Saturday, March 31, 2007

Hypnosis Training: Practice Makes Perfect

As with any skill, the more you practice, the better you become. It�s the same with hypnosis. If done incorrectly, hypnosis will not work. You must become skilled in the art of hypnosis before you can hope to put anyone in a relaxed enough state to actually communicate with their subconscious. Aside from learning hypnosis techniques, you must practice hypnosis if you ever hope to become an expert in the art of hypnosis. The best hypnosis training is done on your friends and family. This way, you can practice what you�ve learned on people who will forgive you if you make a mistake and won�t be angry because they paid for a service that you couldn�t complete.

School, Books Or The Internet

Hypnosis training can either be done in a classroom setting, such as at a hypnosis school, or it can be done by reading books or even by getting instructions over the internet. Hypnosis training involves using a soothing voice, some objects to make the person relax more, and even music and lighting to enhance the relaxed, hypnotized state. Other than that, you need hypnosis training to know what to tell the person once they�re in the hypnotized state. This message to their subconscious can be instructions to help them lose weight, quit smoking, be more assertive or just to become a better person. Hypnotism doesn�t work for everyone but with enough hypnosis training, you can become an expert in the art of hypnosis so that you can hopefully help as many people as possible.

If you are going to conduct your hypnosis training with friends and family, make sure that you take extreme care. Hypnosis is not a toy, it�s not something you should take lightly. When people are in a hypnotized state, they are very vulnerable to the message conveyed by the hypnotist. It�s through hypnosis that people can be instructed to do certain things they normally wouldn�t do while awake. This leaves much room for abuse and unethical practices. Just make sure that you are responsible with your new power and that you follow you hypnosis training with the intent to do good, not bad.

Hypnosis training can be a fun, interesting journey into the human subconscious mind. There�s no limit to what you can do or find out once someone�s conscious mind is put to sleep. You can help people with all sorts of problems and that�s what makes hypnosis training so worthwhile.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Hypnosis Therapy Focuses On Suggestions

Since a vast majority believe that hypnosis is simply a person acting on suggestions, they are not fully comfortable with hypnosis therapy in relief of many mental and physical ailments. Moving past the notion that a person under hypnosis is prone to perform illegal or immoral acts, as directed, you may begin to see how hypnosis therapy may work for some people.

Neuro linguistics programming is the newest term to describe subliminal suggestion and is being bantered about during conversations on hypnosis therapy in achieving successful placement of suggestions into someone�s subconscious minds. The term almost is making the insinuation that the technique is able to actually program someone�s mind into thinking or behaving in a certain way.

With the understanding of how hypnosis therapy actually works on a person�s mind, many might see how this conclusion can be erroneously drawn. The subconscious mind is more capable of accepting thoughts and suggestions, which may rebut a reality that the conscious mind can refute based on known factors. With its power to apply critical thinking the conscious mind will overpower suggestions running contrary to its known realism.

Suggestions Become New Reality

Hypnosis therapy edges beyond the conscious mind into the realm of new thoughts without the mind�s ability to argue against the new thoughts and the hypnotist can plant new suggestions into the subconscious to replace the known reality with a new one. This will not necessarily make it possible for a person to be convinced to do things they would not normally do, but it does open the door to the suggestion.

People who undergo hypnosis therapy to lose weight, for example, may have had the suggestion planted that limits them to a certain amount of food at each meal, or that sugar is not good for them and that they do not like it. When they sit down to eat, once they have reached the programmed limit, they are no longer hungry or if sugar is offered, they will turn it down, as their mind believes they do not want it.

Several sources are offering the option of self hypnosis sessions, typically for about $20.00, which can provide numerous hypnosis therapy sessions, which are claimed to be effective in the privacy of your own home. Before participating in a self hypnosis session, however it is recommended you fully understand the basics of hypnotism and what means may be available to bring you out of your self-induced trance if needed.

