How I discovered Hypnotherapy
When I work with people, I never do anything that I have not tried myself. This is also the case for hypnotherapy. I discovered the modality after I had been in therapy and had built a strong sense of self understanding and self awareness. However, I felt like although I understood myself and had mentally processed my struggles, it seemed that there was always an emotional/body response that remained unchanged. I therefore started to look for experimental therapy modalities and fell upon Heart Centered Hypnotherapy. This modality really helped me step into my past, my birth, and my past lives, to not only understand myself even deeper, but to also re-experience difficulties in my life and experience healing and support to heal at greater depths. The fun thing about this approach is that it brings you to the source of one of the first time you experienced an emotion that you struggle with, so that you can experience it and heal it. Over time, the intensity of the emotional reactions lessen so that they no longer control your life. It also has a nice approach that allows you to build inner resources that can be utilized in everyday life.
Hypnotherapy, what it is and what it’s not
There is a common misconception about what hypnosis is, as many people think that it is a form of mind control from another person. However, with hypnosis, you are actually in control. In fact, hypnosis is simply taking in suggestions from the hypnotist that bring you into a deep state of relaxation. The person who is being hypnotized always has control to say no if they are asked to do something that they do not want to do. No one can hypnotize you if you do not want to be hypnotized. In fact, if you believe that you cannot be hypnotized or that you can, you are right. Hypnosis is actually a natural state of mind that is similar to spacing out while driving and not remembering how you got there, or not noticing your surroundings when you are deeply engaged in a good book. The surprising fact is that hypnosis, even when guided, is self-hypnosis. It is about how much you can surrender, let go, and allow the suggestions in. When you do go into a hypnotic trance, your conscious mind quiets down and your subconscious mind takes over. However, people will find that the conscious mind can sometimes step into the process and alternate with the subconscious mind. While there are different levels of trance, hypnotherapy is usually in a lighter level of trance so that you can remember your session.
Self-Hypnosis
While it might be easier to go in a hypnotic trance with the guidance of someone else, it is possible to do self-hypnosis. In fact, since hypnosis is self-hypnosis, there are techniques that you can utilize to bring yourself in a hypnotic trance. Some may fear not being able to come out of trance, but the fact is, just like you are able to snap out of spacing out while driving, you can come out of hypnosis. Nonetheless, while it is not required, it might be easier to try it with a professional before trying it on yourself. Hypnosis can also be used for many reasons, including decreasing anxiety, finding inner answers, building inner resources, breaking down addictions, building confidence, etc. It is very similar to being in a state of meditation, as it is a relaxed state where you become hyper-focused and open for suggestions. In order to get into a hypnotic trance, you can check out apps that offer hypnotic inductions or online videos.
Exercises to Try While in Self Hypnotic Trance - Building Inner Resources
While there are many things that you can explore in a hypnotic trance, one of the things that you can do is build inner resources. You don't have to try hypnosis for this, you can simply meditate on this if you choose. Once you get into a trance, you can start by going to one of the most relaxing places. This place can be a place that you have been a thousand times before or it can be a completely new place. Notice all the colors, the sounds, the sceneries there, the smells and the textures. Use all of your senses to be there. Once you are there, you can start to notice what you like about that place. Perhaps it’s a feeling, a sound, or a sense. Really let yourself be there. As you connect to this place, notice what happens in your body, and sit with the experience for a while. Then, see if you can connect to the adult part of you. It is the part of you that makes all the wise decisions for you, and that has supported you into your life so far. When you connect to that part, see if you notice how it feels in your body. Where in your body do you notice it? You can also strengthen that wise adult by giving it a distinct image, or color; the more dramatic, the more you will be able to easily reconnect with it. Use your creativity. Finally, if it feels right to you, you can also connect to your spiritual connection. A spiritual connection can be anything from a guide, an angel, an archangel, an ascended master, Buddha, Jesus, God, the universe, the source, mother nature or anything that comes to mind. Perhaps it’s nature, an animal or something else comes to you. Once you connect to that spiritual connection, you might notice an emotion or a sensation that this connection bring into your body. See if you can connect to the spiritual connection’s energy and notice what it feel like. There could also be more than one that comes to you. If you like their energy, you can choose to call on them when you need support, guidance, clarity, care, or whatever else they may bring to you. You can play around with these, and really embody the experience by noticing what happens in your body when you connect with each. The fun part is that you can later call upon any of them in everyday life.