How Can Hypnosis Help?
We need to imagine that the brain is divided into two parts: the cortex, which is the thinking, rational part and the limbic system, which handles emotional part. Phobias stem from the limbic system from incorrectly associating a trigger to a fear response.
Hypnosis is used in therapy to treat these phobias and fears, but it won’t automatically get rid of these phobias. Not all people respond to hypnosis, but the good news is that people who suffer from phobias are more likely to take to hypnosis. Hypnotherapy deals with phobias by replacing the triggering agent with a positive attribute; so for instance, if you’re afraid of flying, through hypnotherapy, you’ll associate flying with confidence and security.
Hypnosis can also help therapy clients who suffer from depression, stress, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
How Do You Start?
The therapist will begin the session by asking the client to recall a pleasant and relaxing experience. Perhaps it’s a stroll on the beach, a hike up a mountain or long bike ride. The client needs to recount the details of what others are wearing. This exercise activates the unconscious mind. She will also ask the client to describe sensory experiences (touch, taste, smell, sight and sound) and also check in with how they feel.
The therapist’s goal is to access the resources and strengths the client already has; she’ll also teach them new skills so they’re better able to cope with life’s demands. The client will be told to focus on their breathing and learn how to slow it down when they are experiencing anxiety.
The Power of Auto Suggestion
In order to carry out the therapist’s work, you will need to craft affirmations that will link from your cortex to your limbic system. These statements need to be crafted with goal-oriented language, they need to be in the present tense, and they need to use statements of faith. It’s a good idea to use the words “now,” “because,” and “don’t.”
Some examples:
I have the skills I need to handle this situation.
I can make decisions differently.
I can be in control of my body so that it is healthy and fit.
I can choose to set limits with others or with work
As the client is engaging in this exercise they should be lying down in comfortable clothes, closing their eyes and focusing on these suggested statements. The therapist will remind the client to just think about the words and images they create, so they don’t try to make anything happen because if they do, they’ll ruin the effect.
Using hypnosis in therapy shows the client how they can go from an anxious state to a more relaxed one through the power of words. If they keep up their sessions, they will start to see the effects of hypnosis and they may then want to try some of the techniques on their own. Hypnosis helps clients help themselves and it helps them see everything more clearly while putting them in front of their fears and phobias.
Nancy Travers, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializes in all types of relationships; dating, existing relationships, family relationships, and relationships with friends and business relationships. She also helps her clients overcome anxiety and depression through talk therapy as well as through hypnosis. What sets her apart from many other counselors is that she has counseled in the gay/lesbian community for over 10 years. She also has experience counseling families with elder care issues. Nancy has been in practice for over 15 years and can provide you with the tools you need to approach dating and relationships with confidence. Visit her website at http://www.nancyscounselingcorner.com.
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