Hypnotherapy guides eager clients into deep meditative relaxation, where the subconscious becomes open and receptive to positive suggestions. The intricate process through which this affects the subconscious mind and helps achieve specific goals involves several fascinating mechanisms:
- Altered Brainwave States
When someone is under hypnosis, their brain activity slows down significantly. Normally buzzing in beta state (14–30 Hz), associated with active thinking and problem-solving, the brain transitions to alpha (7.5–14 Hz) or theta (4–7.5 Hz) waves during hypnosis. Alpha waves are tied to a serene, meditative state while theta waves are linked to deep relaxation and creativity, much like that dreamy state before falling asleep or upon waking up.
In these altered brainwave states, the critical mind takes a back seat as the subconscious mind steps into the spotlight. This part of our mind controls automatic behaviors, emotions, and deeply rooted beliefs making it accessible for hypnotherapists to directly engage with where our habits, fears, and instinctive responses are stored.
- Neuroplasticity and Suggestion
The brain’s remarkable ability to rewire itself, known as neuroplasticity, plays a pivotal role in hypnotherapy. During hypnosis, suggestions are tailored towards desired behaviors or goals like reducing anxiety, overcoming fears or losing weight. These suggestions pave the way for new pathways by suggesting positive outcomes with behaviors.
Example: For someone looking to quit smoking; a hypnotherapist might suggest feeling calm and empowered when thoughts of smoking arise instead of anxious or triggered feelings. Over time, these preferred associations can become second nature as the brain reshapes itself, replacing old habits with preferred, healthier alternatives.
- The Power of Visualization
Guided visualization or imagery is often used to help clients envision success. It triggers neural networks similar to those activated during real-life actions, essentially training the brain for success even before it happens. Whether it’s anticipating a comfortable presentation or losing weight; visualizing success primes the subconscious for victory when faced with actual challenges.
- Bypassing the Critical Mind
The conscious, critical mind is the gatekeeper critiquing ideas that clash with existing beliefs or self-image; however, in hypnotic states this guardian is bypassed making it easier for suggestions to access subconscious thought free of resistance or doubt. This is a crucial part of the process helping clients to break free from self-imposed limitations.
Emotional Regulation
Hypnotherapy also delves into the limbic system which is a group of interconnected brain structures that help regulate emotions and behavior. The limbic system works to reprocess memory, thoughts and motivations, then telling the body how to respond. Hypnotherapy allows clients to access and positively reframe past emotional experiences helping to overcome emotional barriers obstructing progress.- Repetition and Reinforcement
Repetition cements neural pathways supporting desired changes. Each session reinforces positive suggestions leading to sustainable relief/success with a client’s goal.
In conclusion: Hypnotherapy taps into our innate learning ability while utilizing suggestive visualization techniques. This can help modify thoughts, emotions and behaviors to be more in line with the client’s specific goals.
by Paul Gustafson
Routine hypnotherapy, like meditation, offers many life-enhancing benefits. My clients are advised to listen to their office hypnotherapy sessions daily for 3 months. Its the repetition that ensures sustainable relief from whatever problem they pursued hypnotherapy to fix.
1 Sound Sleep: Hypnosis can improve your sleep quality, ensuring that you are well-rested and have the energy needed to pursue your goals effectively.
2 Enhanced Confidence: Hypnosis can boost your self-esteem and confidence, making you more likely to take the necessary steps toward achieving your goals.
3 Improve Visualization Skills: Hypnosis often involves visualization techniques, which can help you create a clear mental picture of your goals and the steps needed to achieve them.
4 Consistency and Discipline: By making hypnosis a daily habit, you can develop greater consistency and discipline, which are crucial for long-term success.
5 Healthy Habits: Hypnosis can help reprogram your subconscious mind to adopt healthier habits and behaviors that support your goals, such as eating healthier, exercising regularly, or staying organized.
6 Less Stress: Regular hypnosis sessions can lower stress and anxiety levels, allowing you to approach your goals with a calm and clear mind.
7 Optimize Motivation: Hypnosis can enhance your motivation by reinforcing your desire to achieve your goals and reminding you of the benefits of reaching them.
8 Pain Relief: If physical pain or discomfort is a barrier to your success, hypnosis can help manage and reduce pain, allowing you to focus better on your goals.
9 Positive Attitude: Regular hypnosis sessions can help cultivate a positive mindset, which is essential for overcoming challenges and staying persistent.
10 Improved Focus: Hypnosis can help you improve your ability to focus and concentrate, which is crucial for staying on track with your goals.
by: Paul Gustafson
1 Ancient Roots: The use of hypnotic-like techniques can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The Greeks, Egyptians, and Hindus had early forms of what we now recognize as hypnotherapy.
2 19th Century Development: Hypnotherapy as a formal therapeutic practice gained popularity in the 19th century, thanks to figures like James Braid, who coined the term “hypnosis” and emphasized its use for therapeutic purposes.
3 Not Mind Control: Contrary to common misconceptions, hypnotherapy does not involve mind control. Individuals under hypnosis are in a state of heightened focus and concentration, but they still have control over their thoughts and actions.
4 Individual Responses Vary: People respond to hypnotherapy differently. Some individuals are highly responsive and can enter a deep trance easily, while others may only experience a light trance or may not be as responsive.
