About Hypnosis
Hypnosis is generally agreed to be an altered state of consciousness, obtained by concentrating and focusing on some sight, sound or feeling. Body relaxation is often used to produce this state. Then it can be used to change sensations in the body, thoughts of your mind and actions performed in the state, during which sensory and/or, motor capacities are altered in order to initiate long-term appropriate behavior.
You are not unconscious, in fact, you are more aware of your inner world of thoughts and feelings.
Some people describe the state attained as thoughtful serenity, whereas meditation is usually intended to produce a state of non-thought. Unlike the hypnotic myth of unconsciousness and no memory of the experience, hypnosis produces hyper-consciousness. One can be trained to be aware of thinking on multiple levels, at the same time, during a trance state.
Trance can be thought of as a refreshment zone
where the different parts of you
can be enhanced.
Hypnosis is a natural phenomenon, a talent and a skill that can be learned. If we are entranced by a good conversation and hours pass like minutes that is a naturally occurring trance event. This is a facility of the unconscious mind that we all have. Some people can go into trances more easily (more hypnotizable) than others. These people are usually more intelligent, creative and trusting of their mental abilities than most. For others less hypnotizable, like herself, Dr. Albina teaches them how to go into a trance over a few sessions, as she was taught.
You are always in control.
You won’t say or do anything foolish.
You will always awaken.
What hypnosis is NOT.
We should also recognize what hypnosis is NOT. Again, it is not a state of unconsciousness, accompanied by loss of control. You will not say or do anything you don’t want to; extensive research was done that proves this fact. So, it is not something that someone does “to” another person; all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Hypnosis does not resemble a sleep state. An EEG of the brain in hypnosis more closely resembles the waking EEG than the sleeping EEG. An individual in a trance knows what is occurring and is in control, so he or she will not reveal secrets. One is not weak-minded, neurotic or gullible to be able to enter trance; in fact, intelligence, flexibility, and the ability to concentrate are more linked to the characteristics of a good hypnotic subject. There is no concern about ending the trance, since the person is aware and functional and can end the trance when he or she wants to.
The misconceptions about hypnosis created by TV and movies, where the hypnotist is always the bad guy, and stage hypnotists, who guide people to do silly things. They usually have a few drinks in them and want to do fun things. The hypnotists also pick people who are more hypnotizable. I want to again emphasize that it is not possible to make a person do something he or she doesn’t want to do.
Hypnosis is a tool.
The recognition that when one’s attention is concentrated on some helpful idea, it makes the idea easier to realize (and has a positive effect). Emotions change more easily, when combined with imagination and stimulated by hypnosis. Suggestions can be more effective in the trance state. Hypnosis is most effective when a person expects something good will happen to him or her, is really motivated to work, and is willing to change. This concept is the placebo effect and demonstrates the healing ability of the unconscious mind.
Hypnosis is not a treatment in itself. It is used as a tool to aid treatment. A lot depends upon the competence of the practitioner. This is why hypnotists without mental health training should be suspect. Since they are not licensed they have nothing to lose.People who call themselves hypnotherapists have no uniformed training with a code of ethics or standard of psychological information about mental disorders and what it really takes to help eliminate them.. They often give hypnosis a bad reputation. It must also be recognized that induction of the trance state accomplishes nothing by itself: intelligent use of the trance is what offers the opportunity for change and healing.
What training is required and how would a qualified person be found?
The use of hypnosis is restricted to psychologists and other health professionals such as physicians, dentists and masters level nurses, social workers or marital/family therapists licensed for this technique. It is to be used in conformance with their own training and licensing laws in your state, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) may be contacted for names of professionals. I am certified in both Hypnotic Treatment and in training young professionals studying for national certification.
You should never be treated by non-state licensed persons, because they are not trained in mental health issues and do not have to follow the ethical and moral standards, and the responsibilities licensed professionals do.
Hypnosis is not a new technique.
Hypnosis has been used for as long as records have been kept. Modern clinical hypnosis is dated from about 1773 and the use of hypnosis has been approved by the American Medical Association since 1958
About treatment and cost.
The length of treatment will vary depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Hypnosis is one tool and may be used in conjunction with other forms of cognitive or behavioral treatment. The cost will vary in different parts of the nation. You need to discuss finances openly with your health care professional. Most insurance companies will cover 50% to 80% of the allowed amount of individual therapy only if treated by licensed professionals. However, hypnosis for some obscure reason, is usually not covered. You must check your individual company