Hypnotherapy has been around for over a hundred years, but the question of whether it really works or not is still up for debate. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people go to trained and licensed hypnotherapists in hopes of being able to quit smoking, lose weight, or overcome anxiety. Some do it successfully, while for others it’s only a matter of time before they light up, eat ten candy bars, or become fearful again. The only truth that seems to be a proven fact about hypnotherapy is that it doesn’t work for everyone every time.
To dispel one of the myths about hypnotherapy, it isn’t brainwashing or mind control. When someone is being hynotized, they are being guided into a relaxed state by the words of the hypnotherapist. When the patient has been properly guided into this relaxed “trance” state, they speak in a way to which supposedly the subcoscious mind easily responds. The conscious mind, which controls the ego, logical thinking and decision making, doesn’t respond to suggestion as well as the subconscious mind… or so the theory goes.
This trance state actually occurs naturally when you are watching TV, reading a book or just day-dreaming, but when you realize you are in this state, you instantly snap out if it. For fun, try to consciously start daydreaming. You won’t be able to just start doing it instantly. This is why you need to relax first and lull yourself into this relaxed state. A skilled hypnotherapist is able to guide you into this state, as long as you are willing. This is they key to hypnosis. You cannot be forced into a hypnotic state, no matter how many times you see it on TV cop shows. The hypnotherapist first needs your cooperation for this, which is why the myth about hypnosis being “mind control” is just that… a myth.
So if you go to a hypnotherapist for your anxiety, how are you expected to be able to relax? If you are being treated for anxiety or an anxiety disorder, your doctor has probably already prescribed a medication and possibly an additional type of psychotherapy. Medications are supposed to only help you for a period of time while you use other, more permanent techniques to help get rid of anxiety. Hypnotherapy, because it is unregulated and outside traditional medicine, can be added to your treatment regimen without interfering with any progress you have already made working with your therapist.
You might also be wondering how someone can get into your subconsious and suggest away your anxiety. The way the mind works still isn’t completely understood, but hypnotherapists believe that the subconscious mind is much more literal than the conscious mind. The hynotherapist uses a series of vague statements that communicate directly with the subconscious mind, allowing it to listen and respond.
Another tool of hynotherapists is suggestions. These are usually given as metaphors and repeated several times during a session. They occur when the therapist swtiches from getting you into a relaxed trance state to creating new behaviors. Depending on your particular type of anxiety, these can help you create pictures of yourself in the place that causes you anxiety, but now feeling secure and safe. The therapist may even suggest that you are already free from your anxiety and looking back at when you used to experience it is a distant memory.
If you are willing to try different methods, then you must have a belief that it can help. This belief and willingness to work with the hypnotherapist will help them help you. Coupled with your medication and psychotherapy program, there is a chance that hypnotherapy can help you decrease or get rid of your anxiety.
Click here to watch a short video about the ROOT CAUSE of all anxiety.
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