What is hypnosis?
“Hypnosis is the bypassing of the critical function of consciousness and the establishment of appropriate, selective thinking,” according to the general definition. Put more simply, this means that hypnosis occurs when the conscious mind (which houses logic, short-term memory, and rational thinking) recedes into the background and the subconscious mind (which houses long-term memory, emotions, and habits) comes to the fore. Essentially, hypnosis is a natural state that involves both relaxation and concentration. During hypnosis, complex processes take place in the brain that can even be detected using positron emission tomography (PET). In fact, everyone experiences this several times a day—usually just before waking up and just before falling asleep. However, hypnosis should not be confused with sleep or a state of unconsciousness, as a hypnotized person is still able to respond. The widespread belief that people under hypnosis might act against their own will is also incorrect.
What can I expect from hypnosis?
Hypnotherapy is based on the idea that a person’s problems always originate in the subconscious mind. After all, every thought and suggestion a person has ultimately triggers a physical reaction in the body. In the conscious mind, this problem then manifests as a symptom that we can actively perceive. Through the use of hypnosis, the symptom is alleviated by specifically “reprogramming” the trigger in the subconscious mind.
One goal of hypnotherapy is to stimulate the patient’s self-healing powers and thereby achieve relief from the symptom or the problem. Significant progress can be expected even after just one hypnotherapy session—sometimes the problem can even be completely resolved. On average, however, it takes about three sessions to reach that point. Choosing a qualified hypnotherapist is of great importance in this process.
Practical examples of situations where hypnosis can be used include smoking cessation, relieving tension and mental blocks, deep relaxation, stress management, and boosting motivation. In addition, hypnosis can help eliminate phobias, improve the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, activate the body’s self-healing processes, and even facilitate weight loss (not possible in cases of morbid obesity or eating disorders). Nighttime teeth grinding and snoring can also be reduced through hypnotherapy.
In general, it is important to note that hypnotherapy cannot replace a visit to the doctor or a diagnosis by a specialist. Nor can a decision be made regarding whether medications prescribed by a doctor should continue to be taken in conjunction with hypnotherapy.
How does hypnosis treatment work?
Once you’ve decided to undergo hypnotherapy, the first step is an initial consultation and medical history review. During this session, you’ll receive a detailed explanation of what will happen during hypnosis and what your personal role will be. Any further questions you may have about hypnosis can also be answered. This initial consultation usually lasts 30–60 minutes.
Before the hypnosis session itself, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any further questions and receive open and honest answers. It’s also essential to clarify your personal expectations for the hypnosis session.
The next step is inducing the hypnotic state, which takes about one to seven minutes. This is followed by the main part—the actual hypnotherapy session. Depending on the issues being addressed, this can last 30 to 90 minutes.
You will then be guided out of hypnosis step by step and given the opportunity for a follow-up discussion. Your feedback is also particularly important to us.
You should plan on spending about three hours for your first appointment. In some cases, one or two additional sessions may be beneficial, but generally, you can expect to see positive changes after just one hypnosis session—provided you allow yourself to experience them.
Are you interested in hypnosis treatment or would you like detailed information about hypnosis? We’d be happy to advise you personally. Please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!