Hypnosis - how does this method work and when is it used?

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Hypnosis - how does this method work and when is it used?

Do you think of hypnosis as spectacular stage shows and seemingly will-less people who can't remember anything later? Therapeutic hypnosis procedures have nothing to do with that.

A trance is a state of heightened awareness. Inner images, past experiences and memories are more perceptible during a hypnosis treatment. However, the method only works if the person allows this voluntarily.

Hypnosis is one of the oldest practices for altering consciousness. Even in ancient times, altered states of consciousness were used as a healing method. Today, the various hypnosis techniques offer a wide range of applications.

You can also learn how to hypnotize yourself. How a hypnosis session works and what this technique does, you can learn here.

Definition of hypnosis and its possible applications

Hypnosis is defined as a technique by which a person can put himself or other people into another state of consciousness. The hypnotic trance is used therapeutically to activate positive powers, to work through buried experiences or to Fears to treat.

It was previously assumed that the artificially generated partial Sleep has a relaxing effect. However, modern brain research found out that people under hypnosis are attentive and perceive their environment. The deep relaxed state obviously causes that the attention can be directed specifically to something. In hypnotherapy, this is used to work through stressful conflicts via the subconscious.

Use and aim of hypnosis treatment

The aim of a hypnosis treatment is to help the patient to personal strengths and to develop suitable coping strategies for physical or psychological problems. The hypnosis procedure is used independently or in combination with other methods, for example behavioral therapy or depth psychological measures.

The history of hypnosis began in pre-Christian times. In the Far East, fakirs or yogis knew hypnosis-like techniques with which a trance state could be achieved. The Swiss physician and natural philosopher Paracelsus used the hypnosis method to treat nervous disorders. Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, resorted to the hypnosis method when treating personality disorders.

Nowadays, the hypnosis technique is used in medicine, psychotherapy as well as in the Personality Development applied.

How does hypnosis work?

What exactly hypnosis does in the brain has not yet been fully researched. It is assumed that the activity of some brain areas is reduced in the state of deep relaxation. These are the regions of the brain responsible for perception. The areas responsible for fantasy and feelings, on the other hand, are very active.

You feel as if you are actually experiencing something during hypnosis. Since the areas where pain and fear are processed are not active under the influence of hypnosis, you do not feel any painful or fearful emotions.

Before a hypnosis session, there is first a preliminary discussion between hypnotist and client. This meeting serves to get to know each other and to build trust. Hypnosis only works if you trust your therapist and feel in good hands with him or her. To avoid risks or side effects, the hypnotist should know about your medical and psychological history.

The different phases of hypnosis

A hypnosis consists of several phases. These are:

  • Induction phase
  • Trance
  • Reorientation phase

The beginning of a hypnosis treatment is the induction phase. Relaxation is actively induced by the hypnotist repeating relaxing words several times in a soothing tone. After the request: "You are now completely relaxed and completely calm," the client falls deeper and deeper into a trance. Usually the induction phase lasts only a few minutes.

As soon as the deep relaxed state is reached, the therapist mobilizes with the help of suitable suggestions the Self-healing powers of the patient. In the case of psychological problems, the mental faculties are activated during a hypnosis session. The hypnotized person is instructed to perform certain movements or to direct their thoughts to an event or topic.

The trance ends with the reorientation phase. The state of relaxation is gently withdrawn by the hypnotist. This is done by directing the client's perception from the inside out. Usually, this process lasts only a few minutes. The total duration of hypnosis depends on the agreed treatment goal as well as the client's resilience.

hypnosis to fall asleep

Myths and prejudices about hypnosis

Hypnosis is a scientifically recognized and proven method. Nevertheless, numerous myths and prejudices surround this method. There are a variety of Hypnosis Myths. The most well-known (mis)statements concern the loss of control during treatment, the perception of supernatural things, as well as being at the mercy of trance sleep.

A widespread prejudice says that a hypnotist can hypnotize a person even against his will. However, this is wrong. A hypnosis treatment only works if you really want to experience the trance and get involved in it.

During hypnosis one is asleep, it is often said. However, the state of hypnosis is not comparable to sleeping. In trance you are completely relaxed, perceive your surroundings more clearly and can concentrate better.

Fear of being manipulated keeps many people from starting hypnotherapy. Suggestive Manipulation is not provided in hypnotizing. It would not work either. You are in no hypnosis phase will-less and helplessly at the mercy.

Your brain cells are more active than average and perceive even the smallest vibrations. For your self-protection, you can ask the therapist to stop the session if you do not feel safe.

Why hypnosis is a powerful tool for personal development

Hypnosis offers the possibility to specifically influence the subconscious. In trance can Past and present can be processed and the future can be shaped in a visionary way. Hypnosis is an excellent tool for personal development.

