People have very different views about hypnosis. Unless they have had their own experience of it, the chances of them not being accurate or correct are quite high. Using hypnosis in therapy, is nothing like what we see as a form of entertainment on the TV or the Stage!
Qualified therapists use hypnosis carefully, deliberately and with intent.
They leverage this state of being in a trance to teach clients how to go into the trance “zone” where they can concentrate and focus on:
- understanding their issue
- learning how they keep their issue top of mind, and therefore “alive” and all present
- being open to learn new skills and approaches which lead to a solution
- hearing different perspectives and points of view about their own situation.
Can everyone be induced into a trance?
The answer is yes, however what it feels like, how “deeply” one goes into a trance and how well they focus on the topic being addressed is totally under their control.
An accredited and experienced hypnotherapist is able to see what the client is experiencing. They know how to help them get the most benefit from their trance experience, – whatever it might be.
There are 6 steps to take when using hypnosis within a psychotherapy session.
These are:
- Share your past experience
- Talk about your previous experience with hypnosis and or therapy. The accredited hypnotherapist will dispel any of the myths you may have heard. They let you know about any physical or emotional sensations which may or may not be noticed when in a trance.
- Begin the Induction
- Induction into trance is the term used to describe the techniques used to help clients calm their body, relax their mind, and focus their thoughts. How deeply a client goes into a trance is always their choice.
- Focus and Explore in Trance
- Jointly explore different options, suggestions, ideas, perceptions etc related to the problem or issue. In a trance, the brains activity level changes and slows down. It enables one to become more aware, even open, to different ideas or solutions.
- Return
- After considering different options, suggestions, ideas related to the problem issue, accredited hypnotherapists ensure clients come back to a focused non trance state. Clients often take a few minutes to “return to the room” – they need to bring their attention back to the present. An accredited hypnotherapist knows how to ground the client so they are safe to walk, or drive before they leave the session.
- Discussion
- A discussion follows about any insights, ideas gained or thought considered. The focus changes now to how they might be used to find a solution, or get closer to the intended wellness goal.
- What happens next
- Both client and therapist choose specific and relevant activities or actions which the client takes during the time period until the next session. This helps to ensure any the therapy momentum is maintained during the intervening time period.
So what can you contribute to your hypnosis success?
When you understand these 6 key steps which provide the structure for your therapy, you can focus on working towards the resolution and solutions you seek. You are not likely to be taken by surprise in the session as you know the “6 step Agenda” if you like.
This means you are able to give more energy and focus to finding and identifying the right solution for you, as you feel safe, supported and knowledgeable about happens when.
What have your experiences been like with other hypnotherapists?