BurlingtonHypnosis.com
Most of us know all about daydreaming or zoning out. It is that unique
moment in time when we lose all connection to whatever is going on around us.
We may be present physically but we feel as though we are millions of miles
away. That is an example of naturally occurring subconscious thought and
hypnosis is the simple process of enabling it to occur.
The subconscious mind is a complex and powerful place. It is where all of our
values, beliefs, habits and patterns reside. It is also our body’s control
center; it regulates our breathing, heart rate and the thousands of metabolic
functions that occur automatically everyday of our lives.
The subconscious mind is active when we daydream, zone out, stare at a
television or computer screen or when we sleep. It is also active when we are
hypnotized. Having access to this powerful level of thought is the reason
hypnosis is so effective in offering long term solutions for so many physical
and emotional concerns.
The conscious mind, or short-term memory, has a much different job
description. It keeps us in the here and now. It analyzes, critiques, accepts
or denies the storage of daily information into the long term memory or
subconscious mind. With the client’s trust and co-operation the hypnotherapist
helps them bypass the critical conscious factor and is then able to offer new
positive direction in the form of suggestions, imagery and metaphors directly
into the subconscious mind, where it is then acted upon and becomes the
client’s new reality.
Think of the hypnotherapist as a tour guide. Since hypnosis is the language of
the mind they skillfully use nothing more than words to point clients toward
relaxing vacation spots in their minds. The hypnotherapist has no power over
the client at all; it is completely up to them how relaxed they choose to
become or if they wish to become relaxed at all. So essentially, all hypnosis
is self-hypnosis.
Hypnosis feels as right as rain! It is a natural peaceful moment of inner
stillness. Some clients describe it as a peaceful heaviness, as though they
are sinking or melting into the surface beneath them. Others describe
sensations of floating or a mind–body separation. For most, hypnosis is a
combination of deep physical relaxation and heightened focus.
Fifty to100% of those hypnotized hear and remember everything that is said to
them during a session because the conscious mind may be taking a break, but it
is still quietly monitoring things from the background.
Today hypnosis is widely used in 21st century medicine, psychotherapy,
athletics and dentistry. It helps with smoking cessation, weight loss,
relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, pain and stress.
Hypnosis enhances general health, academic, sales and creative arts
performance. It can help improve public speaking skills, confidence and
self-esteem. Hypnosis helps clients to sleep better, improve concentration,
memory and relationships.
It also helps students ace exams; it supports complication-free surgery and
helps mothers comfortably deliver babies without the need for any medications.
With hypnosis, clients are involved with the process of creating positive
change, which is as empowering as it is rewarding.
The keys to success with hypnosis are fairly simple: you need to be an open
and willing participant; you need to be truly motivated and lastly you should
be sitting with someone who is professional and capable. In most states
hypnosis is not a regulated profession which means there are no professional
standards ensuring competence or accountability.
A good direction to take when looking for a qualified hypnotherapist is to
find someone who is also a licensed healthcare provider such as a physician,
registered nurse, psychologist, psychiatrist or a social worker. These
individuals are educated and certified in their field and are more likely able
to offer professional quality care.
You should also ask your primary physician for a referral. Although most
doctors know very little about hypnosis it is a good base to cover and they
may just surprise you with a referral. Another resource might be holistic
health centers, where there are usually several modalities of holistic
practitioners under one roof.
Online you can use sites like superpages.com which offer searches based on the
category and distance from your home. From there you can research websites,
office rates, qualifications and also get a feel for their level of
professionalism, at least as it is presented on the internet.
From the initial phone conversation with a prospective hypnotherapist you
should be able to gauge if they are generally interested in your concerns, how
long they have been in business and what their qualifications are. You might
ask if they are affiliated with any particular organizations. There are many
reputable governing organizations which have their own code of ethics.
You should also ask if the session(s) will be specific to your needs and if
you receive a recording of the session for home reinforcement. Many
hypnotherapists do not record the sessions and only offer a generic
reinforcement tape while others offer nothing at all.
Also ask if they will teach you how to self-induce hypnotic trance which is a
great way to help you own the process even more and it also helps you to
become an independent practitioner giving you the opportunity to add new
control and freedom to other areas of your life all on your own.
Another helpful question is to ask how many sessions you will need. The
hypnotherapist should be able to give you a good idea of how many. You should
also ask for references. I have a long list of satisfied clients who gladly
make themselves available to anyone who is curious about my services.
If you get all the right answers to these questions and feel good about the
person you are speaking with, the last thing is to make sure their rates are
in line with the area they practice in. This varies greatly from one part of
the country to the next. Don’t let a few dollars dictate your decision. If you
feel good about how they describe their services and they seem to respect you
and your concerns don’t let a few dollars get in the way of a positive
experience.
Now that you have chosen a hypnotherapist the last step is to evaluate their
office. If they got passing grades so far the chances are pretty good that the
office experience well get good marks as well. Their office could be in an
office building or in their home. You will know right away if it is clean and
professional in appearance. You should feel safe and protected. The
hypnotherapist should make you feel welcome and cared for. There should also
be a comfortable place for you to relax during your session.
If everything meets your approval just relax and enjoy yourself. Hypnotherapy
is a wonderful experience on many levels. You may discover great clarity and
understanding. You may experience new freedom, control and fulfillment. In
life we all follow the path of our most dominant thoughts, hypnosis lets you
choose your thoughts and reframe your world.
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Paul Gustafson, R.N., C.H. is a Clinical Hypnotherapist in Burlington, MA. His
11 years of acute cardiac and hospice experience offer a solid foundation
supporting his empowering and creative use of hypnosis.
Visit
BurlingtonHypnosis.com
or call toll free at 888-290-3972.
©2005 Paul Gustafson - all rights reserved
