not dangerous, if it is practiced with gentleness and benevolence by the practitioner.
The main risk is on the therapist’s side: if he or she has not done deep work on himself or herself, he or she may resonate with the problems of his or her clients.
Certain types of directive hypnosis are not recommended: rather than giving orders to the unconscious, it is better to let it work at its own pace.
The virtual gastric band is another danger: that of wanting to constrain the body, instead of going in search of the root causes.
Otherwise, being hypnotised does not lead to after-effects, but rather to an inner transformation.
Conclusion
How does hypnosis work?
While show hypnosis should be avoided, therapeutic hypnosis offers many benefits.
It puts you into a modified state of consciousness, where the unconscious mind has more room to make the necessary changes.
Hypnosis is an effective tool for transformation.
I am a hypnotherapist. You can book a remote hypnosis session if you wish.