The fear of relinquishing free will while hypnotized is a very common misconception that couldn’t be further from the truth. Hypnosis actually helps individuals tap into powerful inner resources they never knew they had. If sessions are not in line with ones values and beliefs, clients will reject the experience out right. Not only does the hypnotist have to offer sessions of value but the phraseology and technique need to be just right for a positive connection to occur.
If someone is worried about giving up their free will a more relevant concern is the insidious manipulation of advertising. As previously mentioned, we all go into a light state of hypnotic trance everytime we stare at a television. With the conscious mind taking a break it is more likely that what we see can be subconsciously filed away, and considering the nature of advertising and the content of television programming in general, the actions we take as a result may not be in our best interest.
A.C. Nielsen says the average American watches more than 4 hours of television per day. In 65 years that adds up to 9 years of tube time. To that end, Time magazine study revealed that today’s children believe that fast food is healthier than a home cooked meal. (Time 2004)
By: Paul Gustafson RN CH
Think of hypnosis as meditation with intention. The word meditation comes from two Latin words: meditari, which means to exercise the mind or to think or dwell upon, and mederi, which means to heal. Meditation is the process of focusing within, becoming free of outer thoughts, creating a serene moment of inner stillness. Routine meditative/hypnosis practice establishes a lasting peaceful afterglow which positively enhances the overall quality of life.
We all carry around repressed issues and emotions of our day-to-day lives. Over time, this accumulation leads to chronic emotional and physical problems which we either do nothing about, or like so many, pursue relief in the form of drugs, food or alcohol.
One of the first questions I ask clients is if they have ever practiced any form of meditation or relaxation techniques. If they have, I explain the similarity between what they already know and hypnosis, which helps them more easily jump into the flow of hypnosis.
Clients often express frustration with meditation because they either weren’t given an adequate explanation of how to do it, or weren’t able to achieve the level of peacefulness they desired. Through the course of our work together, clients learn how to do self-hypnosis, which helps them become more proficient with their own meditative process.
My goal is for all of my clients to become self-practitioners. By learning how to independently create the feel-good comfort of hypnosis, they enhance the effectiveness of the formal sessions, which results in more lasting success. We are all hardwired with the ability to focus within. With a little instruction and practice this thoughtful journey can be a life changing experience. (more)
By: Paul Gustafson RN CH
Animal magnetism was postulated by Franz Mesmer in the 18th century, the term referred to a supposed magnetic fluid or ethereal medium believed to reside in the body. Mesmer chose the word animal to distinguish his supposed vital magnetic force from those referred to at that time as “mineral magnetism”.
The theory became the basis of treatment in Europe and the United States that sometimes involved on “laying on of hands,” and was very popular into the nineteenth century, with a strong cultural impact.
From some of the practices of animal magnetism branched out Hypnotism, Spiritualism, New Thought, so called “magnetic healing”, and Parapsychological research. Some forms of magnetism continue to be practiced, especially in continental Europe, even today.
By: Paul Gustafson RN CH
1) you need to be an open minded willing participant able to follow simple instructions
2) you need to be truly motivated to establish positive change
3) you need to be consistent with the process which means listening to your sessions daily for about 60 days which ensures lasting success with your goals
By: Paul Gustafson RN CH
