What is hypnosis?

The mind is like an iceberg

Only a small part of an iceberg is visible above the surface of the water and this can be thought of as similar to the conscious mind; the part of the mind which is responsible for everyday thoughts, analysing information, using logic and making decisions. Below the surface is the subconscious mind; the much larger part of the mind which deals with memories, emotions and the central nervous system. It is this part of the mind that stores all of the individual behaviours and responses that make us who we are.

You have already experienced hypnosis before...

Have you ever travelled somewhere and found that when you arrived, you couldn't remember parts of your journey? Maybe you were driving along with the radio on or were listening to music on the bus or train. When you arrived at your destination, you couldn't remember driving along a certain road or passing a particular station or bus stop.

Or perhaps you can recall the last time you read a book that was so absorbing that you just couldn't put it down. You became so focused on the story that the outside world began to seem a bit distant and any background sounds no longer seemed to matter quite so much as you drifted off into your own inner world.

Most people are familiar with this trance-like state and although we are not always consciously aware of it occurring, it is a natural state of mind which is often experienced several times a day. When our attention becomes so intensely focused on something, the subconscious mind becomes more active, whilst the conscious mind becomes more passive.

During hypnosis, the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to suggestion and hypnotherapy uses this process to communicate with the subconscious mind and suggest new thought or behaviour patterns. These new thought processes, when combined with your motivation and participation, can then enable new and positive changes to take place.

Hypnosis is a natural and safe state of mind in which you are aware of everything you experience. Although often mistaken as a form of sleep, hypnosis is actually an altered state of awareness where the subconscious mind is very receptive and alert.

© Vicki Crane 2007-2018