Personal Growth & Prosperity Coaching /
Short-Term Holistic Counseling

 
WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?
by Dianne Ruth, PhD

The hypnotic trance state is a normal, natural, and frequently spontaneous experience such as when you daydream, or are absorbed in a movie or project.

Experts claim most of us spend about three to four hours daily in an altered state of consciousness.

Whenever you are feeling emotional, you are in the hypnotic trance state.

Reminiscing or reliving memories produces the state of hypnosis.

A sudden distraction can cause temporary hypnotic amnesia or forgetfulness.

In hypnosis you will not fall asleep or become unconscious.

During hypnosis, you may experience an intense state of euphoria or a feeling of deep relaxation.

In hypnosis you will generally maintain an awareness and control over your responses.

In hypnosis you will not usually do or say anything that is unacceptable to yourself or others.

You can also deliberately lie while hypnotized. Once again, you are always in control.

Hypnosis is a narrowing or focusing of attention through disciplined concentration.

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness. Practice improves results.

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. There are no exceptions.

The hypnotic trance is divided into four theoretical levels. Beginning with a light state, then a medium level. This can then progress into a deep trance.

The fourth level or deepest state is when a person completely loses all conscious awareness. This level is rarely reached, and is limited in its usefulness. One instance of value, however, would be if a person had to undergo major surgery such as an amputation without anesthesia.

The light to medium trance level is the most productive, and the most easily achieved. Usually, a simple closing of the eyes and a minimum amount of body relaxation will produce the most desirable state.

Hypnosis is a state of hypersuggestability. While in the hypnotic trance state, it is believed that a person is about one hundred times more susceptible to a positive or acceptable suggestion than at any other time.

The only evidence of true, effective hypnosis or self-hypnosis is the posthypnotic response. This means that whatever suggestions you give yourself while in the trance state, you tend to carry them out later.

When you are about to fall asleep, you are in hypnosis. This is called the hypnogogic state.

When you are first waking up, you are in hypnosis. This is called the hypnopompic state.

ALL hypnosis is ultimately self-hypnosis. Even when an operator, therapist, coach, counselor or other trained and credentialed professional guides you through the process, you are still always in control.