By Audrey Tan
Hypnosis is an ancient healing technique practised by humans worldwide for millennia; it is even mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, an archaic Egyptian medical journal dated 1550 BC. Before making a comeback in the late 19th century, the practice severely declined as it was associated with witchcraft in mediaeval Europe.
In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in this age-old method of medicine, and, as of 1958, the American Medical Association has officially recognised it as a legitimate form of medical treatment.
While hypnosis has long been perceived as more of a party trick than a serious method of therapy, studies from the past few decades have shown that hypnotherapy can indeed have a positive long-term impact on patients.
Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth. Still, it’s essential to understand the process well and prepare yourself before diving in.
Here’s a handy guide for beginners who are thinking of giving hypnotherapy a try:
But First, What Is Hypnotherapy?
To put it simply, hypnotherapy can be seen as a combination of hypnosis and regular talk therapy. Your therapist will have a more active role in guiding you into a state of deep relaxation so you can access the subconscious mind, which is more open to suggestions.
By getting in touch with the subconscious mind, your therapist can help you work on correcting specific problems, such as chronic illnesses or problems with anxiety.
Hypnotherapy Is Not Magic
Hypnotherapy can bring about significant changes in a relatively short span of time, but it requires effort and commitment. The hypnotherapist can guide you, but ultimately, the change process is all up to you.
Set expectations before starting your session! It is unlikely that you will experience a life-changing epiphany during your first session, but that doesn’t mean you’re not making progress. Remember that just like any other therapy form, it will take time to reach your desired goal.
And unlike what’s shown in movies and TV shows, hypnotherapy won’t transport you to parallel universes or different dimensions. Really, hypnotherapy is not much different to traditional talk therapy, except that the therapist first puts you into a state of deep relaxation. In this state, the mind is more inclined to open up, enabling one to access parts of the unconscious we usually shut out.
Expecting a miraculous transformation on day one can set you up for disappointment and make the rest of your therapy more challenging. So, remember to keep an open mind, be optimistic, and, most importantly, trust your therapist to guide you through the session.
The Power Of Suggestion Is Key
Hypnotherapy works by tapping into the subconscious mind, which is more susceptible to suggestion. For this reason, you must always keep an open mind and choose a hypnotherapist you trust and feel comfortable with.
Some start their therapy convinced that hypnotherapy will not work for them. Sure, it works better for some people, but starting the process with a negative mindset guarantees that the road will be much harder than it’s supposed to be.
Know What You Need
Hypnotherapy can help with a variety of issues. From quitting smoking to overcoming anxiety and phobias, and has been proven effective in treating a range of mental health and behavioural problems. However, it’s essential to understand that the results will vary depending on the individual and the specific issue being addressed.
Be sure to zero in on one specific ailment at a time and explore it thoroughly before moving on to another problem. Generally speaking, the more specific you are, the more likely hypnotherapy will give you desired results.
Make Sure Hypnotherapy Is Right For You
Hypnotherapy doesn’t work for everyone. Those with underlying mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or depression, for example, may respond better to more conventional forms of therapy.
This brings us back to point #2, as it may not be successful for people who are highly sceptical or resistant to the idea. In other words, if you write off hypnotherapy from the get-go, you are setting yourself up for failure.
Don’t Be Afraid
Some people are terrified of the prospect of losing control over their bodies and minds. It’s a common misconception that you lose control during hypnosis, brought on by decades of misrepresentation in popular media.
The truth is, you’re always in control and can come out of the trance at any time. The hypnotherapist can guide you, but you have the final say over what happens during the session. That includes aborting it and continuing later, should the treatment make you uncomfortable.
Before starting hypnotherapy, it’s crucial to clearly understand what it is, how it works, and what you can expect from the process. With the proper preparation and mindset, hypnotherapy can be a life-changing tool for personal growth and self-improvement.