Hypnosis: The real deal, no quacks involved
Have you ever daydreamed or become so absorbed in a task that you don’t hear another person talking to you at first? If so, you have already experienced the shift from normal cognitive awareness to using other parts of your mind. This is similar to the change that occurs with meditation and hypnosis.
Many people shy away from using hypnosis as a health asset, simply based on media portrayals of hypnotism. Movies showing a person hypnotized against their will to do something evil or even silly, such as quacking like a duck, have deterred many from exploring hypnosis and similar modalities. These false ideas eliminate tools we all can use to make meaningful and sustained changes in our health.
One common misperception is that a hypnotized person gives the hypnotist power to make choices and decisions for them.
The reality is that stage hypnotists are not trying to help you; they just want to entertain their audience. If you agree to be a stage volunteer, you are giving your permission for the hypnotist to use you in the entertainment. You do not “fall under the spell” of the hypnotist.
Hypnosis is a shift in consciousness that allows people to change more quickly by enabling unencumbered access into many of the mind’s natural abilities. Utilizing hypnosis within wellness coaching relies on a mutual agreement to build rapport between client and coach, so hypnosis can become a tool to help reach the client’s specific goals. Clinical hypnotherapists support and guide clients to rediscover their own power and help identify ways to change behaviors for the better.
Another myth is that hypnosis is a quick fix.
However, as you may have already experienced, changing a health behavior can be difficult. For instance, eating is not just about putting fuel in a machine, at least for most of us. Eating is a part of our daily life and relationships, so changing eating behaviors may take time and outside help. Some people seem to see no progress at first, but three to six months later, they find the changes coming more naturally. When the shift occurs is not predictable.
The third alarming myth is that people will forget everything that happened during hypnosis.
In reality, most hypnotized people do remember what happened, even after the session ends. Sometimes they just need a guide to tap into hidden resources of their own mind. As with any other memory, time often mutes the details of an experience.
The bottom line is that anyone who feels stuck trying to reach their health or wellness goals may benefit from exploring hypnosis.
