Hypnosis Demystified: What is Hypnosis?

HYPNOTHERAPY NEWS & REVIEW:

By Columnist Ernest McLeod – Certified Hypnotherapist:

Photo credit: You are monkeys! via photopin (license) –

In previous articles we’ve explored some of the myths about Hypnosis, specifically, what it is not. So now it’s time to explore what Hypnosis is.

First off, these days, we refer to the state of hypnosis as a trance. In other words, it’s a state of mind. A state that comes naturally to most of us. That phase we go through between being fully awake and deep sleep to fully awake. Some refer to it as the dream phase. It’s when our body and conscious mind become very quiet, and our subconscious goes into a very creative phase. Most of us dream during this phase, even if we can’t remember. Typically as we rest, we’ll go through this phase multiple times.

When using hypnosis, this state is induced through various techniques. Concentration and focus or visualisation are commonly applied. Hypnosis is also and direct suggestion induced through distraction. People who regularly undergo hypnosis can get to a point where they will allow themselves to go into this trance state simply through direct instruction.

The most noticeable difference in this state to the naturally occurring dream phase is that the subconscious mind seems to go into a mode of hyper focus. For example, it may focus on the voice of the hypnotist, or a suggested object. If the person allows the subconscious to go into this state of extreme focus, the mind will allow the body to become sleep like, so it can put even more of its energy into this focus. This effect of hyper focus is used to suggest changes in behaviour. And from experience, we know that if there is a congruency of the changes suggested, these suggestions will be adopted by the subconscious mind.

Some people will go into a deeper state of trance than others. Some people will allow themselves to go so deep into the trance that their body appears to be comatose. The breathing becomes very slow and shallow, the heart rate drops and the body becomes deeply relaxed. It’s not uncommon to feel like you’ve had 8 hours of deep, restful sleep while being 20-30 minutes in a trance.

During this state, the mind is at its most creative. Artists,  writers and even scientists like Edison and Einstein used this state of trance to create their work. Hypnosis is very powerful, at the same time an incredibly relaxing experience.

About Our Hypnotherapy News and Review Columnist Ernest McLeod
Ernest McLeod is the owner of The Hypno Coach, established in 2012, and has been practicing Hypnotherapy in Adelaide since 2011. Ernest is a certified hypnotherapist and studies include Hypnotherapy through ASA and ICHP Australia as well as Psychotherapy. He also holds Certified Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Certified Practitioner of Time Line Therapy with the American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

Ernest’s wealth of life experience includes growing up in Austria, close to Vienna. Moving to Adelaide in 1991 with his parents. His mum being South Australian. With his father working for the United Nations in Vienna, Ernest was privileged to grow-up exposed to many cultures. After graduating from college Ernest began a career as Software Developer which spanned nearly 20-years. Having also established himself as a internationally awarded fashion photographer, Ernest moved into hypnotherapy. Something that had fascinated Ernest since early childhood.

Disclaimer: The information published in this column are based on the author’s own professional and personal knowledge, and opinion. This information and opinion is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any manner. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition and consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on InShape News.