Hypnosis - Sue Stevenson, Ph. D.

Hypnosis

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a safe, proven technique that has been used for thousands of years.
By relaxing your body and conscious mind and by focusing your attention you can tap into your subconscious mind more fully. This allows you to go to the source of difficulties and create changes on a deep level.
Hypnosis is a trance state of consciousness, not unlike any other trance state you experience on a daily basis. In fact, all of us are in and out of trance states every day. Daydreaming is a light trance state. A deeper trance state occurs right before sleep, when one is very relaxed.

What does hypnosis feel like?

During hypnosis some feel heaviness in the body, while others describe feeling lighter. What is most commonly experienced is feeling very relaxed, comfortable, and peaceful. When in a state of hypnosis a person is not asleep and can open his or her eyes at any time. Although sounds become more distant with a deeper trance, a person can be aware of noises outside and inside the room.

How does it work?

One of the goals of hypnosis is to have the conscious mind hang out on the sidelines while we work with the deeper part of the mind, the subconscious mind. When the body is in this relaxed state of hypnosis the subconscious mind is more open to suggestions.

What is the subconscious mind and how is it different from the conscious mind?

The conscious mind operates when we are awake and aware of our environment. It is also the analytical, chattering part of our mind.
The subconscious or unconscious mind contains anything that is not in our awareness. This can include beliefs formed at an early age, as well as memories and knowledge that are not needed in conscious awareness. It is also where our dreams come from.

Can anyone be hypnotized?

We are all in and out of trance states every day of our lives. The only times that I think someone can’t be hypnotized is when there is a fear that the hypnotist can control them or when there is not sufficient trust and rapport between the client and the hypnotist.

What is Hypnosis used for?

I use Hypnosis two different ways:

I use it for getting insight into a problem or into the blocks to resolving a problem. For example, during Hypnosis we can go back in time to the root of the problem or to connect with a part of the person that does not want to make a change.
I use it for giving suggestions toward the desired changes. For example, during Hypnosis I might repeatedly tell the client something like, “Each and every time you talk with your boss you feel relaxed and confident.”

Isn’t Hypnosis used to control people? I’ve seen stage hypnotists make people do some pretty stupid things.

First of all, stage hypnosis is purely entertainment. Those participating know this and don’t want to “mess up the show”. Further, stage hypnotists choose participants who appear compliant, agreeable, or who are extroverted. While stage hypnotists may use hypnotic techniques, the element of control is an illusion.
The bottom line is this: While you are in a state of hypnosis no one can make you do something that is not okay with you. It is your choice to accept or reject any suggestions.