Monday, March 26, 2007

Progressive Relaxation: The Most Reliable Hypnosis Technique

People have many different ideas about what hypnosis looks like. Some think of a hapless hypnotized volunteer at a Las Vegas show clucking like a chicken. Others think of crime witnesses being hypnotized by police psychologists. Still others think of horror movies where a hypnotized person became little but a mindless zombie, obeying the commands of his hypnotist no matter how dreadful.

What is Hypnosis?

The truth is far less glamorous. Hypnosis is merely a fancy word for a light trance, a state somewhere between waking and sleeping. There are many hypnosis techniques available to help induce this trance. While in this trance, hypnotized subjects tend to be highly attuned to some stimuli (e.g., the hypnotist's voice) while ignoring other stimuli altogether (e.g., not realizing whether the room is hot or cold). People in hypnotic trances are also more suggestible and may have decreased inhibitions. A hypnotic trance, however, is easily broken, and at no time is a hypnotized person ever completely out of control of his or her behavior.

How is a Person Hypnotized?

There are many hypnosis techniques to induce a hypnotic trance. Some hypnosis techniques involve using props like a constantly moving spiral or a glittery gold watch. The most simple hypnosis technique, however, is called progressive relaxation and requires nothing more than the hypnotist's voice.

To use this hypnosis technique, the subject should sit or lie down in a posture he or she finds comfortable. Soft music may be played in the background if this is agreeable to both hypnotist and subject.

In a soft but firm voice, the hypnotist should then draw the subject's attention to the major muscle groups, starting with the feet. The subject should be asked to tense the muscles in his or her feet, hold them for a count of three, and then relax them. The hypnotist should then move up the subject's body, focusing on calves and knees, thighs, buttocks, etc. After every few muscle groups, the hypnotist should remind the subject to maintain the relaxed state (e.g., "You are now completely relaxed from your stomach to your toes�")

As the hypnotist reaches the subject's neck and face, additional suggestions of sleepiness can be given (e.g., "You're so relaxed that your eyelids are heavy. Let your eyes close as you lie there and listen to my voice.")

What Next?

Once this hypnosis technique has been used to induce trance, the hypnotist can ask questions, suggest visualizations (e.g., having the subject visualize him or herself turning off the "pain" switch in the brain), or implant post-hypnotic commands (e.g., "When you wake up, you won't feel like smoking").

Some people slip naturally from trance to a sleep state from which they awaken calm and refreshed.

The best hypnosis technique, however, is to awaken the subject. One common way to do this is by counting from ten to one, giving the subject cues on how his or her body is waking up. (For instance, "Ten. You are starting to wake up. Nine. Your feet are light and ready to dance or walk. Eight. Your legs are ready to carry you wherever you want to go. Etc.)

After a hypnotic session, be open to feedback from your subject. No matter how skilled a hypnotist you may be, there is always room to improve!

Friday, March 23, 2007

Why Would a Hypnosis Seminar to Stop Smoking be Needed?

Quitting smoking is important to many smokers and there are various ways that are advertised to help stop smoking. Hypnosis is one of these options and there are different methods on offer including, hypnotherapy sessions, hypnosis cds and even the attendance of a hypnosis seminar to stop smoking. The different methods available are useful in various ways. One on one sessions are generally recognized to be the best solution to the problem while cds are a more convenient way to aid the cessation of a smoking habit. An hypnosis seminar to stop smoking is usually used by people that want company in their efforts to stop smoking and can even be arranged by a business in order to help a large number of their employees stop taking smoke breaks.

Many people do not believe that attending a hypnosis seminar to stop smoking will do any use and it does not work for a lot of people. However, the social aspect of having a large group of people with the same problem and need come together in order to make a change can be particularly motivating and encouraging to a number of people. Smoking can be a social activity so perhaps the act of quitting smoking being a social activity can help replace the need. A hypnosis seminar to stop smoking does not deal with individual problems however.

