How Does Hypnosis Work? The Science Behind Hypnotherapy
Have you ever thought about unlocking the hidden potential of your subconscious mind and tapping into the power of hypnosis?
Have you ever wondered how this natural and holistic practice works to rewire your subconscious mind to help with things like anxiety, stress, overwhelm, self-doubt, self-love or things like confidence, fears, phobias or addictions?
Join me on a journey as I unravel the secrets behind this fascinating field of study.
In this article, we will delve into the science behind hypnosis and explore its profound effects on the human brain, the thinking mind, the feeling body and your life in general.
From understanding the role of suggestibility to the impact on your neural pathways, we will shed light on the mechanisms that make hypnosis a powerful tool for personal transformation.
Discover the intricate relationship between the conscious and subconscious mind, and how hypnosis can tap into the untapped reservoirs of your psyche and deeper potential.
Whether you are a sceptic or a believer, this exploration into the science behind hypnosis will leave you in awe of the immense potential of the human mind.
Get ready to unlock the door to self-discovery and embark on a journey of healing and transformation.
By the way, I’m Gary Albert, Rapid Transformational Therapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Advanced Conversational Hypnotherapist and Subconscious Transformation Coach. I’ve been working with clients from all over the world for ten years and I love sharing my insights and knowledge in these insightful and inspiring blog articles. Ready to dive in? Let’s go…
[Book Your Free Discovery Call Now]
The History of Hypnosis
Hypnosis has a long and fascinating history that can be traced back to ancient civilizations.
The practice of inducing a trance-like state for therapeutic purposes can be found in ancient texts from Egypt, Greece and India.
However, it was not until the late 18th century that hypnosis, as we know it today, began to gain recognition in the mainstream.
One of the key figures in the development of hypnosis was Franz Mesmer, an Austrian physician who believed that an invisible force he called "animal magnetism" could be used to heal various ailments. He unwittingly invented modern hypnosis.
Mesmer's techniques involved the use of magnets and hand gestures to induce a trance-like state in his patients.
Mesmer's theories were controversial and problematic due to a lack of true scientific understanding and they were later discredited. However, thankfully his work laid the foundation for modern hypnosis as we know it.
Even tho his beliefs about what he was doing were off the mark, his approach did have powerful healing and transformative effects on his patients. He just wasn’t accurate about why or how.
The Subconscious Mind and Its Role in Hypnosis
To understand how hypnosis works, it is crucial to grasp the concept of the subconscious mind.
The subconscious mind is a reservoir of thoughts, memories and emotions that operates below the level of conscious awareness, your logical and your analytical mind. It is responsible for many of your automatic behaviours, beliefs and habits.
During hypnosis, the conscious mind (sometimes referred to as your critical faculty) is bypassed, allowing direct access to the subconscious.
By tapping into this hidden and mysterious realm of the mind, hypnosis can bring about profound changes in behaviour, perception, thought, feeling and even physical health and well-being.
The subconscious mind is highly suggestible, making it receptive to positive suggestions for personal transformation.
Your subconscious mind is your dedicated and committed servant, doing everything in its power to help, support and protect you.
The only problem is that it gets things upside down, back to front and inside out based on the messages and signals it receives from the outside world and from the inner dialogue you give it.
So for example, even tho you know that elevators pose no threat to your life, your subconscious has interpreted that they do and so creates panic and anxiety merely at the thought of getting in one. It’s trying to protect and save you.
Hypnosis works with that subconscious messaging and brings it back to balance and truth.
How Hypnosis Works: The Brainwave State
Your brain operates at different frequencies, known as brainwave states.
These states can be measured using electroencephalography (EEG).
During hypnosis, the brain enters a relaxed state known as the alpha state characterised by heightened suggestibility and increased receptivity to change.
The alpha state, which is associated with deep relaxation, daydreaming and suggestibility, is the most common brainwave state during hypnosis.
In this state, the conscious mind where logic and analysis happen, is relaxed and the subconscious mind becomes more accessible to create positive change and transformation.
The theta state, which is even deeper, is often experienced during hypnotherapy too and is associated with enhanced creativity, insight, clarity and wisdom.
The beta state is where most of your logic, analysis and critical thinking happens. An essential ingredient we need as humans, this state of mind is used for learning new things, having conversations and knowing when to cross the road.
I’m in the beta state most of the time writing this article because I am drawing on facts and information that are important to the journey of writing for you.
Now, here’s the problem with the beta brain state. While it’s phenomenal for some problem-solving, it’s not the best for emotional and psychological healing.
Your beta brain wave is the part of you that says:
“Aha yes darling, but you can't possibly change because look at all the evidence from the past that proves you're not enough”
“Mmmmm, ok, that sounds nice babe, but that’s not possible for you because you don’t deserve that”
“Oh that sounds lovely my dear, but that’s not for you, because remember all those times you were rejected before?
