You know what happens in your thinking, conscious mind, but you may be surprised by what goes on in your consciousness. Have you ever woken in the night to remember an urgent next day deadline that you had forgotten? Or perhaps you set the alarm for an early start, only to wake up five minutes before the alarm rings. In both these cases, your unconscious mind has been working on your behalf, even though you were asleep. Psychologists believe that harnessing the power of your mind can help overcome mental difficulties and make you a happier person.
History
Early theories of how our minds work included linking the varying bumps on people's heads with their personalities. Ever since Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology laboratory in Liepzig in 1879, scientists and thinkers struggled to understand how mind power affects us, and how we can harness it to improve our mental health.
Sigmund Freud suggested that there is a difference between the conscious and the unconscious mind. Building on his work, more recent psychologists such as Milton Erickson made advances in hypnotism and hypnotherapy--both based on the power of the unconscious mind--during the twentieth century.
Effects
One in six adults and almost one in 10 children suffer from a mental health problem in the United States, according to BringChangeToMind.org, attesting to the power of the mind to both make people happy and miserable.
The American Psychological Association lists a range of possible disorders, including eating disorders, schizophrenia, stress, depression, addictions and a host of other issues. Sufferers can consult psychologists, psychiatrists, behaviorists, counselors, hypnotherapists and/or complimentary therapists to cope with these issues.
Expert Insight
Many people turn to psychological techniques to help them through tough times, whether financial, personal or existential. According to the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis there are three areas you can use to affect change in your life through the unconscious mind.
You can use your imagination to picture something you would like to change. For example, if you imagine an inflamed part of the body as red and swollen, you may be able to reduce pain by changing the picture to one of a blue, smooth organ.
Hypnotherapists sometimes make suggestions to you while you are in a hypnotic state. Those suggestions can remain in your unconscious and help you to change the way you behave so that you move closer to the outcome you prefer.
While in the altered state induced by hypnosis, you can also explore events from the past without the censorship effect of the conscious mind.
Theories/Speculation
According to the Positive Psychology Center, you can find ways to become happier and more fulfilled. The Center studies people who may not have mental difficulties, but who would like to get more out of life. Their work suggests that you can feel more satisfied, have more hope, even smile and laugh more, if you understand what real happiness is. Turning away from material riches and concentrating on "virtues" such as wisdom, justice and courage may be the way to unleash the power of your mind to make you a happier person.
Warning
There is a growing band of stage and street hypnotists who demonstrate "instant" hypnosis as a form of entertainment. Hypnotists do not need to be certified before practicing in most states, and there are no regulations governing the training, qualifications or professional development of street hypnotists.
If you are seeking help for a mental health problem, the American Psychological Association advises you to establish your therapist's credentials and competence, and to also make sure that you have a good rapport with her.
References
- "Hypnotherapy: An Exploratory Casebook"; Milton Erickson and Ernest L. Rossi; 1979
- Bring Change To Mind: Change a Mind and Change a Life
- American Psychological Association
- American Society of Clinical Hypnosis: General Info on Hypnosis
- Positive Psychology Center: Authentic Happiness
