Welcome to Hypnotherapy

When the word, hypnosis is used in everyday conversation, it seems to stir many varied reactions.  Responses range from disbelief to terror or even laughter.  On the other hand, some people believe that hypnosis can work miracles.  All of these reactions stem from ideas and information is that not true.  There are many misconceptions about hypnosis.  A simple definition of hypnosis is:

Hyp-no-sis (hip no’sis) n., pl.  –ses’ (-sez’) [[< Gr hypnos, sleep + -OSIS]] a state of increased suggestibility and concentration.

The term “Hypnosis” is derived from the Greek word for sleep but hypnosis is actually a state of deep relaxation in which people find themselves more susceptible to suggestion.

Physicians, Psychologists and Hypnotherapists have used hypnosis as a valuable tool in solving such problems as sleep disturbance, concentration and memory, fears and phobias, stuttering and control of pain and asthma.  Hypnosis has also been helpful in treating smoking, overeating, alcoholism, skin conditions such as acne and warts, etc. Electroencephalogram (EEG) research has found that people undergoing hypnosis show a boost in Alpha and Theta brain waves.  Alpha brain waves indicate a state between wakefulness and sleep and are associated with relaxation and openness to suggestion.  Theta brain waves are associated with even deeper relaxation.  A person is more likely to achieve the Theta state when being hypnotized by someone else rather than  when using self-hypnosis.

Hypnosis works by using techniques that bypass the “Critical Factor” and bringing the subconscious to the forefront of the mind and the conscious to the back of the mind.  The “Critical Factor” is defined as the ability to reason.  We usually develop this ability between the ages of five to six years old.  Prior to that age, we generally believed whatever was told to us based on the fact that we didn’t have much stored memory data to draw upon.  After the age of six, we are capable of selecting what we believe based on our own experiences and emotions.  Therefore, in order to reach the subconscious and bring it forward in the mind, the hypnotist must bypass this “Critical Factor.”

When this is accomplished, the hypnotist can communicate with the subconscious and give it suggestions to correct inappropriate and/or unwanted behaviors.  In essence, this is reprogramming the subconscious mind to accept those behaviors desired by the client.

Physical and emotional reflexes that are trained to behave in a ritualized pattern in accordance with the images that we recall form “habits.”  Our brain is constantly taking in information for us to consider.  This information includes old images that we stored as children and adolescents as well as information that we pick up from our immediate environment.  All of this information or experiences are stored in the brain and actually responsible for transforming that information into bodily actions.  Each time an experience is repeated, it is strengthened making it easier to repeat.  Thus, thoughts and behaviors become habitual through repetition.

This can be realized by the example of smoking.  When we are told that smoking is an adult, “cool” thing to do and this message is constantly repeated, we can become a habitual smoker in spite of the health concerns regarding doing so. This pattern can also work in a positive direction.  When we are young and told that good grades are a result good study habits, rest and proper nutrition and this message is constantly re-enforced, it becomes habitual and good grades are the result. But what happens when we want to get rid of some of those unfavorable or mixed messages that our subconscious repeats as a normal behavior?  This is when hypnosis can help change those unfavorable messages and replace them with more favorable messages to produce a positive desire result.  This is basically a simplified explanation of how hypnosis can work for you.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please e-mail QBS and we will be happy to respond.