Hypnotherapy
What is Hypnosis?
The hypnotic state
is an altered state of consciousness that creates a change in awareness,
concentration and perception. It is often associated with alpha
and theta activity. In this state, the person experiences a sense
of deep physical relaxation and a doorway between the conscious and the
subconscious is open. This allows for a dialogue with the subconscious
mind, easier access to memories, heightened creativity, and being open
to positive suggestion.
During hypnosis, you
are not asleep or unconscious. You may appear to be sleeping
because your eyes are closed, but you are relaxed and completely aware
of what is going on around you. The hypnotherapist assists you
with becoming relaxed and serves as a guide on your journey.
Oftentimes, you will talk with the hypnotherapist. If you ever
feel uncomfortable during the experience, you can open your eyes and
stop the session. You are always the one in control.
There
are four stages of electrical activity in the brain that are associated
with the sleep cycle. These stages are defined by
electroencephalogram (EEG) criteria:
1.
Beta waves (14-35 Hz) occur when a person is alert and
aroused.
2.
Alpha waves (8-14 Hz) occur when a person is resting
quietly.
3.
Theta waves (4-8 Hz) occur when the person is in the dream
state.
4.
Delta waves (.5-4 Hz) occur when the person is in the
sleep state.
How do I know if I can be hypnotized?
All hypnosis is
really self-hypnosis and only requires three things: your cooperation,
your imagination, and your full attention. Think about how easy it
is to be driving down the highway and miss an exit or not even have to
think about the details of how to get somewhere – you are in automatic
pilot. The TV is also a great example – you are in a trance.
Daydreaming is another example of self-hypnosis.
Research has found
that there are generally three types of people who cannot be hypnotized:
How can I tell if I am hypnotized?
Most
people experience a sense of physical relaxation in their body.
There may be sensations of heaviness or lightness, tingling or numbness,
warmth or coolness, and floating or sinking. Some people
experience muscle twitching in their body, the same as when they are
falling asleep. The breathing also shifts from the lungs to the
diaphragm.
Is hypnosis dangerous?
No! In
September of 1958, the Council of Mental Health of the American Medical
Association approved hypnosis as a safe practice with no harmful side
effects. To date, no one has been seriously hurt by hypnosis. It
is best to work with a competent and qualified hypnotherapist. Dr.
Tess is a board certified hypnotherapist.
Are memories
revealed under hypnosis real?
Hypnosis is not a
totally reliable way to accurately recall memories. People have
been found to lie while under hypnosis.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic tool that combines the properties of
hypnosis and psychotherapy. While the client is in the hypnotic
state, the hypnotherapist “talks” to the client’s subconscious mind.
Clients gain insight into present difficulties and past events that
affect their conscious thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Will I be made to do silly things?
No,
absolutely not. Hypnotherapy is not stage hypnosis where the only
value is in comedic entertainment. Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic
tool utilized by ethical and qualified professionals. You can
never be made to do anything against your will or contrary to your
belief system.
What is the value of Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy can
help clients get to the core of a problem so that symptoms cease and a
deeper understanding occurs. It has been used with a variety of
physical, emotional, and mental issues. Some of these include
depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders,
motivation, procrastination, attention, addictive behaviors, study
habits, phobias, insomnia, headaches, tension, arthritis, chronic pain,
and fibromyalgia.
