The Journey to Becoming a Better Hypnotic Subject
Embarking on the voyage of self-improvement through hypnosis is akin to setting sail on an open sea, with the destination of a calmer, more serene mind. Amidst the vast ocean of possibilities, it’s natural to wonder, “How can one become a better hypnotic subject?” A question, it appears, which resonates with many.
Understanding Hypnosis and its Potential
Hypnosis, in essence, is an intensified state of focused concentration, like a laser beam that can illuminate the dim recesses of our consciousness. Researchers, such as Spiegel (2016), have even likened it to turning the volume down on the brain’s disruption, thereby enhancing an individual’s ability to absorb new insights. 1
So, it seems that being a better hypnotic subject starts with understanding the nature of hypnosis itself. Like sailors trying to navigate the open sea, having a clear understanding of the sea and the skills to manage the sails can dramatically improve their journey’s outcome.
Cultivating Trust: The Anchor of Hypnosis
Having thrown light on the nature of hypnosis, the vessel of our journey sails smoothly towards the next important aspect – trust. Just as the anchor keeps a ship from drifting in the stormy sea, trust in your therapist and the process of hypnosis keeps your journey stable and secure. It has been found that confidence in the hypnotic process can indeed enhance hypnotic responsiveness (Lynn, Rhue, & Kirsch, 2010).2
Imagine you are sailing towards a destination. Your trust in the boat, the captain, and the compass would undoubtedly enhance the quality of your journey. So too, the voyage of hypnosis becomes smoother with trust.
Mindfulness: The Compass of Hypnosis
The next significant phase in the journey towards becoming a better hypnotic subject is the cultivation of mindfulness. Picture mindfulness as the compass guiding the ship, always pointing true north. The mind, like a tumultuous sea, is ever-changing and often sways with waves of thoughts, fears, and desires.
Practicing mindfulness, research suggests, can increase a person’s hypnotic susceptibility (Erickson, 2017).3 It’s like tuning the radio to just the right frequency, creating an environment that allows positive suggestions to flourish. Mindfulness has been shown to significantly improve the overall hypnosis experience and the potential outcomes of hypnotherapy sessions.
The Dance of Expectations
As our vessel moves ahead, we come across the role of expectations in our journey. In the realm of hypnosis, expectations are like the wind that fills the sails, propelling the ship forward. Research has shown that having positive expectations about hypnosis can enhance hypnotic suggestibility and the overall effectiveness of the therapy (Schaefert et al., 2013).4
Just as sailors anticipate the wind to guide their journey, so too should we understand the significance of our expectations in the process of hypnosis. Being open to positive experiences and outcomes can dramatically shape the journey’s direction and its outcome.
The Power of Practice
As we draw closer to our destination, it is clear that a key factor in becoming a better hypnotic subject is practice. Like a sailor who hones their skills through continuous practice, consistent engagement with hypnosis can indeed improve one’s receptivity to it. Lynn, Vanderhoff, Shindler, and Stafford (2002) found that practice significantly enhances hypnotic responsiveness.5
As the old adage goes, practice makes perfect. It is no different when it comes to hypnosis. The more often we set sail on this journey, the more familiar we become with the course, and the smoother the journey becomes.
A Lifelong Journey
As our voyage comes to an end, it becomes clear that becoming a better hypnotic subject is not a destination but a journey. A journey that involves understanding the process, building trust, cultivating mindfulness, setting positive expectations, and engaging in practice.
So, set sail on your personal journey of self-improvement and personal development through hypnosis. Remember that with every voyage, the sea becomes less daunting, the winds less fierce, and the journey itself becomes the destination.
References in ‘The Journey to Becoming a Better Hypnotic Subject’
- 1 Spiegel, D. (2016). Hypnosis and the Top Down Regulation of Consciousness. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 81, 59-64.
- 2 Lynn, S. J., Rhue, J. W., & Kirsch, I. (2010). Handbook of clinical hypnosis. American Psychological Association.
- 3 Erickson, M. H. (2017). The Wisdom of Milton H. Erickson. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
- 4 Schaefert, R., Klose, P., Moser, G., & Häuser, W. (2013). Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of hypnosis in adult irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychosomatic Medicine, 75(9), 834-855.
- 5 Lynn, S. J., Vanderhoff, H., Shindler, K., & Stafford, J. (2002). The effect of posthypnotic suggestion, hypnotic suggestibility, and goal intentions on adherence to medical instructions. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 50(1), 49-70.
Release Hypnosis Melbourne Hypnotherapy
Since 2016, Lawrence Akers has been working under the name Release Hypnosis offering Hypnotherapy and ACT based work to the people of Melbourne or an online service. Based on St Kilda Rd, Release Hypnosis is an easy and convenient location to get to and accessible by the ANZAC station train and tram stop. Release Hypnosis can help with a wide range of presenting issues, and I offer a free 30 minute no obligation discovery call for those who are unsure if hypnotherapy is the right way forward for them.
Book Your FREE 30 Minute Consultation With Release Hypnosis NOW!
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