subject: How See How Hypnosis Techniques Treat Phobias [print this page] Hypnosis techniques can be used for many different reasons in different situations. These days it is used for entertainment, weight loss, quitting smoking, dealing with emotional problems and many other health benefits which involve changing habits. This is because hypnosis uses a heightened state of suggestion to modify behavior. In this way people can change their behavior without even realizing what they are doing or why.
The classic image of hypnosis is the dangling chain and the hypnotist instructing the person to feel sleepy. Modern techniques tend to concentrate on the relaxation of the patient and do not use a visual stimulus. From the start of the practice of hypnosis over a century ago there are now over one hundred formal techniques and countless variations.
Contrary to popular belief hypnosis does not induce a trance or sleep. It is also not possible to force people to do something they really do not want to do. The process of hypnosis causes a state of heightened suggestibility but people are still aware of who they are and what they are doing. It also enables the person to concentrate more intensely on something and ignore what is happening on the periphery. Although in entertainment shows it seems like a hypnotist can make people do anything this is not the case, it is an act. The most likely thing is that the people taking part want to conform, especially in front of an audience.
Research into the hypnotic state has shown that some people become more sensitive to suggestion. This could be because the hypnotist is reaching the subconscious. It may be that the left brain functions which are more analytical are lessened and the right brain is more active. In this way suggestions can be planted in the brain which causes the brain to react to situations in a different way.
In order to get their patient to the required state hypnotherapists use a process called induction. Each therapist has their own methods and uses different ones according to the personality type of the patient. The methods usually include two core features; breathing and muscular relaxation. The therapist asks the patient to slow their breathing and make their breaths even. This causes a change in the brain rhythm. Once the breathing is deep and even the patient is asked to concentrate on different sets of muscles and relax them. This furthers the relaxation and enables the patient to focus, which is important for the next steps.
Hypnotherapy usually needs a number of sessions to be effective. The patient needs to get used to entering the necessary state and the processes involved. Also the suggestions planted by the therapist are more effective in the long term if repeated.
Self hypnosis is also possible. CDs and mp3s are available which take you through a process of progressive relaxation and then you can concentrate on whatever you want to change. Many hypnotherapists teach self hypnosis as part of the treatment so that the subject can practice at home to reinforce the therapy from the sessions.
If you have a habit or problem and you want help to change hypnotherapy could be the solution. You can either learn self hypnosis techniques or see a therapist.
