Text Box: Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy utilizing the trance induction of hypnosis in conjunction with individualized techniques of counseling. Through this modality, one may discover new insights, hidden memories, latent creativity, feelings of competence, awareness of body’s memory of trauma, release of fears, or release of repressed emotions. In doing so, one can change the emotional remembrance of past trauma and its resulting faulty beliefs, enabling self to reframe what has been stored in the subconscious. Hypnotherapy is used for addressing a very wide range of problems, from changing unwanted habits to gaining spiritual insights. Hypnosis is a naturally occurring altered state of consciousness. We experience this altered state everyday when we are immersed in reading a book or watching TV and not hearing our name called or not noticing how time has passed. These are examples of being in trance, in which the analytical mind is bypassed and assumes a passive attention to the external stimuli. The mind becomes inwardly focused. In a hypnotic state, we are not really thinking in the traditional sense.  We are experiencing without questioning, without critical judgment or analysis. Therefore, we also become receptive to suggestions. Examples of this receptivity are times that we are influenced by religious and political speeches or advertisements. However, we can NEVER be receptive to a suggestion that is against our deeply held values and desires. No one can force us into a hypnotic state if we don’t want to. Unfortunately, Hollywood movies have created the biggest misconception of losing our will power and being brainwashed through hypnosis. This happens only in the movies. Our will is always present, even in trance, to protect us against any perceived danger or any suggestions against our values and desires. For example: if the act of physical aggression is against your deeply held values, no hypnotic suggestion can make you physically aggressive; if you will not to quit smoking, no hypnotic suggestion can make you quit; or, if you will not to be hypnotized, not even the most experienced hypnotist can hypnotize you.

 

Body, Mind, and Spirit Psychotherapy:

 A Synergistic Approach

Farinaz Amirsehi, LPC, NCC, RN

Licensed Professional Counselor