Benefits and Drawbacks to Attending a Hypnosis Seminar to Stop Smoking

The benefits to attending a hypnosis seminar to stop smoking can be that you are not alone in your effort to quit this habit. Many people feel pressure to stop smoking and it can be hard but a group effort can be the trick needed to go the final distance. A hypnosis seminar to stop smoking can work out cheaper per person than by seeing a therapist individually which can be costly which means that people with less money can also benefit. As many businesses are losing out on production because of the number of smoke breaks taken by their employees, it can be beneficial for them to try and sort out the problem in bulk.

The drawbacks to attending a hypnosis seminar to stop smoking can be multiple. There are many non-licensed therapists who have learned a skill by attending a quick course and sell what they have learned to the unsuspecting suspect. This can be a rip off in terms of the service provided and the lack of qualifications to provide this service. Seeing a qualified therapist is a preferable option as they are guaranteed to have studied for a long time on the effects of hypnotherapy on different personalities. A seminar does not focus on individual problems or issues and can be a broad generalization that will not benefit every person that attends the seminar.


Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Learn Hypnosis By Following A Hypnosis Script

A hypnotist has certain techniques they use to put someone in a relaxed so that their subconscious mind can receive certain instructions or information. The techniques they use have been proven to work and have been passed down from generation to generation. Not all hypnotists use the same techniques and some use more than one. If you are just starting out as a hypnotist, it can sometimes be hard to remember all of those techniques to put someone under. For this reason, many beginning hypnotists take to using a hypnosis script. A hypnosis script has everything you need to tell the person to put them under and it even has the instructions you should give them once they are finally hypnotized.

Don�t Pause, It Could Break The Person�s Concentration

When someone is under, or hypnotized, if you pause or stop what you�re doing to find what you need in some book, the person has the opportunity to wake and the spell will be broken. For this reason, it�s best to use a hypnosis script. Simply place the script in front of you so that you can glance at it whenever you get stuck. It�s important that you don�t read right from the script, however, as a reading voice can break the relaxed state that person is in. You should memorize the hypnosis script as much as you can and only glance at it when you need to. That way, you won�t have to take continuous breaks that may disrupt the person�s concentration.

A hypnosis script can be created using information you glean from books or it can come from an expert hypnotist. Ask an expert hypnotist, there�s sure to be one in your area, and ask him or her what you should say to put your subject under and what you should say while they�re in their hypnotized state. This way, you can have a hypnosis script that you know gets results. Try it on a few loved ones, such as friends and family, before you try it out on anyone you don�t know. Being a hypnotist carries a lot of power and you should practice thoroughly before you start hypnotizing people who think you know what you�re doing when you really don�t.

So, before you hypnotize anyone, make sure you have a hypnosis script handy. You can always refer to if in case you forget what you�re supposed to say and it will keep the person from waking up at an inopportune moment. Many beginning hypnotists use hypnosis scripts, it�s nothing to be ashamed about. Soon, one day, you won�t need to rely on a script and it�s then that you�ll know that you are becoming a master of hypnosis.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Hypnosis School: Learn The Art Of Deep Sleep

When you hear the word hypnotist, you usually think of parlor tricks or the fodder for daytime talk shows, where people are put into a deep sleep and then told to do things such as take off their clothes, bark like a dog or whatever else the hypnotist asks the people on stage to do. However, there is much more to hypnotism than just party tricks. Hypnotists, for years, have been helping people lose weight, quit smoking, even become more assertive and less likely to procrastinate. Many people believe in the power of hypnosis and there will always be a demand. So, if you�re looking for a new career path and you enjoy helping people, you should consider attending a hypnosis school.

Master The Techniques Of Hypnosis

A hypnosis school will help you learn all there is to know about hypnosis and how it can help people to become the people they want to be. Hypnosis school will teach you techniques to put people in a relaxed state and then it will instruct the student on how to convey messages to the person�s subconscious so that, when they wake, they no longer have the bad habits they went to the hypnotist to rid themselves of in the first place.

It should be noted that students who attend hypnosis school will have a new power in their hands. This power should be handled with responsibility and ethically. After all, you are messing with peoples� minds. This carries a lot of responsibility and should be handled with care. Most hypnosis schools will make you take an oath that you will use your hypnosis for good as there is room for abuse in the hands of a not so favorable person.

