What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a focused state of awareness where the body is fully relaxed, and the mind is awake. This state allows full access to your subconscious mind where the change and transformation you desire for yourself can start to take place through the use of positive suggestions. Hypnosis is a completely natural state. In fact, we go in and out of hypnosis throughout the day.Have you ever been driving and missed your exit off the freeway? Or, been super engaged in a movie and feel like you are apart of the scenes? How about listening to someone talk to you and feel like you are “zoning out”? Well, these are all examples of being in a state of hypnosis.
What Hypnosis is NOT
Most people think hypnosis is some kind of magical mind control where the hypnotist says a trigger word and you bark like a dog or cluck like a chicken on command. While that kind of hypnosis does exist, it is for the sole purposes of entertainment that you would find on the stages of a Las Vegas show.
Therapeutic Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy is not this. You are completely alert and in full control of your mind and body while in the hypnotic state. You can hear, speak, and even walk around. You will never be asked to disclose any deep dark secrets or do anything you do not want to do. At Open Door Hypnosis, hypnosis is strictly used as a healing tool.
The Theory of Mind
Primitive Mind (the baby brain)
We are born with a Primitive Mind, our basic need for survival. This part of the brain only wants to stay nourished and to feel safe. When safety is uncertain, the primitive mind’s fight or flight response kicks in and our primal instinct is to fight for that safety or to flee to safety.
Subconscious Mind (the show runner)
From ages 0 – 8 years we begin to form the subconscious mind where all of our known associations live such as; “I like strawberry shortcake.” “I hate Brussels sprouts.” “I love sunny days.” “I hate when it rains.” This part of the brain is our programming, it is how we are wired and how we behave in the world and, it controls 88% of our total mind power.
The Critical Mind (the gatekeeper)
As we reach pre-teen and teenage years we begin thinking more for ourselves and form the Critical Mind which acts as a filter for new thoughts and information entering the brain. When a new thought like “I want to lose 15 pounds” comes into the brain, the Critical Mind will check that thought against the subconscious programming. If the new thought is not accepted by the subconscious, then the thought is kicked out and no new behavior to help us lose 15 pounds will be formed.
The Conscious Mind (the adult brain AKA “the voice of reason”)
By the time we reach adulthood we have formed our conscious mind where logic, reason, decision making, analytical skills and willpower reside. Of course, we all know that willpower doesn’t always work for us. The conscious mind wants us to lose the 15 pounds because it knows all the benefits we will get from it. However, the conscious mind only controls 12% of our total mind power which means the subconscious is running the show. Unless the subconscious mind is on board with our new ideas to improve ourselves, we will never break old patterns and make those positive changes.
Hypnosis can help
Hypnosis can open the gates of the Critical Mind and get the subconscious and conscious minds to communicate and get on board with each other. This happens by overloading the client’s brain with message units like relaxing the body, drawing attention to sounds or objects in the environment, and getting the conscious and the subconscious mind to focus. This opens the Critical Mind gate and creates a pathway for the hypnotherapist to access the subconscious mind, put in positive suggestions to break old patterns, and build up new healthy behaviors that will help the client make the positive changes they so desire.
Client participation is crucial!
For hypnosis to work, the client must be motivated and willing to work with the hypnotherapist. Together, client and therapist come up with an action plan, and the client does their part by showing up to sessions, doing their assigned work i.e. listening to hypnosis recordings, keeping a dream journal, as well as any other journals and practicing self-improvement techniques. Repetition is a key factor in creating new behaviors. The more you do something, the more it becomes a part of your daily habits. The goal in Hypnotherapy is to create new healthy habits to replace old ones that no longer serve the client. In Hypnotherapy, the client works with the 12% conscious mind and the hypnotherapist works with the 88% subconscious mind, striving for 100% effectiveness!
Now, let’s see how Bob Proctor breaks down Theory of Mind…
What can I expect in my first session?
In your first session, you will discuss the issues you wish to work on and identify your desired goals. You will then learn about what hypnosis is, how it works with the mind, and what to expect during the actual hypnosis session. Open Door Hypnosis, prides itself on educating and developing a good rapport with each client in efforts to reach the greatest results.
How should I prepare for my hypnotherapy session?
Before coming to your sessions be sure to eat a light protein-packed meal at least an hour prior. Please refrain from taking any medications that might cause drowsiness as well as other drugs, or alcohol at least 24 hours before your appointment. *Please check with your physician before skipping any prescribed medications.
Arrive about 10 minutes early to ensure you are on time for your appointment. You are not only honoring the therapists time and the clients coming after you, but you get to experience your full session and receive all the benefits. Come ready to receive with an open mind and heart and you will enjoy this beautiful process.
