Hypnosis - What Is It & Just How Does It work? Does It work?

From the desk of Anthony Buchalka

Thanks for joining me as we have a look at hypnosis in the 21st century.

Hypnosis Definition

Hypnosis is a tool that a lot of therapists use to help their patients overcome certain problems.

There are two types of hypnosis – self hypnosis and hypnosis that someone does to you.

Historically , it often has had a less than positive reputation. There are people who travel around the country and perform shows where they put people in hypnotic states and have them do ridiculous and funny things. While all this is in fun, it belittles all the good this technique can actually do.

What is Hypnosis?

A relaxed, focused state of concentration. That is the definition. But the actual state of hypnosis is a little harder to define.

Until recently it was assumed that it was similar to going to sleep, or that the mind was somehow unconscious. In reality though, there is a specific state that the brain enters into when it is receptive to suggestion or ideas from others.

Surprisingly, hypnosis is a actually a normal state of mind, one which most people go in and out of every day.

When you are watching a DVD that you are engrossed in, or listening to some music that captures your mood, you are in hypnosis.

We experience hypnosis every day and don't even know it.

When you are in a 'guided' hypnotic trance session, or watching the DVD, you have an observer self, which is an actual part of you that is always aware and watching out for you.

Can I be made to do something against my will?

Most experts would agree that this is Absolutely NOT possible.

This is probably the biggest myth of all. Stage hypnotists seem to make people do strange things while hypnotized, but the truth is that these people are doing these things because they have a desire to be outrageous.

Achieving the Hypnotic State

For some people, no matter how hard some people try, they cannot reach a hypnotic state. However, there are others who have an easy time of getting hypnotized.

Some try hypnosis for a certain purpose, such as stop smoking hypnosis or weight loss hypnosis. They either have someone who has undergone hypnosis training do it for them or do it by self hypnosis.

I think for altering or the eradication of undesirable habits, professional hypnosis has a place and can and does work for many.

Using Hypnosis

Hypnosis can help you achieve certain goals. For people who are overweight, weight loss hypnosis can be helpful. If someone needs help kicking the smoking habit, they can find someone who had hypnosis training to help them achieve that. Other uses for hypnosis include helping someone relax, conquer a fear, or even remember suppressed events.

Self Hypnosis Basics

For a while, it was assumed that the only way to achieve a hypnotic state is by having someone put you there. But there is new evidence to suggest that self hypnosis is possible.

At first glance, self hypnosis may look similar to meditation. However, with self hypnosis, the technique is a little different. There are some excellent books and resources out there on the subject of self hypnosis. You can also work with a consultant who can guide you through the process.

Does Hypnosis Work?

For some people, hypnosis does not work. No matter how hard they try, they just cannot enter the hypnotic state. However, for others, hypnosis has proven to be a powerful tool. If you have something that you are struggling with such as your weight or another habit os some sort, you should consider giving hypnosis a try.

If it does not work for you, you may want to try another hypnosis expert before you give up. People have different styles of helping you reach that state and it could be that their style just did not agree with you.

In summary, when it comes to hypnosis, there are two ways you can get hypnotized. You can have someone who has had hypnosis training do it, or you could do self hypnosis. It can be used to combat problems such as obesity or smoking, but only if you can actually reach a hypnotic state.

The truth about hypnosis

It may be one of the most important tools to change the way your mind experiences your world.

If there ever was a Harry Potter magic wand, that could help you change anything about your life, your health or your behaviors, this might well be it.

Good hypnotherapists know how to gently release blocks and fears, and create a new inner self that will set things in motion to make changes in the way you think, feel and behave.

What have you got to lose by trying it?

I will be back with some more tips soon.

All the best.

Anthony Buchalka