The people who attend hypnosis school, for the most part, attend because they want to help people with their problems and they believe that the human mind is strong enough to overcome even the biggest of obstacles.

If you�ve ever wanted to become a hypnotist, there�s no time to waste. Look up a hypnosis school near you and ask about admission. Once you graduate from hypnosis school, you will find that you yield a sort of power, a power to do good for people who come to you for help. Just think of all the happy people you�ll make once you help them quit smoking, lose weight or become more assertive. Whatever your patients need, you�ll be there to assist them, to hypnotize them and to talk with them on a subconscious level, where all those bad habits congregate and must be eradicated.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Hypnosis Online: Learn The Ways Of Relaxation And Self Reflection

When you are trying to hypnotize yourself, it can be very confusing. You don�t really know how to go about it. Do you dangle a charm in front of your eyes and tell yourself that your eyes are getting heavy? Not quite, but you�re close. In fact, hypnosis online is very helpful for those who are looking to become hypnotized. With online hypnosis, you don�t really need a professional hypnotist in the room with you. You can get all the benefits of a great hypnotist right over your internet connection.

Audio And Visual

Hypnosis online has a lot of benefits. For one, there are many things that can be used on a computer screen to put you in a relaxed, hypnotized state. Swirling shapes and other techniques can be used, along with soft music or repetitious sounds, to put you in another state, a hypnotized state. From there, the computer�s speakers can be used to relate any messages the hypnotist wishes to tell you. For instance, if you goal is to quit smoking, the audio capabilities of your computer will allow the hypnotist tell you that you no longer need to smoke because your body will reject it. This is all done online and you never needed to go to an office or pay for an expensive office visit.

Special Messages

Online hypnosis can also allow you to find different mantras to say to yourself. Often, online hypnosis will provide text that you say over and over in your mind. In a hypnotized state, this message becomes ingrained in your memory and you begin to believe it. Whether your goal is to lose weight or quit smoking, or something else entirely, this message through online hypnosis will allow you to act towards that goal.

Relaxation Is Key

Online hypnosis is not a complete cure for anything that ails you, you still may need to see a professional for serious cases, but it can be very helpful, if not to just relax you but also to learn a little bit about yourself and how your mind works. Maybe that knowledge is enough to help you beat whatever you wish to beat. Try online hypnosis today and you might just wonder why you never tried it before. It might just be exactly what you need to quit smoking, lose weight or just to be a nicer, calmer person.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Hypnosis For Insomnia: You Are Feeling Very Sleepy

It makes sense that many people would choose hypnosis for insomnia. When people are getting hypnotized, the hypnotist will typically say that the person is feeling sleepy. That�s because hypnosis puts you in such a relaxed state that it�s almost as if the person has fallen asleep. For this reason, hypnosis for insomnia seems like a very good idea. If the person can be hypnotized, however, why can�t they go to sleep on their own? That�s a very good question and the person may need to engage in some sort of self hypnosis for insomnia when they are not in the presence of a certified professional hypnotist.

A Hypnosis Consultation For Insomnia

Use your local phone book to see about local hypnotists in your area. There are likely several, depending on where you live, but you should be able to find a reasonably priced hypnotist who is willing to help you with your insomnia. Not being able to fall asleep is a horrible feeling. You are tired and groggy all throughout the day which makes work almost impossible. Yet, no matter how drained you feel, you can�t fall asleep. Or, you wake up so many times during the night that you have almost no energy at all during the day. During your initial consultation, tell your hypnotist exactly what you�re feeling and what avenues you are taking to try to get some sleep. Your hypnotist will determine why you aren�t sleeping and will put you under hypnosis to try to deprogram your brain so that it will hopefully relax when it�s supposed to.

Your Mind And Body Need To Recharge

Sleep is very important. Your body is like a big computer and it needs to rest every now and again to store information and to recharge. If you don�t sleep, your body doesn�t get a chance to recharge and your mind doesn�t get a chance to reboot, so to speak. Therefore, what you�re left with is a tired person, unable to think clearly. And every day that person doesn�t sleep, it only gets worse. For this reason, many people are turning to hypnosis for insomnia.

