Short Answer: Yes
When I first trained in hypnosis, I arrived as a cynical, eye-rolling know-it-all. By the end of the first hour of the course, I was completely hooked. I have since witnessed 100s of people make profound changes during hypnosis In my private practice, often in the first session. The exciting thing about that is that people tend to turn to hypnosis as a last resort, having tried ‘everything else’. Hypnosis is a very helpful, simple, and natural state that everyone should benefit from.
(side note: if any hypnotist tells you you need more than 5 sessions, they probably have gambling debts. A reputable hypnotherapist can quickly address most issues. Also there is absolutely no need for capes. Red flag, right there.)
What is it?
Hypnosis is a very focused trance-like state that increases your suggestibility and can override old habits. It’s similar to being in a daydream or deeply engrossed in a film or book. Although you are in control, you are less aware of the world around you. You purposely tune in to specific thoughts, ideas, or tasks powered by your imagination.
Hypnosis usually occurs in the Theta brainwave state, ideal for imaginative thought and openness to suggestion.
Using carefully chosen language, your hypnotherapist (or a recording) guides you into this suggestable state, and together, you can reprogramme behaviours, thoughts, and habits. T
fMRI and EEGs show us what happens in your brain during hypnosis, highlighting changes in activity and connectivity in specific areas – super fascinating and worth a YouTube dive.
Fun fact: A Stanford University study found that while most people can be hypnotised, about 10% are highly susceptible to hypnosis. These people tended to have higher IQs and strong imaginations.
What Happens in the Brain
If you like the science:
During hypnosis, the activity (neurons firing / blood flow) in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex decreases, and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex increases.
The above is More of a Mastermind specialist subject than pub quiz fact, but I’ll leave it with you.
This means that during hypnosis:
- Your brain-body connection increases
- You feel less self-conscious
- Mental chatter decreases
- You are less resistant to ideas
- You are more deeply accepting of new ideas.
The perfect conditions to make lasting change.
Isn’t science excellent?
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