Unlike other alternative treatments like acupuncture, many of us are hesitant to try hypnosis. But really, isn’t the idea of needles more nerve-wracking? The main fear people have about hypnosis is the worry they’ll be totally vulnerable, doing things without realizing it or revealing personal secrets. However, this is a misconception. Hypnosis does put you in a more focused state of mind, but it actually gives you more control, helping you tap into your mind’s true potential.
Hypnosis is a relatively new scientific field, and experts have varying opinions on its capabilities. Some believe it’s mainly useful for exploring the cognitive and interpersonal aspects of a person. Others are increasingly convinced that hypnosis can help manage, or even treat, certain diseases.
How Hypnotists Use Hypnosis
Specialists in hypnosis employ this treatment in three main ways: using imagination, offering suggestions, and exploring the unconscious mind. The method chosen depends on your reasons for seeking hypnosis.
Hypnotherapists often capitalize on mental imagery. The power of the mind to imagine things can be incredibly strong. For instance, someone with ulcerative colitis might visualize themselves having a healthy colon, and this belief could support their journey to better health.
The second method involves presenting suggestions. When you’re deeply focused, you’re more open to positive proposals that you might resist in a normal state of mind. This approach is particularly useful for helping people overcome addictions like smoking or alcoholism.
The third method allows individuals to explore their subconscious minds and reflect on past events more clearly. In a trance state, the barriers of the conscious mind—those that prevent us from seeing past events as they truly were—are lowered. This can lead to deeper understanding and clarity about past experiences and emotions.