During my healing journey, I also had hypnosis sessions. These took place over several sessions, and I had already done some coaching beforehand, which allowed me to fully trust the process. I worked with Manuel Cortez (Hypnosis Coach). His website is called Freigeist, so if you’re interested, feel free to check it out. I describe my personal hypnosis experience in detail in my book, which also includes an interview with Manuel. On this blog, I would like to give you a general insight so that you can get a first impression of whether you might want to try it yourself.
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness that allows a person to access the subconscious mind. Unlike the regular waking state, where our mind is constantly active, hypnosis involves deep relaxation while remaining highly focused. It’s a state where consciousness is directed towards specific thoughts, feelings, or memories without being distracted by the outer world.
A common misconception is that in hypnosis, one is “controlled” or loses their will. In reality, you remain fully conscious during hypnosis and retain control. It’s more like a state of intense focus and relaxation, where the subconscious becomes more accessible.
How Does Hypnosis Work?
During a hypnosis session, the client is guided into a deep state of relaxation, often using slow, calming language and breathing techniques. In this state, the hypnotist can make suggestions or affirmations that are anchored in the subconscious. These suggestions can lead to positive changes, such as reducing stress, overcoming fears, or changing behavior patterns.
Types of Hypnosis
Classical Hypnosis:
The hypnotist gives clear suggestions and instructions, which the client accepts while in hypnosis.
Self-Hypnosis:
In this case, the person guides themselves into a relaxed state to achieve specific goals, such as reducing stress or changing their behavior.
Therapeutic Hypnosis:
Here, hypnosis is used to treat mental or physical ailments, such as anxiety, sleep disorders, or smoking cessation.
What Can Hypnosis Achieve?
Stress Management and Relaxation:
Hypnosis can help achieve a deep state of relaxation in a short amount of time and lower stress levels. It promotes activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “rest and digest” phase. This results in a reduced heart rate and blood pressure, allowing the body to regenerate.
Treatment of Fears and Phobias:
Hypnosis has proven particularly effective in treating anxieties and phobias. Whether it’s fear of flying, fear of certain animals, or social anxiety—hypnosis can help the client confront their fears, restructure them, and deal with them in a safer context.
Behavioral Changes and Habit Transformation:
Hypnosis is often used for smoking cessation, weight loss, or changing negative habits. By programming the subconscious with new, positive suggestions, long-established patterns can be broken. The idea that one is simply “commanded” to act in hypnosis is a misunderstanding. Instead, positive associations and behavioral alternatives are anchored in the subconscious.
Pain Control:
One of the oldest applications of hypnosis is pain management. It is used for both acute pain, such as during dental procedures, and chronic pain. Through hypnosis, people can learn to alter or reduce their perception of pain. The body can learn to perceive pain without being overwhelmed by it.
Improving Sleep:
Sleep disorders are a common problem. Hypnosis helps calm the mind and improve sleep quality by programming the subconscious to relax more effectively and find inner peace.
Choosing the Right Practitioner
Hypnosis should only be performed by a qualified therapist who has sufficient training and experience. There is also the possibility to learn self-hypnosis techniques, but this is a skill that takes time and practice to master effectively.
Many hypnotists and therapists specialize in specific topics like anxiety management, stress reduction, pain therapy, or weight loss. Be sure to inquire about hypnosis at a reputable practice. An initial consultation is helpful to see if you can build trust with the therapist.
In my book, I ask Manuel whether hypnosis is suitable for everyone, and his answer is clear: for anyone who is ready to make a change.
In my opinion, this readiness is the most important factor in progressing on your healing journey. I’ll see you in the next blog post!