𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒚𝒑𝒏𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒔? 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌?

Hypnosis Definition: A Simple Explanation

The most straightforward description of hypnosis is as follows:

it is a form of relaxation therapy that makes you more susceptible to positive suggestions.

Through hypnosis, you enter a "hypnotic trance.” This is a profoundly deep level of focus in which your attention, awareness and openness are all enhanced.

In other words, when you are hypnotized, you are receptive in a way that allows you to circumvent the limiting beliefs and defense mechanisms that hold you back when your conscious mind is at the fore. You feel completely relaxed in both body and mind.

However, you are in full control of yourself and your faculties at all times, and you are not asleep.

It feels a lot like daydreaming or meditating, so most people find it enjoyable and restorative. Like meditation, hypnotherapy involves setting a clear goal, while daydreaming is typically more spontaneous.

As we'll explore in more depth below, hypnosis can be used to change a wide range of habits and negative experiences. For example, it is commonly used to help with self-esteem, weight loss, phobias, smoking cessation, insomnia, and certain forms of chronic pain.

However, in principle hypnosis can be used to assist with just about any issue that has a psychological component and involves counterproductive thinking patterns. There’s no limit to what it can achieve if you commit to positive change.

Some people find that one session is sufficient to help them feel or think differently, while others need a longer course of hypnotherapy.
It’s also common to use "top up" sessions to maintain positive changes.

Most people who use hypnotherapy recordings report at least some improvement within about three weeks. Many begin with daily sessions, gradually reducing to weekly or fortnightly.

The 3 Stages of Hypnosis

It is easier to understand hypnosis if you think of it as involving three distinct stages.

There is an induction phase that prepares your mind and body to enter the hypnotic trance, there is the stage at which you enter the hypnotic trance itself, and then there is a final part that involves receiving specific suggestions that facilitate your goal.

During all of these phases, you will be conscious and able to end the process if you wish too. However, electroencephalography studies on brain activity show that your level of awareness may differ at each stage. You are at your most receptive and relaxed in the final, deepest stage of hypnosis.

At this point, your brain is in what is called the alpha state.

Let's take a closer look at the three key phases of hypnosis, and at what you can expect to experience at each point.

Stage 1: Hypnotic induction

Some people like to do something to physically relax before the induction stage of a hypnotherapy session, such as taking a hot bath with essential oils or listening to instrumental music.

Part of the induction involves preparing yourself to enter the trance, and one way of priming your body and mind is to take deep breaths in and out.
For example, you might inhale for a count of five, and exhale for a count of seven. Some people find it helpful to use an app that shows a soothing image alongside instructions to inhale and exhale.

Stage 2: Hypnotic State

Hypnotic state is highly receptive, incredibly relaxed way of being. This is the stage that makes it possible for your mind to receive suggestions that promote positive change. 

Our body will also be extremely relaxed, and your limbs may feel loose and heavy. A sense of calmness will pervade, and most people find this enjoyable.

In addition to facilitating change, it can help you release stress.

Stage 3: Hypnotic Suggestion

Once you are in a hypnotic trance, the suggestion stage begins. At this point, you receive messages that help to reshape your subconscious thoughts, encouraging you to change in the ways you desire.

Different approaches to hypnotherapy present such suggestions in different ways. For example, classical hypnosis involves commands (e.g. "You feel confident" or “You no longer want to smoke”), while more modern methods can use metaphorical images or other less direct suggestions. For example, an approach called NLP.

Is Hypnosis Safe?

Firstly, it's important to note that research on hypnotherapy typically shows benefits for most types of people, regardless of their medical background.

Secondly, current studies suggest that epilepsy and schizophrenia the only background conditions that might make hypnosis an inappropriate type of therapy. So if either of this diagnosis applies on you kindly ask your doctor that "whether this hypnosis is appropriate?".

Thirdly, it is important to be aware that hypnotherapy is not a substitute for treating diseases and physical impairments. While hypnosis can be a helpful complementary therapy during times of illness, it will not cure purely physical problems on its own.

Science-Backed Benefits Of Hypnosis 

Hypnosis is an evidence-based practice that is well-supported as a treatment for a wide range of counterproductive thinking habits. For example, studies show that hypnosis is effective at treating the following:

• Habits

• Phobias

• Low self esteem

• Anxiety

• Health problem

Getting Started on Your Hypnotherapy Journey

Now that you know more about what hypnosis involves and what it can help you achieve, you can start your hypnosis journey anytime you like. Self-hypnosis is a convenient, powerful and personalized way to reach your goal - you can do it entirely on your own schedule, and in the privacy of your own home.

There is a huge range of different programs that can help you to overcome common difficulties. All the hypnosis downloads and programs are easy to follow, effective and highly specific, so we're sure the library of programs will offer something that suits you. Whether you're struggling to lose weight, wanting to boost your presentation skills, battling a fear of flying and feeling sick of your self-critical thoughts, we can help make it possible for you to finally reach your goals.