Your Personality type has a great influence on your attitude towards life, your emotions and the way you act in certain situations. The Personality is composed of the character traits and the temperament together.

If you don't know your personality type yet, we recommend our Personality Test. In our scientifically based test procedure you will find out which personality type you really are. You learn to better understand your personal behavior. This helps you to further develop your own personality.

Fields of application of hypnosis

Hypnosis can do a lot. The areas of application of hypnosis treatment are wide-ranging. Hypnotherapy is used, for example, in:

  • Allergies
  • Anxiety disorders (fear of flying, dental phobia)
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Chronic pain
  • Weight loss support
  • Sleep disorders
  • Supportive for nicotine cessation
  • Unfulfilled desire to have children
  • Gastrointestinal diseases with psychosomatic cause
  • In the birth preparation
  • Tinnitus

used. Does losing weight with hypnosis work? You won't lose any extra pounds without counting calories or changing your diet. Losing weight with hypnosis is possible, because with the help of deep relaxation you can mentally practice a different eating behavior.

Do you suffer from insomnia? Then hypnosis to fall asleep is an option to relax better. Sleep hypnosis aims to improve the quality of sleep in the long term.

Hypnosis for stress management

Stress is detrimental to health. Excessive stress promotes the development of numerous diseases. In stress management, the hypnosis process is used to Mindfulness to learn. In trance sleep, mental pressure can be relieved or brought down to a normal level.

Hypnosis for fears and phobias

Anxieties and phobias limit the quality of life. The use of hypnosis has proven helpful for anxiety and panic disorders. Symptoms of anxiety disorders such as concentration and sleep disorders as well as inner restlessness can be treated well in trance.

Most of the time, people affected by anxiety and panic attacks have an excellent imagination. Since the brain reacts extremely sensitively, even harmless events are perceived as threatening. These symptoms can be used in hypnotic treatment to develop constructive solutions.

Hypnosis to increase self-love and self-confidence

Low self-love makes it hard, Achieve goals in life. Lack of Self-confidence causes one to underestimate one's own abilities. During hypnosis, negative and self-critical thoughts are briefly turned off. It is possible to "reprogram" one's own way of thinking by focusing exclusively on positive thought patterns.

Hypnosis to improve performance and concentration

Stress due to an upcoming exam, as well as being over- or underchallenged on the job, affect the Concentration and the performance capacity. In the deep relaxation state during hypnosis, the inner balance can be restored. The relaxation causes the stress level to decrease.

The subconscious mind plays a crucial role in poor concentration and performance. As a natural state, trance is suitable for breaking the vicious circle of concentration problems and poor performance. Negative feelings and blockages are specifically removed so that an improvement in performance and concentration is achieved.

How to learn hypnosis?

Hypnosis treatments are performed by trained therapists. Do you want to learn hypnosis to later offer hypnosis therapy to your clients yourself? Or is self-hypnosis an option for you to treat yourself? Basically, (almost) everyone can learn to hypnotize.

The easiest way is to learn the technique of self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis allows you to put yourself into a trance when needed. If you use self-hypnosis correctly, you will feel the same deeply relaxing effect as in a hypnosis session with your therapist.

The training to become a hypnotherapist

Training as a hypnotherapist usually takes place at an institute for hypnosis and hypnotherapy. Hypnosis training is also suitable as an additional qualification after coaching training or after studying psychology. Previous knowledge is not expected.

The activity of a hypnotherapist is not a recognized profession. Therefore, basically anyone can call themselves a hypnosis expert. The professional training is also not regulated by law. Therefore, pay attention to the quality and content of training, seminars and professional training.

Professional seminars and courses

Participation in specialist seminars and courses is often also possible online. Theoretical basics and practical experience are taught. You learn important things about the application and mode of action of hypnosis. In addition, you learn what really matters when hypnotizing.

Hypnosis training should cover various hypnosis techniques. These include hypnosis methods such as third-party hypnosis, self-hypnosis and flash hypnosis. The differences between hypnotherapy and show hypnosis should also be addressed.

Practical exercises are used to show how clients are guided into hypnosis and through the trance. Learning hypnosis can be worthwhile. Self-hypnosis offers you the opportunity, Reduce stress effectivelyincrease your self-confidence and make better use of your personal strengths.

Risks and side effects of hypnosis

The risks and side effects of hypnosis treatment are comparable to those of other relaxation methods. Nonspecific side effects of a hypnotic trance may include dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, mental upset, or nausea.

Hypnotherapy is not suitable for certain groups of people. These include people suffering from psychotic states or going through acute psychosis. Caution is also advised after exceptional psychological situations or in the case of diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder. In a state of deep trance, repressed traumatic experiences can come back to consciousness.

Blood pressure drops during the hypnotic trance. If you have low blood pressure or cardiovascular problems, first ask your family doctor if hypnosis is suitable for you.

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