To be fair, it is using logic and analysis to look for evidence of the past as to why it’s right. It wants to hang on to the beliefs and stories you’ve taught it over a life time.
But here’s the thing - many of those stories and narratives are not necessarily true in reality. Many of them hold you back and prevent you from doing the things you want in life, from thriving, from being happy and achieving the things you wish for.
And in my opinion, this is the downfall of traditional talk therapy. While it’s amazing at analysing and figuring out why you are the way you are, it’s not the best at creating deep, powerful, permanent change. Why? Because you sit and remain talking in your beta brain state.
If you want to create deep, powerful, lasting change you must utilise the alpha and theta brain states. And this is where hypnosis and hypnotherapy absolutely soar.
[Book Your Free Discovery Call Now]
Me with one of my lovely clients.
Hypnosis And My Own Story of Healing
My story is that 13 years ago, my career as a professional musician and performer came to a dramatic and devastating stop. One day I woke up and had severe panic attacks, stage fright and performance anxiety.
It came out of nowhere and it brought everything crashing down. I couldn’t leave my own home let alone think about going on stage.
I tried everything from meditation to medication, talk therapy, positive thinking and affirmations, breathing techniques and visualisation. Sitting and talking with a therapist about how it all made me feel made me more anxious. It was somewhat helpful figuring out why it might be happening to me. But at best it was guesswork.
I eventually went to see a Rapid Transformational Therapist who helped me in a powerful and profound way.
I overcame and healed from the anxiety, panic attacks, stage fright and crippling unworthiness within just two sessions, and I went on to have a wonderful career that I am proud of.
Yes, two sessions! How? She utilised the alpha and theta brain states to help me get to the root cause of the anxiety and help me clear it.
I was so mind-blown by this experience I had to learn how to do what she did, so I went to train and now I help others.
The Stages of Hypnosis
Hypnosis typically involves several stages, each building upon the previous one.
The first stage is known as induction, where the hypnotist guides the individual into a deeper state of consciousness.
This is followed by the second stage, called deepening, where the individual enters a more profound level of consciousness.
Once in this state, the individual enters the third stage known as ‘suggestion’.
In this stage, the hypnotherapist communicates with the patient to discover deeper meaning behind their experience, clarity, insight and wisdom.
The therapist may provide positive suggestions and imagery to reprogram the subconscious mind and help the patient unravel the habits, behaviours, thoughts, feelings and habits that are causing them unhappiness and harm.
Some therapists provide their clients with bespoke transformational recordings to support further healing outside of the session. Personally, in my practice, I find that these help clients immensely and are a tool to further enhance their healing experience and changing of their neural pathways.
Common Misconceptions About Hypnosis
Hypnosis has often been misrepresented in popular culture, media, movies and books leading to several misconceptions.
Fiction loves to portray hypnotists as megalomaniacs, controlling, evil people such as the mum in ‘Get Out’ and the therapist in the new Netflix film ‘Hypnotic’.
While these can be fun to watch, they couldn’t be further from the truth.
One common misconception is that individuals under hypnosis lose control or can be made to do things against their will.
In reality, hypnosis is a collaborative process where the individual remains in total control and can accept or reject any suggestions that are not in line with their values or beliefs. In fact, under hypnosis, you are more lucid, in control and self-knowing than ever!
Another misconception is that hypnosis is a form of mind control. Hypnosis cannot make someone do something they wouldn't do willingly.
Instead, it taps into the individual's subconscious desires and motivations to facilitate positive change and transformation.
You won’t be made to cluck like a chicken. Stage hypnosis is totally different world to therapeutic hypnosis, and whilst it’s fun to watch it bares no resemblance.
Benefits of Hypnosis for Personal Development
Hypnosis offers a wide range of benefits for personal development. By accessing the subconscious mind, hypnosis can help individuals overcome limiting beliefs, release negative emotions and develop new habits and behaviours.
It can be used to enhance self-confidence, improve focus and concentration and reduce stress and anxiety.
Furthermore, hypnosis can be a powerful tool for overcoming phobias, managing chronic pain and even improving athletic performance.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to harnessing the power of the subconscious mind through hypnosis.
My clients have gone on to cultivate positive more loving relationships with themselves and others. Some have even left hurtful and abusive relationships after discovering their inner power and strength.
I’ve seen clients get amazing promotions at their jobs or even find the courage to leave a job they hate and start their own business.
One of my clients Molly May was a performer in the West End. She was a dancer and had only ever been in the ensemble. She couldn’t even think about singing in an audition without having a full-blown panic attack.
After just a few weeks of working with me, she was singing in West End auditions and got cast as a leading lady in a show - a dream she never thought could come true.
