Hypnosis is…
process in which we help people tap into their mental connections, memories and life potentials to realize their own therapeutic goals.
a human phenomenon, which is very intensively researched, nevertheless there is still no common agreed-upon definition with which the majority would agree.
a naturally recurring phenomenon and almost everyone has experienced it in various daily situations such as watching TV, listening to music, when driving a car automatically on the road, etc.
Milton H. Erickson also understood hypnosis as a special form communications, which allows the client to use his own thinking, understanding, emotions, in a way that best matches his scheme of life.
The latest research shows that hypnosis is a waking state with focused attention, increased suggestibility and reduced external awareness.
The hypnotic state can be established in the process of relaxation, by redirecting attention, by dissociation, by wishes and expectations. All this is conditioned by the subject's imagination. Hypnosis can be imagined as a state of intense relaxation and concentration, in which the consciousness-thought moves away from everyday worries. In this relaxed state, the subconscious can respond creatively to suggestions and fantasies. You can focus on the things you want to change and the ways you can best do it, relaxed, without analytical and anxious thinking.
Who can be hypnotized?
Actually, to a certain degree, any person who agrees to it can be hypnotized. Hypnosis can be achieved in a three-year-old child and in old people. In general, it is better to hypnotize intelligent people, there is of course the problem of motivation. it is best to hypnotize children between the ages of seven and fourteen.
The depth of hypnosis
How deep a hypnotic state we will achieve depends on several things: On the hypnotist's qualifications and which technique he uses. From the natural ability of the subject, which can change with practice. From the emotional charge of the content we are discussing. From the motivation of the subject, from the degree of cooperation, rapport or trust between the subject and the hypnotist.
The dangers of hypnosis
The main danger of hypnosis can only be that an ignorant hypnotist can lead a pre-psychotic person into psychosis. Without a doubt, hypnosis itself is not dangerous, only its improper use can be dangerous.
Contraindications
From the side of the hypnotist: If the hypnotist has tendencies to show power and dominance over other people. If the hypnotist has personal interests or wants to gain side benefits from hypnosis. When the therapist guides the patient or the client to goals that are not agreed upon.
From the subject: In non-therapeutic work, we must avoid psychotic individuals, those who are strongly emotionally disturbed, those who are strongly depressed or suicidal. Hypnosis, if performed by a non-physician, is also not recommended for people with a poor medical history: heart disease, asthma, epilepsy, and others.
Autohypnosis
Autohypnosis, when a person hypnotizes himself, is used to reduce pre-exam jitters, to eliminate bad habits, to reduce stress, to change behavior-habits, values and motivation. It takes practice. You can get used to it yourself, but it is better to start with the help of an experienced hypnotist.
Age regression and progression
This is a journey to the past years of life, especially to the childhood years. We can usually reach the second, third year of age. Some people have very vivid memories, others don't. Some write in regression as they wrote when they were children, others as adults. Age regression is mainly used when investigating childhood traumas, but it is also used to help patients remember beautiful events from the past.
Areas of action of hypnosis
Stage hypnosis. – Medical hypnosis – Dental hypnosis – Forensic hypnosis – Hypnosis in education – Hypnosis in business – Hypnosis in sports – Hypnosis in psychotherapy (Hypnotherapy).
Reducing and eliminating pain
Reducing pain during childbirth, in dentistry, in burns, in various chronic diseases, in cancer patients, in operations instead of anesthesia and the like. In recent years, it has been used more and more instead of anesthesia, especially in Scandinavian countries, as it is cheaper and has no side effects for the patient. It is reported from Belgium that in recent years they have performed 8,500 different operations under hypnosis. It is widely used for chronic pain such as headaches, phantom pain, rheumatic pain, etc. In Europe, it is widely used in dentistry to directly reduce pain and reduce fear of surgery. In patients with malignant diseases, it is used to reduce pain, to strengthen well-being and resistance.
In the narrower sense of the word, hypnotherapy means psychotherapy in a hypnotic state.