Search for a hypnotist in your area and finally get the much needed sleep you�ve been needing and craving. Counting sheep may not work but hypnosis has been known to help a lot of people, it may even help you.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Hypnosis For A Positive Change: Make Yourself A Better Person

If you are trying to lose weight and you just can�t seem to do it, or if you are a smoker who just can�t kick the habit, or maybe you procrastinate too much or maybe you�re just an angry person, hypnosis can help. Hypnosis for a positive change is very popular nowadays. Everyone has heard of hypnosis and they usually think of it as some parlor trick or as fodder for daily talk shows. However, hypnosis for a positive change is sweeping the world by helping people break habits or to just become better people. It doesn�t matter what you think you need improving on, hypnosis for a positive change can help.

Search For A Hypnotist In Your Area

Just use the local phonebook to find a hypnotist in your area. You will have an initial consultation where you will tell the hypnotist exactly what�s bothering you. You can tell him or her that you�d like to quit smoking, that you�d like to lose weight, or maybe you would just like to be more assertive or less timid, whatever your reason for seeing a hypnotist, don�t hold back. After all, the hypnotist is skilled at getting to the root of the problem so it�s likely that he or she will find out what�s bothering you anyway.

After the consultation, the hypnotist will then decide if you can be assisted through hypnosis for a positive change. If you can, indeed, be helped, then the hypnotist will put you in a relaxed state. That is, he or she will use whatever techniques they are skilled at to put you under, so to speak. They may talk softly, or use special lighting or they may use music. The idea is to put you in such a relaxed state that the hypnotist is able to ingrain any messages into your subconscious. For instance, the hypnotist can tell you that when you wake up and you feel yourself confronted with smoking, you will feel that you no longer need a cigarette.

That�s right, it can be that easy. The mind is a powerful tool, a supercomputer if you will, and whatever you tell it, however you program it, that�s how it will function. You have to believe it, though. You cannot be hypnotized and it will not work unless you let it. You need to believe that this technique will work for you. If you don�t, then all the time and energy you spent trying hypnosis for a positive change will have been wasted.

Friday, March 9, 2007

Check Credentials Before Taking Hypnosis Course

With the availability of training for hypnosis so readily abundant, finding the hypnosis course that will offer the best education for your money will take some research and knowing what questions to ask. For example, a hypnosis course offering certification following a weekend of instruction may not prepare you for many contingencies that may arise while working as a hypnotist.

Typically, a hypnotist course will include about 100 hours of instruction with 75 of those hours in the classroom. Verify that you will receive certification upon the completion of the hypnosis course and that the certificate is from a nationally recognized organization and there is not a need for additional classes once the basic course has been completed.

When you are looking at hypnosis course instructors try to determine that they are certified instructors and not necessarily certified by the school at which they train others. If they use titles such as doctor or professor, or even reverend, do not be afraid to request to see their credentials. They should be from an accredited college or university and since a title such as these can take up to six years to earn at an accredited school, they should be proud to show off their diploma.

Captivating Cost Of Learning

Some facilities with hypnosis course offerings use the setting as a captive audience for advertising from outside vendors. Selling class-related supplies is not unusual, such as books, CDs and even DVDs, but any additional purchase requirement should be made known before the class begins. You should also be given an option of where to purchase any additional mandated materials instead of through a typically higher-priced vendor associated with the school.

When checking the credentials of an instructor for a hypnosis course, you may also want to verify the credentials of the institution that offered the instructor�s certification. In other words, if the organization that certified an individual as an instructor is not a certified institution, the instructor�s certificate could be invalid.

Foremost, you should verify the total cost of the hypnosis course, including any additional materials or supplies, before you sign any contract. Typically, in the United States a certified hypnosis course will cost up to about $3,000 including everything you might need during and after classes, including your certification. If any state exams are necessary before practicing in specific states, exam fees usually are not included.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Can Hypnosis Aide Weight Loss?

