Myths

Published May 7, 2005, in Our Town for the Tracy Press

For many people, just hearing the word “hypnosis” conjures up visions of an old black and white movie. You know the scenario: The hypnotist is swinging a pocket watch back and forth in front of the eyes of his subject. The subject instantly falls into a deep trance, proceeding to do anything that the hypnotist demands.

It might have made the movies interesting, but, the reality of hypnosis is quite different, indeed. Hypnosis is defined as a state that resembles sleep, but is not. It is a state of focused concentration. The swinging pocket watch can work to induce hypnosis, although, it is certainly not necessary and not a method I would use.

We are often in a state of hypnosis without even realizing it. Have you ever driven from one end of town to the other and upon arrival at your destination could not remember driving through a particular intersection that you knew you drove through? We call it daydreaming. The other name for it is hypnosis. Your physical body is performing a routine activity which allows your subconscious mind to come to the forefront, so to speak. It is the subconscious that holds the key. When in hypnosis, the key can be turned allowing physical and emotional changes to occur.

Most of us have seen hypnosis used as a form of entertainment. When you see the stage hypnotist that has people in the audience quacking like ducks or clucking like chickens, know that they are all willing participants. Those folks are agreeable to acting in that manner and readily accept the hypnotist’s suggestions. With hypnosis, no one can make you do or say anything you ordinarily wouldn’t say or do. If you are not agreeable to the process, it will not work.

Hypnosis is a valuable tool used since ancient times by many cultures to address physical and emotional issues. It is the vehicle used to reach the subconscious mind. A method called programming is most often used to attain success with habit control which focuses on weight and smoking cessation. It is also used with sports enhancement which helps athletes excel to their greatest potential in their particular sport. Some hypnotists work with the permission of medical personnel in the setting of a hospital or other medical facility. It is there that they assist women, using the tool of hypnosis, with the birthing process making the birth easier and often painless.

There is also another method of hypnosis that is used and is highly effective. It is my area of expertise and it is called past life regression. I use the vehicle of hypnosis to attain past lives for healing and discovery. With this process, I address phobias, fears, closure over loss of a loved one – including animals and so much more.

Does everyone believe in past lives? No, and that is to be respected. Just as not everyone believes in programming. Each of us resonates to our own method of healing. As in all belief systems, there is something for everyone. The people I see in the regression room are there because they desire the process.

So, let’s dispel the myths. When in hypnosis, you are in a peak state of awareness. You are always in total control of yourself and are completely aware of your surroundings. You are not unconscious and it bears repeating, you will not do or say anything or accept any programming that you are not comfortable with. You are always in total control.

Above all, the most important components in a successful hypnosis session are having realistic expectations and an ethically sound and professional hypnotherapist as your guide.

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