Hypnosis comes from the Greek word, hypnos, meaning "sleep"; however, when a person is in hypnosis they are in an Alpha state, not asleep. Alpha is the dreamy time before falling asleep and before becoming fully awake. Hypnosis is a state of being where the person has more control over themself than in a fully awake state and can never be made to do anything against their morals and ethics. All hypnosis is self hypnosis. The hypnotherapist facilitates and guides a client into hypnosis and to the achievement of realistic goals using relaxation techniques and imagery.

In hypnosis, the conscious mind drifts away, getting out of the way of the subconscious mind. This mind is also called our unconscious mind. It never shuts down, never sleeps. It has been called our servant wisdom mind, our direct link with infinite intelligence. Our subconscious mind is always working for our highest good with harm to none.

The hypnotherapist can tell when a client is in hypnosis in several ways. The most common is the presence of rapid eye movement, known as REM. The eyelids flutter but usually remain closed, the eyeballs moving beneath the eyelids. The REM can be slight or strong. Other signals can be the total relaxation of the facial muscles and the use of ideomotor signals An ideomotor signal is an agreed upon indication that the client has heard and understood what the hypnotherapist communicates. Before the client enters into hypnosis, it is agreed that, for example, the right index finger is the "yes finger". Once the client is in hypnosis, the hypnotherapist can ask a question begging for a yes response. If the "yes finger" lifts up straight in a smooth motion, the client is not in hypnosis; they are still fully conscious, eyes closed, perhaps relaxed and seeing the image. The conscious mind is lifting the finger.

When the client is in hypnosis, the right index finger will "flutter" upward with small trembling movements. This is ideomotor response. The person's subconscious mind is causing the finger to quiver upward.

Hypnosis can be beneficial to people undergoing surgery, dental procedures, pregnancy, menopause and more. Hypnosis can fully replace anesthesia in some instances and it can be used with a reduced amount of anesthesia in others. Many situations using hypnotherapy, for instance, smoking, weight management, phobias, addictions, and behavior changes, often reflect unseen problems from various life situations. In these situations hypnotherapists can work with medical professionals as an adjunctive therapist. The American Medical Association gave full approval of hypnotherapy in 1958. Pain Management for acute and chronic pain is also a valuable use of hypnotherapy. Other applications of hypnotherapy are academics, sports, business and goal setting. Abusive relationships and childhood trauma can be addressed with hypnotic imagery that is delicate and gentle. The person does not have to keep on talking about it and thereby reliving it, as is often the method used in psychotherapy. Techniques of age regression (bringing the client to an earlier age in this same lifetime), age progression (to a later age in this same lifetime) and past life regression are powerful ways to help people understand and resolve trauma and achieve realistic goals.

Remember that all hypnosis is self hypnosis, which is also meditation. Here is a simple technique for you to use to bring about a hypnotic/meditative state.

Sit comfortably with some support for your back. (Do not lie down).

Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, mentally saying "I breathe in total relaxation"; as you exhale through your mouth, mentally say "I let go of any tension and negativity." (Repeat several times)....you can add the image of breathing in a color that is meaningful to you.

When you feel yourself relaxing, continue the gentle breathing and do and say the following:

Bring your attention to the top of your head..."I now relax all the muscles that criss cross the top of my head and they are totally free from any tension"

Bring your attention to your forehead...."I now relax..."etc just as you did with your head

Continue bringing your attention down to each part of your body visualizing breathing in a healing colored light and relaxation and exhaling tension and negativity.

Allow yourself to imagine a favorite place in nature. Breathe in the scents of this wonderful place; notice the colors of this wonderful place notice if there are any animals there or flowers or greenery or sand or water. Allow yourself to feel the warm sun on your skin, the gentle breeze upon your face. See yourself relaxing in this magical place, tell yourself that you can come here whenever you have a problem to solve or to be refreshed; perhaps allow yourself to meet a spirit guide here, or the spirit of someone close to you who has passed over; allow yourself to receive a gift or message from your guide; thank your guide and envision them wrapped in light and love an allow them to depart you may continue resting in this place for a while.

When you feel you are ready, begin to tell yourself that soon your eyes will be wide open and you will be wide awake, fully alert, fully aware, fully in control feeling rested and peaceful, calm and yet invigorated.

Begin telling your body, from toes up to head that it is time to come back to full waking consciousness. Take your time in doing this part.

When you have completed your meditation/self hypnosos remain quiet for several moments.

Hypnosis is natural, simple, wonderful and powerful. It can be a soothing balm, a spark to ignite passion for a new direction in life, a private mirror or movie screen, a powerful voice within, our own discovery channel, our path to fulfillment and the key which unlocks doors to living in bliss, great gratitude and joy.

I hope I have opened a new door for you and given you a glimpse of the possibilities of hypnotherapy.

Dorothea O'Regan holds Magna Cum Laude Degrees in Psychology, Mathematics and Secondary Education. She is a Hospital-Trained Hypnotherapist, Master-Clinical Hypnotherapist and Instructor of Hypnotherapy for the National Board. Dorothea has certification in Reiki, Omni-Dimensional Healing, and Magnified Healing. She is a Master Dance Teacher and skilled music & movement teacher/therapist. She facilitates numerous workshops, playshops, and seminars. Dorothea also offers spiritual intuitive readings and counseling for individuals and small groups. She combines crystal energy work and Reiki during these consultations. She welcomes your inquiries and comments at
dorotheaor@hotmail.com