What Is Hypnosis and Why Does It Work?
I’ve been wanting to write a post on the basics of hypnosis for quite a while and always felt overwhelmed to try to do it justice. But… I’m finally sitting down and making it happen. I’m sure this post will have many edits over time but for now, here we go.
Here is my personal history with how I got started with hypnosis and why I became certified:
I was introduced to the world of hypnosis after a coach of mine referred me to a webinar on “How to Change Any Memory”. I was intrigued but also a little reserved. .. like… really??? How are you going to teach me to change a memory???
But, I went to the webinar and I’ll never forget it. Right there on the call, we were taught a little about how the mind works and the fact that memories are actually malleable. On that call, the facilitator walked us through “pulling up” a memory that we wanted to change… and right then and there… changing it. 🤯
I had thought of a moment that was particularly emotionally charged from when I was a kid. It was a particular moment in time that someone said something particularly shitty to me. It is something that they would ultimately say to me over and over again throughout my life and, I’m sure at some point, they’ll say it to me again.
I’d guess that this particular memory was from when I was about 6 or 7 years old.
We learned during this webinar that memories actually get “changed” every time we recall them. It’s like we are uploading our current emotions/experiences/etc into that moment and then we “save the file” back into our brains. Kind of like a game of Telephone. You know, the one where the message gets more and more changed as each person recalls what they believe they heard whispered to them. Remember that game? Our memories are a little like that, only we’re the one recalling the story and telling it to ourselves over and over again, changing it a little each time.
So, once we know that memories are changed each time we recall them and understand even just a little bit of how the brain works and stores memories - with some intentionality, we can actually change the emotional charge, or, quite frankly the memory itself as we would like to.
We walked through the process in the webinar, with, I donno… hundreds of people on the line…
And in that moment, all the emotional charge, all the bullshit, all of the sadness and fear and everything that had gotten “stuck” in that memory… I was able to let it all go.
Just. Like. That.
If I were to guess, I’d say the entire process took 20 minutes.
And now, when I think about that moment in time, about that memory, it is like I’m reading the paper - it just is what it is, no emotional charge or stress or anything comes up.
After 33+ years of bullshit attached to that memory.
All the shame, all the sadness, the anger, the devastation of someone I was supposed to trust, that was supposed to protect me saying such a hurtful, wretched thing… GONE.
Now I look at it and yes, I can see that it was shitty thing to do to and say to a child but it doesn’t affect me the way it did for all those years.
It was incredible.
I remember getting right off the call and walking out to where my husband was in the garage and telling him all about it and how I wanted to learn more and how intrigued I was with how powerful this work was and how it could really really help people.
In that moment I was totally hooked. 😊
So, some time went by, I did some more research on hypnosis and how the mind works and intentional, integrative change work and ultimately I signed up to become certified in Integrative Change Work & Hypnosis.
I have so many personal stories now that I could share but I’ll refrain and get back to the “what is hypnosis” part of this post. 😊
Despite its portrayal in movies and on stage, hypnosis is more than just some showy, illusionist’s act. It's absolutely a legitimate tool for making lasting changes in our lives. I saw that right away when I was able to change that memory that had haunted me for so many years.
For many of us images of a watch swinging back and forth or a stage magician making someone balk like a chicken or the famous “you are getting sleepy… very very sleepy….” line come up when we hear the word “hypnosis”. While this is entertaining and fun, this really doesn’t give the full and accurate picture of what hypnosis is.
At its core, hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, characterized by being in a state of deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility.
Contrary to popular belief, it's not about losing control; instead, it's about gaining access to the subconscious mind, the powerhouse of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
I love to describe hypnosis as being like watching a movie.
Really…
When you start the movie, you suddenly have a focused awareness of what is happening on the screen. At the same time, you bypass your conscious mind and just allow yourself to watch, listen and believe.
If you didn’t, you’d never be able to get your mind past the idea that the actor is a real person and not who they’re pretending to be, or that there’s a whole team of actors and directors and producers curating the experience for you. But, by intentionally putting all of that aside, you’re able to “buy into” what’s happening on the screen.
See what I’m saying?
And, simultaneously, while you’re watching the movie, even when you’re totally wrapped up in it… jumping when they want you to jump, crying when they want you to cry… there’s always a piece of you that knows you are watching a movie and that you can turn it off at any point. But meanwhile, you’re allowing yourself to become wrapped up in what’s happening on the screen.