It�s All in the Mind

Companies that offer weight loss hypnosis claim that their services help their clients loose weight by retraining their minds to no longer crave sweet, fatty, and salty food; to be motivated to exercise, and to have the will power to stick with the program. The programs suggest a combination office therapy sessions and listening to self-hypnosis tapes/CD�s when not in sessions for different specified amount of times (this varies between programs).

While it�s true that will power is ultimately the deciding factor in any weight loss plan, it is also true that in order for any weight loss plan to work: Diet, exercise, medications, or hypnosis for weight loss; and the person must have real desire, commitment, and motivation must already be prevalent. This being said, losing weight by hypnosis is in fact as hard as loosing weight any other way, hypnosis has been shown to assist weight loss efforts, however there is no conclusive scientific evidence that hypnotism improves the chances of success.

The Idea Behind the Method

The concept of hypnosis for any behavior modification is not so far fetched; people under hypnosis are known to be more acceptable to suggestion. This does not mean that hypnosis for weight loss is necessarily a quick fix to instantly loose weight; any weight loss program is going to require self discipline, self motivation, and a comprehensive plan that includes diet and exercise.

If someone were interested in trying to use hypnosis for weight loss there are a few things to consider; first there is no instant weight loss anything, if the company or person selling a hypnotism for weight loss product claims there is, do not work with those people. Second, hypnosis cannot make a person do something that they don�t want to do, advocates of hypnosis claim that they are able to modify behaviors, but there is no evidence to this claim. Third, there is no scientific evidence for the safety of hypnosis nor is there a regulatory service for hypnotists, a person can take a 2 day course and claim to be a hypnotist.

Methods of Delivery

There are recordings on tape or CD and therapy sessions available; many sources offer hypnosis for weight loss recordings on tape or CD, they can be found all over the internet and in alternative reading stores that offer motivational, meditation, and other types of self help tapes and CD�s.

Therapy sessions can be found in most major cities, these sessions average about $30 dollars each and most incorporate recorded self hypnosis as a supplemental tool. Many hypnosis for weight loss programs will have six to eight weekly sessions with the recording being used to supplement nightly.


Monday, March 5, 2007

Hypnosis and Sleep May Be Closely Related

Several researchers are beginning to espouse the connection between hypnosis and sleep, while others are attempting to use hypnosis to help people sleep. Similar to chemical sleeping aids, hypnosis is said to have the same relaxing effects on the mind and body, allowing people to drift off to sleep quickly and easily.

It is no secret that hypnosis and sleep are related when people are in the trance-like state of hypnosis. After all, most hypnotists tell their subjects they are going to sleep and that their eyelids are getting heavy. However, it is not unusual for a person to experience self-hypnosis and sleep at least a few times during their seemingly waking hours.

For example, driving to or from a familiar destination you may find yourself at the end of your journey with absolutely no recollection of how you reached it. Your mind may have wandered into its own subconscious and while your conscious thoughts may have been on the task at hand, your mind was experiencing hypnosis and sleep in its subconscious.

There are many self-hypnosis options available and some CDs can be played as you attempt to fall asleep. With the hypnosis and sleep CD playing in the background, many are claiming a valid benefit and deeper undisturbed sleep than with medically prescribed sleep aids.

Relax Yourself Into Sleep Mode

Being able to close off conscious thoughts and bring total relaxation to your mind is only part of the process of using hypnosis and sleep aids, as your body also has to be relaxed enough. Usually a slight drop in core body temperature will be realized before going to sleep, with the core temperature slightly lower than that of the extremities. Once a person�s mind is totally relaxed, the body typically follows, with deep sleep not far behind.

Listening to a voice telling you about how sleep you are getting and how great it will be to wake up rested, is not the aim of hypnosis and sleep sounds usually available. Rather restful and relaxing sounds are included in a manner and order in which your mind slowly succumbs to the unspoken suggestion that you are going to go to sleep.

Typically, the hypnosis and sleep recording will last just until the person is on the verge of sleep and then end, allowing them to fall into a restful sleep, waking up rested and having much more energy.

