The word ‘hypnosis’ to this day generates a lot of confusion.
In truth, the practice is about reaching an altered level of consciousness leading to sharp focus and even relaxed mental and physical state.
Call it alternative meditation but with an edge, if that makes sense.
Here in Abu Dhabi, hypnosis is being done to help people cope with life and work stress.
We chat with Kasey Conrad from Change Works to find out more…
What is hypnosis?
First, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation, combined with focused concentration.
Hypnosis is defined as a natural yet altered state of mind in which critical thinking is relaxed and selective thinking is maintained. In this state your mind – particularly your subconscious mind – is more open and responsive to positive suggestions.
It’s a natural and safe way to make positive changes that easily and effortlessly lead to a more fulfilling life.
*Hypnotherapy is not the practice of medicine or psychotherapy.
What are the misconceptions about hypnosis?
Hypnosis is not sleep, its deep relaxation and focused concentration.
While in hypnosis, you are not under the control of the hypnotherapist.
While in hypnosis you are aware of your surroundings, and things going on around you. You are awake and aware.
While in hypnosis, you cannot be made to do or say anything you would not do or say normally. A hypnotist cannot manipulate you into robbing a bank, unless of course it’s not against your morals.
While under hypnosis, if your hypnotherapist leaves the room or passes out, you will not remain in hypnosis forever. You will soon realize something is off and come to full consciousness.
What are the benefits of hypnosis?
Just some of the benefits of hypnosis are reduce stress and anxiety and help heal emotional scars trauma, loss and abuse.
It also helps improve sleep, performance and can be instrumental in changing habits such as overeating, smoking or biting nails.
Hypnosis can also speed healing process, reduce and manage pain, enhancing learning, overcome fears and phobias and improve concentration and focus.
Who are the people who will most benefit from hypnosis?
Mostly anyone could benefit from Hypnosis. In today’s high-pressure world, most of us are stuck in a state of fight or flight. Leading to increased anxiety, a lowered immune system, decreased decision-making ability, an increased focus on self, creating a decreased capacity for empathy and compassion.
Hypnosis can be an incredibly useful tool in providing disconnect that allows the reduction of anxiety levels through experiencing a state of deep relaxation and resetting habitual stress promoting patterns thus triggering a state of rest and digest.
Teaching a client self-hypnosis techniques, provide them a way to take back emotional control restoring balance, improving the issues mentioned above.
What are the steps involved during hypnosis session?
The steps for a hypnosis session include an initial phone consultation to determine whether the issue is something that can appropriately addressed through hypnosis as well as the compatibility of client and hypnotherapist.
In office, the hypnotherapist will give a thorough explanation of hypnosis, what it is and is not, the mind model – a brief on how the subconscious and conscious minds work. A clear agreement from the client that they give permission to willingly participate and any questions are answered and the session begins.
The techniques used in the actual hypnosis session are determined by the unique needs of the client.
*All Change Works clients are provided a comprehensive intake form, including an explanation and disclaimer form, ensuring the client understands there are no guarantees, and that hypnosis is not a medical or psychological practice.
Can you do it one time or do you need multiple sessions?
The number of sessions necessary will be dependent on the individual client. Hypnotherapy is an incredibly personal experience, and there are no cookie cutter rubrics to determine sessions needed.
How do you qualify to carry out or give hypnosis to people?
In order to be qualified to practice or provide hypnosis, one attends an in-depth accredited Hypnosis training course, such as the one offered through Change Works.
Our course is accredited through 2 USA organizations, National Guild of Hypnotists ( NGH ), and National Federation of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NFNLP). It is a 100-hour intensive for Basic Hypnosis.
There is vast number of diverse requirements depending on where you live and wish to practice.
My recommendation is to research the requirements and regulations wherever you are planning to do hypnosis.
How long is the training before one becomes a hypnosis expert?
The basic certification offered at Change Works, which is accredited by the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), and National Federation of Neural Linguistic Programming (NFNLP), is a 100-hour course offered over eight in class days, as well as practical hours.
The term ‘expert’ is a fairly subjective term, as I believe that as hypnotherapists, we are constantly learning and grow through our practice.
I have been practicing consistently for nearly eight years and would not presume to call myself an expert.
How do I check if the centre or people giving the hypnosis are qualified?
There are a number of professional hypnosis registers.
Generally, the accrediting organizations have registries with the names of their certified or licensed members.
Word of mouth recommendations from someone you know or trust, in my opinion, is one of the best ways to find a qualified center and hypnotherapist.
It’s a good rule of thumb to have an in-depth phone consultation with any perspective hypnotist and hypnotherapist.
Have a list of questions, such as are you certified through a professional accrediting organization, and if so, which one? How long have you been practicing? Do you have an office or centre? How long has it been operating? Have you had any experience with my particular issue and if so, what was the outcome?
Through this communication, as a client, you will get an idea of the credentials and experience level of the hypnotist as well as information about the centre that can be checked through a website or through a Google search.
Finding a well-qualified practitioner can mean the difference between a desired outcome and disappointment. Change Works will hold a hypnosis course over 8 days from 15th to 16th November, 22nd to 23rd November, 29th to 30th November & 6th to 7th December.
For more information, visit changeworks.ad or contact 02 628 1811 or email [email protected]
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