Thanks in part to how it is portrayed in television and movies, hypnosis is often disregarded as anything serious, being perceived as nothing more than a stage act. There’s this idea that all you do is get put to sleep and then manipulated.
We’ve all probably seen the scene where a ‘hypnotist’ has a person sit in a chair while they are swinging a pocket watch. You hear the phrase, “you’re getting very sleepy”. After that, the person under hypnosis starts acting unusual.
Contrary to this image, hypnosis, or hypnotherapy, is actually an effective method for treating anxiety and a number of other mental health issues. When under hypnosis, you’re being guided more than manipulated, and you don’t ever lose control of your faculties.
Here’s a look at how hypnosis can help with managing anxiety.
Inducing Relaxation
The hypnosis process begins with the induction of a deep relaxation state. If you’re dealing with anxiety, odds are it’s present during the start of your session. In order for you to be able to target your anxiety, a state of relaxation is optimal. Once you reach that point, confronting triggering thoughts or feelings will be more effective.
Improved Focus
When you’re placed in a hypnotic state, aside from feeling more relaxed, you should also experience an increase in concentration. Being able to concentrate more and control your focus will allow you to process through some of these anxiety inducing thoughts and feelings.
Having not only a heightened concentration level, but also the ability to shift your focus will help alleviate anxiety and return you towards some sense of calm.
Working in the Subconscious Space
One of the appealing components of hypnotherapy is the ability to access your subconscious. This is the space where your memories are stored, but also your values, beliefs, and the driving force behind patterns of behavior.
During the process, you’ll be able to explore the root cause of your anxiety. It’s also in this space where you can start to reframe your thought processes and work towards replacing the negative with something more positive.
Therapist Suggestions
This is somewhat of a collaborative effort. During your hypnosis treatment, your therapist can help provide guidance in changing negative thoughts to more positive ones. They are there to offer possible suggestions.
While you’re in this hypnosis state and deeply relaxed, your mind becomes less active. This will increase your suggestibility, allowing any therapist recommendations to be considered more thoroughly. Working in your subconscious space is also tied in here, as some of the suggestions may be turned away by your conscious mind.
As you work towards your goal, you’ll receive positive reinforcement that will further drive these subtle behavior changes.
Visualization
Another facet of hypnosis is visualization or the use of guided imagery. You’ll be guided to imagine yourself in a place that feels peaceful, and through your imagination you can start to relax. This will not only help you relax in the moment, but it can be beneficial moving forward.
The next time you’re faced with an anxious situation, you can implement these practices to reduce your anxiety in real time.
Physical Hardwiring Changes
Where the brain is concerned, there is a process called neuroplasticity. This is the ability for your brain to essentially rewire itself when necessary. New neural connections are formed, and certain changes can be made that allow you to continue functioning effectively.
Hypnosis is believed to have an effect on your brain’s neuroplasticity. It can allow you to implement behavioral changes, like modifying avoidant and panic responses.
The Takeaway
Hypnosis can be a valuable tool to have at your disposal when it comes to managing anxiety in an effective way. As with any therapeutic approach, it’s important that you’re working with someone trained in the practice.
If you’re struggling with anxiety and hypnosis sounds like something you would be open to exploring, schedule a free consultation with us today to get started.
Related Posts on Hypnosis