Saturday, March 3, 2007

Hypnosis And Hypnotherapy Share Related Differences

Many do not understand the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy, as well as the difference in educational needs between the two fields. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy, while closely related fields, in today�s treatment market, play two related, yet different roles.

Attempts today to modify certain behaviors through hypnosis is blurring the line between hypnosis and hypnotherapy and with many questionable schools popping up claiming to teach people how to hypnotize others, some in just a weekend, the practice is starting to get a bad name. By entering the subconscious mind, a hypnotherapist can offer significant assistance for deeply embedded issues that other forms of medical treatment cannot reach.

Being able to tap into the subconscious through hypnosis and hypnotherapy has been recognized by many medical professionals as a means of supplying appropriate treatment. Since the 19th century hypnosis and hypnotherapy has been used as more than just a parlor trick. When the practice went to the stage, with a hypnotist selecting a patron from the audience and making them cluck like a chicken on stage, it did the practice a disservice.

Behavior Modification Makes Hypnotic Inroads

People skilled at hypnosis and hypnotherapy found that by reaching into the subconscious mind, modifications could be made to a person�s behavior, which could be beneficial to the subjects. Many started using hypnosis and hypnotherapy to help people quit smoking or to help them lose weight by modifying their eating habits. As the popularity of this practice began to spread so did the need for more hypnotists.

Many still see the hypnotist dressed in a black top hat and long tails performing on a stage, thanks to old movies and carnival posters, but in reality those in hypnosis and hypnotherapy are usually similar to medical professionals, taking pride in their occupation and how they can help people make changes to their lives.

The main commercial difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy is through hypnosis people relate it to the one-shot method of helping people quit smoking or stop overeating. Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, is often equated with helping a patient through deep-rooted issues in their subconscious. These typically take several sessions, sometimes years to fully examine and determine the best treatment method.

It is not unusual to have psychiatric professionals involved in hypnotherapy as they recognize the benefits of getting beyond a patient�s conscious thinking. By combining hypnosis and hypnotherapy with psychology a professional will be in a better position to offer help.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Does Hypnosis Really Work?

Being Hypnotized

Being placed under hypnosis has been described as being placed in a trance or dream like state; this is achieved by tricking the mind into suppressing the conscious mind and allowing the subconscious mind to take the forefront. It is thought that the subconscious mind is more open to suggestion and imaginary play than our conscious mind. This would explain why in a state of hypnotism, that people are willing to act a way that they might not normally act.

It is a common misconception, that hypnotism allows the hypnotist to control the mind; this is not true, but to the contrary, they are accessing the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is more open to suggestion because it controls the body�s automatic functions such as breathing, the heart beat, all of the �how to�s� of the body, the subconscious mind is responsible for.

For example, people don�t have to think about walking, they simply do; nor do they have to think about reading or tying a shoe, once a skill is learned our brain puts the skill onto the �auto pilot� section of our brains, this is our subconscious mind. As it is accustomed to reacting automatically is not hard to imagine that it would have fewer inhibitions than our conscious mind.

Because the subconscious mind is so sensitive to suggestion, the use of hypnosis in a medical capacity is highly debated, while it can sometimes be useful there is also risk of imprinting the brain with false memories. These false memories are thought to happen because something is suggested while the mind is in this highly relaxed and heightened awareness state. People who are especially susceptible to hypnosis can even experience memory loss from the experience.

The human brain itself is an enigma to the scientific world, everything that is learned about the brain raises more questions; this is why understanding hypnotism can be so difficult, every brain reacts a little different to the experience and some brains are not affected by it at all.

Scientist have found that for a person to be hypnotized there must be certain factors: the brain must be completely relaxed, allowing the subconscious mind to take the foreground of the mind; the person must want to be hypnotized or at least feel the social pressure to perform; and the person has to be willing to do whatever is suggested of them, while the subconscious mind is more open to suggestion it still will not put the body into danger, the survival instinct is still prevalent even in the subconscious mind.