What is Hypnosis?
It is as important to say what hypnosis is not, as to say what it is.
Hypnosis is NOT:
- Hypnosis is not the paranormal
- Hypnosis is not the occult
- Hypnosis is not mind control
- Hypnosis is not brain washing
- Hypnosis is not submitting oneself to the will of another.
Hypnosis is:
- Hypnosis is a normal state utilising a frame of mind accessed by everyone 4 to 8 times every hour
- Hypnosis is a state of relaxation
- Hypnosis is a state of increased awareness (it is said that ones awareness increases by up to 3,000% in hypnosis)
- Hypnosis is a state of increased focus and concentration
- Hypnosis is a state where one has increased ability to access stored memory
- Hypnosis is a state where one experiences increased suggestibility (see “What is Hypnotherapy” below)
- Hypnosis is a level of consciousness where one can communicate easier with ones subconscious mind.
Hypnosis - the normal state of mind everyone enters 4 to 8 times and hour
Hypnosis is such a natural state of mind that many people are unable to differentiate between being in their normal state of mind and being hypnotised. This is because we all enter the trance state, the state utilised by hypnosis, 4 to 8 times every hour. One of my clients even recommended me to her friend after she successfully stopped smoking using hypnotherapy and assured her friend, “he doesn’t hypnotise you. He just talks to you!” Good hypnotic subjects tend to be highly intelligent and creative. Following his research using MRI scanning techniques, Professor John Gruzelier of the Cognitive Neuroscience and Behaviour Department of Imperial College London described the more hypnotisable person as having a “more efficient, very flexible brain” and “using less metabolic resources to carry out functions” (28/10/04: The Material World; BBC Radio 4). All a hypnotist does is allow you to deepen your normal level of trance.
When Hypnotised one Retains Full Mental and Bodily Control
When hypnotised one:
- Cannot be made to perform any act or divulge information that would not be performed or divulged whilst not hypnotised
- Can usually remember everything that happens (ones attention may drift, the same as in the course of any conversation – as one is more relaxed, there is more of a tendency for this to happen)
- Retains full mental and bodily control. It is not possible to hypnotise anyone against their will.
A good description of what it feels like when hypnotised is to compare it to relaxing in front of the TV after Sunday Lunch. You know that there is the washing-up to do and you really should use the afternoon more constructively but you just cannot be bothered. If, however, your attention was required to attend to something like the door or phone ringing you would get up and attend to it without much hesitation.
How will you feel after being hypnotised for the first time?
The most common things said by people after having been hypnotised for the first time are:
- That was so relaxing
- I could have opened my eyes at any time
- That was weird (in a positive way!).
To experience hypnosis ring Stephen Rigby now on 01483 566115 to make an appointment at his Guildford or Woking Surrey practice or use the online booking form.
To learn more about hypnotherapy; the therapeutic application of hypnosis click here.