Just like when you’re in trance or a hypnosis session, you always know that you are in hypnosis.
You are always in control.
Okay - back to the how’s of hypnosis:
The subconscious mind, often likened to an iceberg, holds the majority of our mental processes beneath the surface. In our waking state, the conscious mind is at the forefront, making decisions and processing information. While we’re asleep is when our unconscious mind really has a chance to do it’s magic. Maybe I’ll talk about that in another post. 😊
But consider every single thing your brain is processing at any given moment and that’s where the unconscious mind really comes into play - the brain starts to make certain associations and “automate” those responses to save energy and free up the conscious mind to be processing new novel information. All of those automated responses are floating beneath the surface - they’re the part of the iceberg floating below the surface.
Science hasn’t been able to put an exact number on it but they have found that over 95% of the brain’s functions are unconscious and we’re only consciously aware of 5% or less of what’s happening in our brains at any given moment.
Isn’t that incredible!? Less than 5%!
When we enter a state of hypnosis, the subconscious mind becomes more accessible, allowing for targeted suggestions and therapeutic interventions.
Soooo, what I do with Integrative Change Work & Hypnosis, is help you “rewire” those automatic responses that have been living in your unconscious mind. We get intentional with those associations as to be able to break up what were bad habits, or to intentionally create new, positive ones. It’s sooo much fun. 😀
But what does it feel like to be hypnotized?
Well first of all, I always describe it as this super juicy, relaxing, calming state. It’s that moment right before you doze off for a great night’s sleep where your whole body and mind are just calm and almost like melt into your mattress…. Ohhhh yeahhh…
You could think of it as a simultaneously focused and relaxed state, similar to the feeling of meditation or savasana. It's in this state that the mind becomes more open to positive suggestions and can actively participate in the process of change.
The Science Behind Hypnosis:
While hypnosis may seem like an esoteric practice, there's a solid scientific foundation supporting its efficacy. Understanding the neurological and psychological aspects of hypnosis can shed light on why it's more than just a placebo effect or a theatrical performance.
Research has shown that during hypnosis, there are distinct changes in brainwave patterns. Typically, our brains operate in various states, ranging from alertness to deep sleep, each associated with specific brainwave frequencies. In the hypnotic state, the brain tends to shift towards the slower frequencies, such as alpha and theta waves.
These altered brainwave patterns are linked to increased receptivity to suggestion and heightened imagination. It's in this state that the subconscious mind becomes more accessible, making it easier to address deep-seated beliefs, habits, and thought patterns that may be hindering personal growth and development.
Numerous studies have provided evidence of the neurological changes associated with hypnosis. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) studies have demonstrated the activation of specific brain regions during hypnotic sessions. This includes areas associated with attention, perception, and the processing of emotions.
Psychologically, hypnosis taps into the power of suggestion. Our minds are highly suggestible, especially when we're relaxed and focused. This heightened suggestibility is a key component of the hypnotic experience, allowing individuals to receive and internalize positive suggestions more effectively.
And, one of my favorite fun facts about hypnosis is that our brains really can’t tell the difference between when we’re practicing something or visioning it happening in our minds and when it’s really happening. So, when, via hypnosis we’re able to tap into our unconscious mind and visualize the change we’re working on, we are actually developing and strengthening that neural connection. Wild, right??
The Power of Suggestion:
So, scientifically we know that things are changing in the brain during hypnosis. So now let's dive into the heart of its transformative power: the art of suggestion.
At its essence, suggestion is the act of introducing an idea to the mind. Whether we realize it or not, we're constantly influenced by suggestions from our environment, peers, and, most importantly, ourselves. In the realm of hypnosis, suggestions take on a more deliberate and targeted role, serving as the catalyst for positive change.
Consider the subconscious mind as a vast landscape, shaped by years of experiences, beliefs, and perceptions. The power of suggestion in hypnosis lies in its ability to plant new seeds within this mental terrain. By introducing carefully crafted and positive suggestions during a hypnotic session, individuals can reshape their thought patterns and, consequently, their behavior.