5 Clinical Applications: Hypnotherapy is used in various clinical applications, including pain management, stress reduction, anxiety treatment, weight loss, and smoking cessation. It is also used in the treatment of phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
6 Brain Activity Changes: Studies using neuroimaging techniques like MRI have shown that hypnosis can lead to changes in brain activity. It often involves alterations in the anterior cingulate cortex, thalamus, and default mode network.
7 State of Relaxation: Hypnotherapy induces a deep state of relaxation, which can be beneficial for both mental and physical well-being. The relaxation response can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
8 Positive Suggestion: Hypnotherapy often involves the use of positive suggestions to influence behavior or thought patterns. These suggestions are tailored to help individuals overcome challenges, break habits, or achieve specific goals.
9 Complementary Treatment: Hypnotherapy is sometimes used as a complementary treatment alongside traditional medical approaches. It can be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan for conditions like chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and insomnia.
10 Ethical Standards: Professional hypnotherapists adhere to ethical standards and guidelines. They prioritize the well-being and autonomy of their clients and ensure that the therapeutic process is conducted with respect and consent.
Radio host invited Paul Gustafson to talk about hypnotherapy on WBZ’s Nightside with Dan Rea.
With over 20 years’ of clinical experience I have developed a multilevel approach including a therapeutic in-office/remote client experience, digital session recording, MP3 file sharing, cable TV show production/editing, SEO, blogging and social media distribution.
This approach has supported a lucrative, self-sustaining, private practice that allows me the freedom to do the work I was meant to do. No advertising, promotions or discounts.
Clients are routinely surprised by the high quality intro videos emailed to them prior to initial appointment. They also appreciate the live session recordings and being able to access them on any smart phone.
Consistent positive client experience is the result a blended audio tapestry of soothing music, binaural beats and nature sounds with creatively effective, deep-trance hypnotherapy sessions. Sessions are mixed live into audacity, converted to MP3 format and end up in client’s in-box before they get home.
The key to top shelf search engine prominence requires a steady stream of information of value. This includes a professionally designed, key word optimized, WordPress website and consistent quality content posting.
Google values video. I post narrated info videos as well as client testimonials edited from my cable access TV show. All posted content includes appropriate key words and is automatically distributed to social media.
My 6-class mentoring program for new hypnotherapists helps practitioners establish a solid professional foundation so you too can do the work you were meant to do. [more]
- Class 1: Finances, regulations, pc skills, website
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Hypnotherapist Paul Gustafson RN CH offers a 6-class mentoring program for new certified hypnotherapists interested in taking the fast track to professional success. Paul incorporates high-end audio and video along with creatively effective sessions which offers eager clients consistently positive results. [more]
Paul’s multilevel approach includes a dynamic client office experience, digital recording of client sessions, MP3 file sharing, cable TV show production with search engine optimization, blogging and social media distribution. [contact]
When trying to address a psychological issue, such as a phobia, there are different methods used for treatment. This can be confusing to some who want the best treatment to help alleviate their fear or put their condition in its proper place. Understanding which type of treatment is right for you starts with an understanding of what hypnosis, counselling, and CBT do and their differences.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis has been around for many centuries and has been used to address all types of fears, unwanted behaviors, and reactions by going straight into the mind. A person under hypnosis will be trained to react differently to a specific behavior. For example, if a person suffers from anxiety, hypnosis will plant subconscious suggestions that alter the reaction to the feeling of anxiety which result in a person not suffering from the constant state of fear.
Counselling
This is a traditional form of therapy that is primarily designed to identify the source of the unwanted feeling or behavior, so the effect is lessened, and the person can retain control. In addition to identification, counselling provides methods for the patient to address what is unwanted and focus on other areas so that it can be changed in a more positive direction.
Counselling has been a primary means of addressing fears and behaviors in millions of people around the world. Sometimes, it may be combined with CBT or hypnosis to help augment the effects.
CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used practices in the mental health profession. The essence of CBT to develop effective coping strategies for those who are afflicted with beliefs, thoughts, or attitudes that need be changed to lead a healthier lifestyle. For example, a person who suffers from anxiety and uses CBT will be taught methods or behaviors that curb the effect of the anxiety.
Unlike hypnosis which reaches directly into the mind, CBT is built on training the mind to react differently when the fear or symptoms are being felt. CBT is an action-oriented approach that is designed to curb the unwanted fear, behavior, or symptoms so the person can then remain in control.
Differences
The differences between hypnosis, counselling and CBT are considerable even though they seemingly use similar methods. Traditional counselling deals with identification while CBT is more along the lines of building up new habits or reactions to successfully deal with the unwanted fear, attitudes, or behaviors.
Hypnosis is like CBT in terms of applying different responses, but the method is far different in that it implants suggestions directly into the mind. This means that the reactions are automatic and can be reinforced when needed. Hypnosis can be performed by a therapist or self-induced using the proper methods.
An example of the differences is quitting smoking. While counselling will find the reason why you smoke, CBT will prescribe training to help you avoid smoking. Hypnosis will implant suggestions that have you turn away from lighting up a cigarette.
Finding the right choice between hypnosis, counselling, or CBT means understanding their strengths and differences, so you can make the best-informed decision. In many cases a combination of all three processes may be used to solve the problem.
By: Biodun Ogunyemi
