Facts on Hypnosis

1. Effect Change While Unconscious

Hypnotism is often an effective and valid way to effect change on an individual by means of working primarily through the subconscious or unconscious mind. Hypnotism involves entering a trance state that is induced by a knowledgeable hypnosis practitioner. Typically, hypnosis therapy is given in a private setting much like counseling and is used to help with everything from weight loss to smoking cessation. Hypnosis actually works on an individual by means of hypnotic suggestion that makes someone more able to effect change in their waking life.

2. Is it Dangerous?

Hypnosis, if done by a proper practitioner, can be a very helpful means of therapy. Hypnotists typically go through some sort of formal education, in addition to being trained in other disciplines like psychotherapy or counseling. Hypnosis is only dangerous if used by the hypnotist improperly. Both you and the therapist should be comfortable with the hypnosis process, and it should be a mutual agreement. Safe practices among hypnotists are highly monitored by ethical committees to ensure the clients' safety. If any question about the safety of the session is raised, you should ask for a third party to be present in order to ensure proper procedures are followed.

3. Hypnosis Is Part of a Therapy Plan

Using hypnosis to help change bad habits and undesirable behaviors is the most common reason individuals seek hypnotherapy. Weight loss is one of the most common reasons for individuals to seek hypnotic counseling. While hypnotic suggestions can be very useful in helping you reframe subconscious impulses and change behaviors, it is not a miracle cure. Hypnosis is generally most effective when coupled with another form of therapy to help work with emotional or psychological issues that are more prevalent in the conscious brain.

4. Losing Control

The fear of losing control during a trance state is common among those not familiar with the process of hypnosis. Indeed, hypnotic states can create some miraculous changes and some bizarre behaviors that one might not otherwise perform. However, it is suggested that even while hypnotized you maintain a level of awareness that still puts you in overall control of your faculties. Even while hypnotized, most people maintain basic mental functioning.

5. I Don't Believe in Hypnotism

Many people believe hypnotism to be bologna. However, research has suggested that hypnotism has some viable evidence to show that its practices are, in fact, producing valid results. The cause of positive results is often reputed by skeptics. Nonetheless, what has been determined through the hypnotism debate is the fact that some people are more hypnotizable than others, implying that suggestibility is a major factor in the effectiveness of a hypnosis. Nonbelievers and those afraid to relinquish control are less likely to be affected by hypnotism than those open to the experience.

Last updated on: Nov 18, 2009

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