Let's take an example to illustrate this point. Imagine someone struggling with a smoking addiction. Conventional methods might focus solely on breaking the physical habit, but hypnosis addresses the root cause—the subconscious beliefs and associations tied to smoking. Through suggestion, a hypnotherapist can guide the individual to visualize a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle, fostering a positive mindset that facilitates lasting change.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of suggestion in hypnosis is deeply tied to an individual's openness and receptivity. The hypnotic state creates an environment where the critical mind takes a back seat, allowing suggestions to bypass potential resistance and directly influence the subconscious.
Real-life examples abound of people harnessing the power of suggestion through hypnosis to overcome challenges. From conquering phobias and managing stress to enhancing self-confidence, to beating addictions and healing childhood wounds, the versatility of hypnosis in addressing various aspects of life is really quite incredible.
Common Misconceptions of Hypnosis:
Okay, now as we’re talking about the transformative power of hypnosis, I do want to talk a bit about a couple common misconceptions of hypnosis as well.
One prevailing concern is the fear of losing control. Many people worry that under hypnosis, they will be at the mercy of the hypnotist, susceptible to manipulation. I want to make it super clear that hypnosis is not a state of unconsciousness or surrender. Rather, it's a cooperative and voluntary process where the individual actively participates.
In a hypnotic state, individuals are still aware of their surroundings, and they retain the ability to reject any suggestion that goes against their values or desires. The hypnotic experience is more akin to focused attention and heightened suggestibility, creating an ideal environment for positive change without compromising personal autonomy.
When you’re in a trance or in hypnosis, you always have control. Always.
Another common misconception is that only certain individuals can be hypnotized. In reality, the capacity for hypnosis varies from person to person, but almost everyone can experience some level of hypnotic trance. It's not about being weak-willed or gullible; instead, it's about one's ability to relax and be open to the process.
Again, think back to watching a movie… we are constantly in a state of hypnosis in one way or another, we just don’t always recognize it as such.
I’ll take a moment here to tell you a little more about my personal experiences with hypnosis. I have found myself to be someone that is very easily hypnotized. And, at the same time, I am not a very visual person. Oftentimes we expect that for someone to be very “hypnotizable” they have to be very visual, but that isn’t the case for me.
There’s also this really cool thing about hypnosis that the more that you go in and out of trance, the easier it becomes. So for someone who may at first be reluctant or nervous, each time you experience it, it becomes a little easier and you can go a little “deeper” into that juicy, lovely state of relaxation. It’s really quite cool actually.
Because of this, I’ll sometimes send my hypnosis clients short hypnosis recordings to help them familiarize themselves with that feeling of going into trance and prep them for our larger sessions together. I also often recommend they begin a practice of self-hypnosis (more on that in a minute!).
I think it is also important to emphasize the ethical considerations within the field of hypnosis. Reputable hypnotists adhere to a strict code of ethics, prioritizing the well-being and autonomy of their clients. Before engaging in hypnosis, individuals should ensure they are working with a qualified professional who values transparency, informed consent, and the individual's best interests. (I have a page on my website dedicated to my values and ethics, you can check it out here.)
Again, remember that the process is collaborative, empowering, and rooted in the principles of consent.
Now that we've addressed a few common concerns surrounding hypnosis, let's talk about the practical applications of this powerful tool for personal development and lasting change.
Hypnosis isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but its versatility makes it a valuable asset in in a number of areas of our lives.
One of the most compelling applications of hypnosis is in breaking unwanted habits. Whether it's smoking, overeating, or nail-biting, habits are deeply rooted in the subconscious mind. Traditional methods often focus on willpower alone, but hypnosis goes beyond the surface, targeting the underlying beliefs and associations that sustain these habits. By rewiring these patterns through positive suggestions, individuals can experience a profound shift, making it easier to overcome even the most entrenched habits.
Managing stress is another area where hypnosis shines. In our fast-paced lives, stress can become a constant companion, taking a toll on our physical and mental well-being. Oftentimes it becomes one of those automated responses that our conscious mind doesn’t even think about - we just automatically train our brain to go straight to anxious thoughts or worries in certain situations. Through guided relaxation and suggestion, hypnosis provides a powerful antidote to stress and the opportunity to redirect that automated response to a more useful thought/feeling/action. It also helps individuals access a state of deep calmness, teaching the mind and body to respond more adaptively to stressors.
Beyond breaking habits and managing stress, hypnosis has been successfully employed to enhance overall well-being. This includes boosting self-confidence, improving sleep quality, and alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. The key lies in harnessing the power of suggestion to foster positive beliefs and attitudes.
