Consulting Hypnosis

So What Is Hypnosis, Exactly?

Our clients’ problem is that they have lost rapport with their unconscious mind. Our job is to help them restore that relationship.

—Milton H. Erickson

Hypnosis is a voluntary state of focused attention and deep relaxation where we are typically more open to suggestions and may be more receptive to changes in behavior, thoughts, or feelings.

It is often said that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis because the client’s own mind is always doing the work. Yet when working with a certified practitioner, the customized scripts and suggestions used are professionally tailored to address your specific needs, so sessions are more focused, goal-oriented, and tend to deliver faster results than when working on your own without proper tools and guidance. An experienced practitioner will also help you refine your self-hypnosis practice to reinforce your in-session work.

BASED ON EXTENSIVE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, HYPNOSIS CAN HELP:

HYPNOSIS:

  • can help positively retrain your brain

  • is a naturally occurring state so it can be used safely from home

  • is non-invasive and considered safe when working with a certified practitioner

Research has shown that up to 95% of our thoughts and actions are determined by our subconscious, so gaining access to our subconscious is the only way to sustainably reprogram old, ingrained patterns that have been resistant to change. Hypnosis helps us communicate with our subconscious, our chief decision-maker.

The Science:

Our Brain on Hypnosis

Hypnosis can be used to help you gain control over undesired behaviors or to help you cope better with anxiety or pain. It’s important to know that although you’re more open to suggestions during hypnosis, you don’t lose control over your behavior.

—The Mayo Clinic

1. RETRAIN YOUR BRAIN

Hypnosis often enhances a person’s receptivity towards verbal or nonverbal suggestions, as long as they agree with the suggestions proposed. Hypnosis enhances communication with our subconscious brain so we can positively retrain it. Our brains can change!

2. REDUCE YOUR PAIN

Multiple studies have used functional brain imaging techniques, such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), to investigate how the brain responds to pain during hypnosis. Reduced pain perception has been widely documented.

3. RECONNECT WITH YOUR SELF

Research has shown that various brain regions, including the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex and the insula, play a role in facilitating the body-mind connection during hypnosis, and our understanding keeps evolving as the field of neuroscience advances.

4. INCREASE YOUR RELAXATION

Research suggests that reduced activity in the dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex during hypnosis may be associated with a heightened state of physical relaxation. Hypnosis can calm brain regions controlling heart rate, blood flow, and breathing.

Hypnosis:

Just The Facts

Hypnosis is not mind control. It’s a naturally occurring state of concentration. It’s actually a means of enhancing your control over both your mind and your body.

—Dr. David Spiegel, Associate Chair of Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine

1. YOU REMAIN CONSCIOUS: You are in a focused, relaxed state yet can remain aware of what‘s going on at all times. You could not possibly succumb to suggestions contrary to your  own wishes because your executive functions are still online.

2. YOU REMAIN AWARE: When working with a Certified Consulting Hypnotist, you would never do anything that you would not do in your usual state of awareness because this form of hypnosis’ sole purpose is to meet goals and release mental blocks.

3. YOU CHOOSE WHAT TO DISCLOSE: You would never reveal anything you don't want to reveal during hypnosis because you are in control of your actions. Consulting Hypnosis just feels like a relaxing guided visualization you can easily snap out of.

4. YOU STOP WHENEVER YOU WANT: What keeps you in hypnosis is your seeking a hypnotist‘s guidance, so if your hypnotist stops talking, you won‘t “get stuck“ in hypnosis. Instead, you‘ll simply open your eyes without having to be prompted.

Stage Hypnosis - where people may act in silly or entertaining ways - has fostered many myths & fears.

Consulting Hypnosis - is safe; you remain conscious, aware, and in the driver’s seat. You retain free will.

What ‘s a Typical Session Like?

Hypnosis can be used to help you gain control over undesired behaviors or to help you cope better with anxiety or pain. It’s important to know that although you’re more open to suggestions during hypnosis, you don’t lose control over your behavior.

—The Mayo Clinic

1. INDUCTION

First, I help you enter a relaxed, focused state of consciousness. No need for a pendulum or hypnotic spiral like in the movies! You’ll just be guided through a brief visualization like you probably have before, allowing you easier access to your subconscious.

2. SUGGESTION

In this relaxed state, I’ll offer a pre-agreed upon suggestion to help you meet your goals, solve your issue, or release your block. These suggestions can be designed to address a wide range of concerns, such as unwanted habits, cravings, fears, or discomfort.

3. REWIRING

Your subconscious mind is more open to suggestions because it is less critical during hypnosis. This allows you to reprogram or reshape desired beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors stored in your subconscious and replace them with more constructive ones.

4. ANCHORING

Hypnosis can be used to create positive associations with specific situations, objects, or experiences. Anchoring your suggestions will allow your chosen anchor to have a calming effect when used in triggering situations so that your responses start changing.

Imagination is a powerful neuroplastic agent.

—Dr. Frank Anderson