BurlingtonHypnosis.com
Thought Process
In order to explain hypnosis it helps to understand how we process the endless
stream of information we are bombarded with everyday. Our conscious mind acts
as the gate keeper. It judges, critiques, accepts or denies information for
storage in our long-term memory or subconscious mind. With repeated exposure
or repetition to the same information or experiences, our thoughts can evolve
into actions.
The subconscious stores all of our habits, patterns, values and beliefs. It’s
also the home of our imagination as well as our body’s control center. It
tells our heart when to beat, our lungs when to breath and controls every step
we take every day of our life. It’s a very powerful place.
Once a subconscious pattern is established it’s pretty tough to break. Think
of the subconscious mind as the hard drive of your computer. Once you
down-load a program it automatically repeats every time you run it. The more
often we repeat an action the longer the root of this pattern becomes. For
example, by repeating an action 36,000 times it’s likely to become a
consistent part of your life routine. This is the number of times a ½ pack a
day smoker reinforces their habit over a ten year period.
Gardening Techniques
Think of the subconscious mind as a greenhouse. Roses or poison ivy will both
flourish in this fertile environment. Even though the conscious mind’s job is
to keep track of what gets stored, it’s only human and makes mistakes.
Hypnosis offers the unique opportunity to not only do the weeding, but to also
plant the seeds of positive, healthy alternatives.
The reason people have such difficulty attempting to make conscious level
change with long-term patterns is because they don’t reside in the conscious
mind. Long-term patterns reside in the subconscious mind or long-term memory.
It’s like weeding your garden by clipping them off at the ground level. It
looks great for a while but they always grow back. When changes are made on a
subconscious level, patterns can be yanked out by the root so they never grow
back.
Hypnosis 101
Have you ever driven to the store and wondered how you got there because you
remembered no details of the drive? Or stared at your computer screen for what
you thought was an hour only to be surprised that most of the afternoon had
disappeared? These are examples of naturally occurring hypnotic trance, which
we all experience several times a day.
Hypnosis is the formal process of accessing subconscious thought and then
directing it to support intended goals. Think of a hypnotist as a tour guide.
They point out wonderful vacation spots in your mind, which you may visit if
you choose.
They create a safe, relaxing environment and are prepared to direct the client
toward the still, peaceful depths of subconscious thought. For most clients
hypnosis is the deepest level of relaxation they have ever experienced.
Then the hypnotist offers the clients subconscious mind the help it needs.
They assit the client to relax and focus inwardly and then gently give the
subconscious mind the new direction it needs. Also, because the imagination is
part of the subconscious mind the hypnotist will help clients create vivid
imagery involving goals and desires, which can offer dramatically positive
results.
The hypnotist should tailor all sessions to the specific needs of the client.
A typical session might be 15-25 minutes long. Often there is soft music or
nature sounds playing quietly in the background. Some hypnotists may have
clients wear headphones, which allows them to blend music and voice while
blocking out any extra sounds that may interfere with the process of
relaxation. It’s also ideal if clients go home with a reinforcement recording
of the session.
What a Deal
Not only can you create positive healthy changes with hypnosis, but you are
involved with the process. You choose to enter this level relaxation, accept
the suggestions and create the images supporting your success. Hypnosis is
also an empowering tool you can use on your own. There is no withdrawal,
patches or gum, no medications, prescriptions, interactions or allergic
reactions. And once you know the technique, it’s yours for life.
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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.
©2003 Paul Gustafson - all rights reserved
