Hypnosis was derived from the Greek word “hypnos” meaning sleep. Individuals induced into the hypnotic state display trance-like behavior. This trance-like behavior has been used negatively in science fiction movies and other media. They portray individuals under the hypnotic state as being controlled by a practitioner and is made to do anything they want without the individual’s permission. In reality, placing an individual under a trance-like state is merely a psychological condition that makes the individual receptive to suggestions. That is why hypnosis is now being established to form part of a therapeutic healing program to change negative habits and behavior. Hypnosis is now part of the activities of people participating in smoke cessation programs, weight loss programs.

In a recent study conducted by the American Health Magazine, we find evidence of the therapeutic ability of hypnosis. Statistics show that individuals undergoing psychoanalysis have a recovery rate of 38% after 600 sessions. 72% of individuals with behavioral problems found an improvement in their behavior after 22 sessions. There was a 93% recovery rate of individuals undergoing hypnotherapy. Despite these statistics, a large majority of people are still hesitant to accept hypnosis as part of a vital healing process that encompasses all aspects of mental health care.

Compared with traditional talk-therapy or psychoanalysis, hypnosis is more effective and the results are more evident. Since hypnosis is client-centered, the focus of the healing process is to discover the original cause of the individual’s problems. This is done through a process called regression. During regression, the unconscious mind goes back and relives the original cause. This is not always pleasant. Individuals with deep-seated anger and negative emotions are bound to display negative behavior even under the trance-like state. Under the hypnotic state, the hypnotherapist helps the individual to process his original feelings in order to achieve healing. The negative emotions are then reprogrammed through positive suggestions and ideas.

The language of the mind is said to be visual. Anything that the eyes see is processed in the mind. Since hypnosis is a special form of communication to the subconscious mind, visual images depicting positive behavior and habits are programmed into the subconscious. The more detailed a mental image is, the faster the subconscious can process the information and create the effect that you want. Once the subconscious mind has accepted the new idea, it will become part of the conscious mind. The individual is thus empowered to live the life they have always wanted.

Remember that even under the hypnotic state, the person is aware of his surroundings. It is foolish to believe that someone is making you do something that you do not want. The role of the hypnotherapist is simply help the individual to connect with the subconscious mind. Upon making the connection, the individual is aware and is in control of the subconscious mind. The individual is then empowered to infuse the subconscious with positive ideas that will aid in the recovery of the individual mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.