When most of us think of therapy we picture ourselves laying on a chaise lounge with some fellow in a cape hovering above us with a pendulum swinging as he tells of, “You are getting very sleepy”. The fact is that hypnosis isn’t really like that at all. Some trained hypnotists really do use a watch or even pendulum in order to give the patient a focus point but it really isn’t required or essential. Movies and media have given many us misconceptions about hypnotism and what it is all about. So what is hypnotism and how can what techniques do you need to know to perform self-hypnotism?
Self-Improvement
Hypnotism has been in practice for centuries in a variety of different forms; in today’s world it is mostly used for self-improvement or by therapists to unveil repressed memories. Hypnotism is a trance-like state that is used to open a doorway to the subconscious. The subconscious is important because it is responsible for storing habits, rituals, and even attitudes in response to different ideas, people, and even locations. Using a hypnotic trance a hypnotist can use suggestions in order to help the subconscious retrain a particular habit or attitude. The hypnotic trance can even help with sleeping disorders. So how do self-hypnosis work and what techniques can you use to reach hypnosis?
Goals for Self-Hypnosis
While many think of hypnotism as a state brought on by an outside person, self-hypnosis is very possible and works similarly to standard hypnosis. Before you start self-hypnosis make sure you know why you are entering the state and what you want to accomplish. If you have anxiety, sleeping problems, depression and chew your nails don’t go in thinking that this one session can take care of all of that. Focus on one thing you want to improve or change about yourself. Once you are ready to explore your inner-mind there are some things you can do to set the mood.
Hypnotizing…Yourself!
Start by playing soothing music or background noises, this can really help you reach the desired state of mind. It is important to close your eyes and breath in a similar way to mediating. Focus on your background music or noises, feel your muscles, and unwind. Picture a winding corridor and walkthrough it, or perhaps climb up that visual staircase in your mind. These techniques can really open your mind and lead you to opening the doorway to your subconscious.
So you are in a hypnotic state, now what? Now is the time to start your mental suggestions. Despite being in a relaxed state you are still in control of your mind and can give yourself either mental or verbal suggestions for what you are trying to accomplish. If you are trying to relieve anxiety think of things that make you feel relaxed and tell yourself that you want to let go of the things that make you anxious. Repeat your desire and just bask in your relaxed state. When you are ready all you have to do is tell yourself to come out of your mental state, and you will as simple as that. Though it might take a few tries to get it right self-hypnosis can be a great way to really get to know and explore your inner-thoughts and subconscious.