What Is and What Is Not Hypnotherapy
Chinotherapy is the use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes. Although most people react to the word “hypnosis” with reservations, having an association with magicians and illusionists, it is a matter of prejudice.
We most often associate hypnosis with stage hypnosis, ie situations that are shown in movies, in which a “hypnotized” person does unusual, funny, and even unpleasant things. There are no such involuntary actions and unwanted activities in hypnotherapy for several reasons, which will be explained below.
The state in which the hypnotherapist introduces the client is a state of relaxation, ie a state in which we all find ourselves several times in one day (immediately after waking up, before falling asleep, while staring at an interesting movie or other TV program, while we are able to meditations, etc.). Thus, the state in which hypnosis takes place is an alpha to the theta state of consciousness, depending on whether the client is in a state of deep or ordinary relaxation.
Hypnosis was used for therapeutic purposes by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Sumerians, Indians, Chinese and many others. In Egypt and Greece, the sick went to temples specially designed for treatment with the help of hypnotherapy, which were called “dream temples” or “sleep temples”. The oldest evidence of the use of hypnosis dates from 1550 BC, as evidenced by the Egyptian papyrus (Ebers papyrus).
This further means that the client is fully aware during the session, to hear everything that is said to him, to be able to answer the questions asked and most importantly – to be able to remember everything that happened during the session. The only exception here is induced amnesia for therapeutic purposes, although even in that case, the memory can be accessed later. Also, the client can terminate the session at any time if he does not agree with anything that the therapist suggests.
I usually joke and tell clients that we are not in a circus and that they will not play an animal or do something funny, nor generally act contrary to their moral, religious or any other principles, and at the cost of being suggested to do so. The purpose of hypnotherapy is to quickly, safely and easily change some of the inadequate beliefs or programs, to access certain information in the client’s memory, to improve certain desired qualities – such as self-confidence, to eliminate some bad habit – such as smoking, etc.
Benefits of Hypnotherapy
How does hypnosis work?
In the state of hypnosis, the conscious critical mind is bypassed, which is the biggest obstacle to receiving useful suggestions. Client awareness and focus are enhanced, as is his receptivity to suggestions. Also, in a state of hypnosis, it is easier to access the information stored in the client’s memory.
What is the goal of hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, which is characterized by an increased ability to achieve the desired changes in patterns of behavior, motivation, lifestyle and attitude towards oneself. The goal is certainly positively oriented, in terms of improving the various qualities, which are defined by the client.
Is hypnosis safe?
Hypnosis is safe, because it is natural. You are in a state of light hypnosis, for example, while driving a car. You have control, concentration is increased, but you are not aware of how many things you do automatically.
Is hypnosis a state of sleep?
Are we unconscious during hypnosis?
Is there a possibility of (unwanted) disclosure of secrets?
Although the name itself comes from the Greek word “hypnos” – which means a state of sleep, hypnosis is not. Therefore, there is no possibility that someone “does not wake up” from hypnosis, because it is certainly not a dream. Throughout the session, the client is aware of all suggestions, notices everything the therapist says and can communicate with the therapist. Hypnosis is a state of cooperation and consent. At all times, the client is superior, mentally awake and controls the information he gives to the therapist. If there is anything the client does not want to reveal, he will not reveal it. The scope of control is determined by the client, not the hypnotherapist. The client accepts or does not accept what the therapist says / suggests.