This is the power of hypnosis.
[Book Your Free Discovery Call Now]
Does Hypnosis Work For Everyone?
There is a huge misconception that hypnosis doesn’t work for some people. There are even hypnotherapists out there that will tell people they can’t be hypnotised!
This is a great shame because it simply is not true. Hypnosis is a natural brain state that every single human goes into multiple times a day. We couldn’t have survived as a species if we didn’t.
The hypnotic brain state is what happens when you’re daydreaming or losing yourself in thought.
It’s when you’re sitting on a bus and you almost miss your stop because you were lost in thought.
It’s what happens when you’re moved by a piece of music or a movie and you forget where you are in space and time.
It’s what happens when you meditate or what occurs just before you fall asleep.
It’s what happens when you find yourself on autopilot, such as driving a car and you don’t even need to think about what you’re doing.
All these things are hypnotic brain states. The key is finding a therapist that knows how to work with your individual brain and mind. Some people are more audio, visual or feeling. A good therapist will very quickly pick up on how your operate and will know how to support you to get into a hypnotic brain state.
So can anyone be hypnotised? Yes, 100%! And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, not even a hypnotherapist!
Clinical Applications of Hypnosis
So you’ve learned that hypnosis is a powerful too for personal development and emotional healing. But beyond personal development, hypnosis has proven to be a valuable tool in the field of medicine and psychology.
It is widely used in clinical settings to treat a variety of conditions, including addiction, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Hypnosis can also be used as an adjunct therapy for pain management, helping individuals reduce reliance on medication and alleviate discomfort.
In some cases, hypnosis has even been used as a substitute for anaesthesia during surgical procedures such as operations and dentistry.
Hypnosis Techniques and Methods
There are numerous techniques and methods used in hypnosis, each tailored to the individual's needs and goals.
Some of the most common techniques include progressive relaxation, visualisation, guided imagery and positive suggestion.
These techniques help induce a state of deep relaxation and facilitate access to the subconscious mind. However, therapists that only use these more traditional techniques of hypnosis will find that the results they get with clients are limited.
In my practice, I use up-to-date, cutting-edge, revolutionary advancements in the fields of therapy and neuroscience.
Other techniques a hypnotherapist can incorporate inner child healing, time-line therapy, parts therapy, gestalt therapy, Advanced Conversational Hypnosis and Rapid Transformational Therapy.
Self-hypnosis is another powerful technique that allows individuals to enter a hypnotic state on their own. It involves the use of self-suggestion and can be a valuable tool for personal growth and self-improvement. It’s not as powerful as having an excellent therapist facilitate and support you in session, but it is a wonderful tool to use in between your therapy sessions.
[Book Your Free Discovery Call Now]
The Future of Hypnosis: Advancements in Brain Imaging Technology
Advancements in brain imaging technology, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have allowed scientists to study the effects of hypnosis on the brain more extensively.
These studies have provided valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying hypnosis and its therapeutic benefits. Whereas once upon a time hypnosis was considered woo-woo and quackery, it is now fully proven by science and accepted by the medical community.
As our understanding of the brain continues to evolve, so does our knowledge of hypnosis. The future holds exciting possibilities for the integration of hypnosis with other therapeutic modalities.
These advancements will further enhance the effectiveness of hypnosis as a tool for personal transformation and healing as well ad physical health and wellbeing.
Conclusion: Harnessing the Power of the Subconscious Mind Through Hypnosis
In conclusion, hypnosis is a fascinating field that offers immense potential for personal transformation and self-discovery.
By understanding the science behind hypnosis, we can appreciate its profound effects on the human brain and harness the power of the subconscious mind.
From its ancient roots to its modern applications, hypnosis has come a long way. It is no longer shrouded in mystery but is backed by scientific research and clinical evidence.
Whether you are seeking personal growth, looking to overcome a specific challenge, or simply curious about the mind's untapped potential, hypnosis can be a valuable tool on your journey of self-discovery.
So, take a step into the realm of hypnosis, unlock the hidden potential of your mind and embark on a journey of enlightenment.
The power to rewire your subconscious mind and create positive change lies within you.
Open the door to a world of endless possibilities and embrace the transformative power of hypnosis.
Inspiring Stories And The Power of Hypnosis
Read below and find the hope and inspiration you’re looking for by reading a handful of the amazing and powerful stories of my clients over the last decade.
Perhaps there is something that resonates with what you’re going through right now. I want to let you know there is hope for you here. When you’re ready, reach out, ask any questions you have about hypnosis and book a free discovery call with me and let’s figure out if therapy with me is right for you…
[Book Your Free Discovery Call Now]
Scientific Studies On Hypnosis
www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10253890290027877