Understanding Hypnosis Beyond Self Help Hypnosis CDs
by tempIn my practice I have had numerous individuals wishing to learn how to practice self hypnosis. CDs and self help books are available in abundance that teach these things, but I still find people looking for simple ways to practice hypnosis. As a result, I have developed a five step program to tap into a client's inner potential through appropriate input. Simply stated, the five steps are: preparation, relaxation, deepening, suggestion and termination.
Preparation is creating a time, place and perhaps a ritual for relaxation. Choosing the same time to practice hypnosis or listen to self help hypnosis CDs triggers the subconscious mind to reinforce the suggestions even if you are not taking that time to relax and go into a state of hypnosis. Now, the same time does not mean 6:00 am or 11:00 pm. That quickly leads to a feeling of failure if you're unable to make your "appointment with yourself." Rather, choose a realistic time in your routine.
Make self hypnosis (CDs, self help books, or without any aids at all) a ritual, not just another part of your schedule. Ritual makes your time special; try a candle, music, perhaps an aroma. In essence, the more we prepare our environment, the more we ground our suggestions in our daily reality. Every conscious preparation becomes a subconscious trigger reinforcing our goals.
Relaxation is the ability to move from fight/flight to rest/repose. Fight/flight is output mode, meaning you're always getting prepared to respond to your environment. Rest/repose is input mode, or the absence of the need to respond. You need to be able to practice self hypnosis without the phone ringing, the kids calling you, or balancing on a straight back chair.
Deepening takes you to the bridge between your inner and outer worlds. As relaxation addresses the physical environment, deepening addresses the need for the mind to participate. The first rule is don't try not to think. Let those unwanted thoughts simply flow though your mind, avoiding the hook of emotion that locks them into your conscious. Without emotions your thoughts will become still and calm.
Now comes the fun part--the suggestion. Suggestions are the powerhouse of creativity. They are how you spell out your goals and instruct your subconscious mind to achieve them. A suggestion (good or bad) repeated often enough and long enough will be accepted by the subconscious mind as true. Your suggestions will be better absorbed by your subconscious if you mention your pleasure in accomplishing your goal. "I am enjoying reducing my weight by two pounds a week."
Become still and let your subconscious do the rest. Give yourself a specific time to awaken. Termination eliminates the possibility of your session becoming a nap. It keeps the subconscious alert while allowing your conscious mind to relax. Remember, whatever you believe you can or can't do, you're right!