Now that we've explored the broader applications of hypnosis, let's take a closer look at a practical aspect that empowers individuals to harness its benefits on their own—self-hypnosis.
Self-hypnosis is a powerful technique that puts the reins of transformation directly into your hands. It allows you to induce a hypnotic state and deliver positive suggestions to your subconscious mind, all without the need for a professional hypnotist. While the guidance of a trained hypnotist is invaluable, self-hypnosis provides a convenient and accessible way to incorporate hypnotic practices into your daily life.
Here's a simple self-hypnosis technique you can try:
Find a Quiet Space: Choose a comfortable and quiet environment where you won't be disturbed.
Set an Intention: Clearly define the goal or change you wish to work on. Whether it's overcoming a fear, reducing stress, or enhancing confidence, having a specific intention will guide the process.
Get Comfortable: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position. Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths to center yourself.
Progressive Relaxation: Starting from your toes, focus on each part of your body, one at a time, and consciously release any tension. Work your way up to your head, ensuring your entire body is in a state of deep relaxation.
Visualize and Suggest: Once relaxed, visualize a scenario or outcome related to your intention. It could be a future where you've successfully overcome a challenge or a positive image that represents your goal. As you visualize, incorporate positive affirmations and suggestions into your thoughts.
Stay Open and Receptive: Embrace the suggestions and visualize with an open mind. Allow the positive thoughts and feelings associated with your goal to permeate your subconscious.
Gradual Return: When you're ready to end the session, gradually bring your awareness back to the present. Count up from one to five, and with each number, become more alert and aware. When you reach five, open your eyes.
Remember, consistency is key with self-hypnosis. The more you practice, the more effective it can become. Additionally, adapting the technique to suit your preferences ensures a personalized and meaningful experience.
And - if you feel like you’d really rather have someone guide you through the process of self hypnosis… you’re in luck!
I have a free Self-Hypnosis recording you can get access to right here!
While self-hypnosis offers a valuable avenue for personal empowerment, there are instances where seeking the guidance of a trained hypnotist can enhance the effectiveness of the process. Choosing the right professional is a crucial step in ensuring a positive and transformative hypnosis experience.
Consider the following factors when selecting a hypnotist:
Qualifications and Credentials: Look for a hypnotist with proper training and credentials from reputable institutions. Membership in professional organizations can also be an indicator of their commitment to ethical standards.
Specialization: Different hypnotists may specialize in various areas, such as smoking cessation, weight loss, or anxiety management. Choose a professional whose expertise aligns with your specific goals.
Experience and Reputation: Seek out reviews, testimonials, or referrals from individuals who have worked with the hypnotist. An experienced professional with a positive reputation is more likely to provide effective and ethical services.
Approach and Compatibility: Consider the hypnotist's approach and techniques. A good fit between your personality and their therapeutic style is essential for a productive and comfortable experience.
Clear Communication: A reputable hypnotist should be transparent about the process, addressing any concerns or questions you may have. Effective communication fosters trust and collaboration.
Initial Consultation: Many hypnotists offer initial consultations to discuss your goals and explore whether hypnosis is the right fit for you. Use this opportunity to gauge your comfort level and compatibility with the practitioner.
Remember, hypnosis is a collaborative process that requires trust and rapport between the individual and the hypnotist. A skilled professional will guide you through the process, ensuring your safety and well-being throughout the sessions.
I truly believe that a huge part of the effectiveness of hypnosis and any other treatment is the rapport and connection you find with that particular practitioner. For me, those initial consultation calls will really help you determine if you feel comfortable with a particular hypnotist and when you have that trust and excitement to work with someone, that’s when things are really going to be profoundly effective for you.
This is a long blog post. If you’ve made it this far, I’d love to invite you to book a free consult call with me to see if we might be a good fit to work together and to discuss your particular situation and how I might be able to help. You can book your free consult right here.
Hypnosis serves as a powerful gateway to the unconscious mind, unlocking the potential for positive, lasting transformation. From breaking unwanted habits to managing stress and enhancing overall well-being, the applications of hypnosis are vast and diverse. Through the power of suggestion, individuals can rewrite their mental scripts, paving the way for a more fulfilling and empowered life.
I hope this journey into the realm of hypnosis has sparked your curiosity and provided valuable insights into the possibilities that lie within your own mind.
Rooting for you,
Ashley