Your unconscious mind makes up a vast majority of all your thoughts and actions.
The very nature of unconscious thought means you are unaware of it on every level, yet so much of what your brain does is on that level.
When you need to alter, fix, or recognize unconscious thought, how best do you go about it?
A hypnosis session may be your best answer to dealing with unconscious issues you may not even recognize you have.
What to Expect From a Hypnosis Session
When you are looking to better your mental health, you need to know that you are dealing with positive and safe practices. Pushing yourself into deeper problems without guidance is dangerous.
Hypnosis is a safe and reasonable practice, but only professionals should be doing it.
The idea behind hypnosis may seem bizarre or nonsensical, but there are a lot of benefits to the practice. When going into a session, most clients try to have a goal in mind. This is often a habit they want to break their subconscious from.
Keep the following in mind when before your first professional hypnosis session.
1. The Difference Between On-Stage and Reality
In case you haven’t seen them, there are many performers that use hypnosis as a part of a stage show. While some of those performers may have training in hypnosis, that is not what a professional hypnosis session is like.
The theatrics and illusion present in a stage show are only for show. When you are in a session, there is no concept of mind control and you won’t have to do anything silly like pretending to be an animal.
Hypnosis can and should be a dignified ordeal and focus on the therapy. Anything else is not a professional session.
2. No Miracles Here
Despite the layer of near mysticism most people see in hypnosis, it does not perform miracles.
It, like any other form of therapy, may take time and will differ from person to person. While noticeable changes in feeling and behavior can happen in one session, the usual cases take several weeks of consistent and in-depth work.
3. Hypnosis Must be Consensual to Work
Many dislike the idea of hypnosis because it sounds like the hypnotist is probing into your brain whether you like it or not, digging up secrets and messing with your mind.
The truth is the exact opposite. Hypnosis requires a strong, consensual bond to even work. Hypnosis often fails when you lack confidence or a sense of comfort with your hypnotist.
As well, getting to the point of effective hypnotism is a cooperative process.
A hypnotist will be a guide, but you have to cooperate to provide the information they need to help you.
4. Hypnosis Does Not Equal Sleeping
While from the outside it may seem like hypnosis can put you to sleep or something similar. The feeling of hypnosis can sometimes even be comparable to the last few moments before you drift off for the night.
The truth is that there is a large difference between taking a nap and a professional hypnosis session.
A good hypnotist will balance their client in a state of physical relaxation and mental awareness. While it is not impossible for a person to fall asleep while doing this, the goal is to keep them awake and alert.
Hypnosis focuses on subconscious rewiring. Falling asleep makes it much harder for a hypnotist to do much of anything with you.
5. Hypnotherapists are Not Doctors
Hypnosis can be a powerful tool for therapy. It can even have some physical health benefits related to relaxation and stress.
Hypnotists are not doctors. They do not have the skills or ability to heal any and all kinds of damage.
You should not rely on a hypnotist for medical advice, nor should you ask them as your sole advisor on medical problems anyways.
When in doubt, a licensed medical doctor will always be better suited towards dealing with physical illnesses. Even with mental health, a general doctor may be able to provide more concrete answers.
Where hypnotists excel is not in the physical treatment of the body but in the treatment of the subconscious mind.
6. Hypnosis can Happen Naturally
Hypnosis isn’t a magical secret. Hypnosis is a study and application of the natural layers of the human mind.
We often hypnotize ourselves multiple times a day without even knowing it.
The idea earlier that hypnosis may feel like the moment before you drift off to sleep because that is a moment of hypnosis.
Your body will create natural moments where it is in a state of hypnosis, often when it is trying to recalibrate your mind, regain composure, or react to an emotional event.
These natural states are what a hypnotist is trying to bring out and then keep you in for therapy.
7. The Unconscious Mind can be Dangerous
The unconscious mind contains all sorts of potential thoughts and desires. Not all of these things are positive, as any form of trauma is often suppressed into the unconscious.
As with all forms of therapy, dramatic and painful memories can surface. The major point of therapy is to bring these problems to light so you can readjust and deal with them.
Hypnosis is no different.
Being mindful and patient regarding these events is not always easy. Therapy is intense for this very reason. It will be a strenuous process, and the most important element you can control as a client is being willing to push through it.
In the end, therapy only works when you are ready to let it work. Being open, honest, and willing to work with the professionals will give you a fighting chance.
The Right Hypnotist for You
Knowing what to expect from a hypnosis therapy session is a good first step. The other major first step is finding the hypnotist that works best for you.
You need to ensure that your hypnotist is professional and understanding. You want someone who has a potent reputation but still works on a personal basis with you.
Finding the right hypnotist, or any therapist, may take a bit of trial and error to see who you connect with most. Start with well-known hypnotists, like Hypnotist Richard Barker, and go from there.
Improving Your Life
Digging through your unconscious mind with a hypnosis session can be tough and exhausting. In the end, though, bettering yourself is a reward worth struggling towards.
If you are looking at improving your physical health in addition to your mental health, why not look at the rest of our Health and Fitness articles?
