Today I’m thinking about the scientific basis of hypnosis and how it actually works. For those who have only ever seen stage or TV hypnotists in action, hypnosis can seem a bit frightening or even fake. But when it’s integrated into a therapeutic setting hypnotherapy may actually bring about real positive changes for clients (and no, you won’t dance like a chicken – unless you want to!).
What exactly is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of mind brought about by specific relaxation techniques to make the recipient’s mind open and receptive to suggestion. When used in a therapeutic sense, hypnosis allows the subconscious to receive and take on board positive messages and suggestions which can help the client to improve or manage areas of their lives which have been having a negative impact on their wellbeing. Hypnosis CANNOT be used to make to do anything that you do not want to do as the client needs to agree with or be open to the suggestions for hypnotherapy to work. The therapist will agree the scope and content of the suggestions with the client before hypnosis begins to make sure they are appropriate and suitable for the client’s needs.
Once hypnotic techniques have been applied, hypnosis can enhance concentration, increase receptiveness to suggestion and may allow the individual to make beneficial changes to their thought patterns, behaviours and physiological state. Within hypnosis the belief of the recipient is critical, and they must have full confidence in their therapist to allow the suggestive aspect of the technique to work.
Within my own practice I use guided and personalised hypnotic visualisations and suggestions to support clients with feelings of low self-esteem and confidence, stress and anxiety and phobias. As well as supporting clients to manage their issues, hypnosis may be a useful tool in helping clients to build the essential habit of relaxation into their daily life routines.
So what happens when I’m under hypnosis? Am I awake or asleep?
Hypnosis, as a name is taken from Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep but it is not an actual sleep state. Previously it has been difficult to find concrete proof and measure the state of hypnosis, especially as every client experiences the effects in a personal manner. Although there are psychological and physiological indications which are present, the state of hypnosis remains an individual experience. However, the psychological state of hypnosis can now be measured by considering the electrical activity of the brain. The use of electroencephalography (ECG) provides a visual representation of the brainwaves and provides a greater insight into how the brain changes during hypnosis. It measures the frequency (in hertz) of the four main types of brainwaves.
The Science of Brainwaves
The fastest brainwaves are beta waves which are 15 to 40 cycles per second. Beta waves are produced when an individual is in a focussed or engaged state of mind, such as teaching or holding a conversation. It is the most common form of brainwave, most likely due to the pressures and stresses of modern society.
Alpha waves are produced at 9 to 14 cycles per second and are therefore slower than Beta waves, representing a less aroused state of mind. These brainwaves are present during light hypnosis as they represent a relaxed and creative state of mind, allowing for problem-solving to occur.
Theta waves, which occur at 4 to 8 cycles per second, are associated with the subconscious mind. They can occur when an individual is engaged in a repetitive activity where mental engagement is not required and is also recorded during daydreaming, REM sleep and in some states of meditation.
The brainwaves of a hypnotised client are most commonly alpha and theta which allows access to the subconscious mind; it can be an experience similar to daydreaming, but you are aware of and in control of the situation at all times. Many people may experience life changing improvements when the hypnosis they undergo is paired with the relevant support in terms of talking therapies.
What has relaxation got to do with hypnotherapy?
There is still some confusion between the hypnotic state and sleep, as hypnotic inductions (which help the client to slow down their brain waves) begin with the relaxation of the body which we often associate with sleepiness. Hypnosis differs in that it encourages selective attention and increased suggestibility within the special state of consciousness which occurs through relaxation. In this state of consciousness, the client is more able hear the beneficial suggestions of the therapist and then undertake the positive changes they want to make in their lives.
But it’s really hard to relax!
It’s true that relaxation doesn’t come easily to us all. Modern life (and its many pressures) means that many people hold their muscles in a chronic state of contraction, so they don’t receive the relaxation message from their nervous system, resulting in permanent state of tension. Often people are not even aware they are doing this and it’s only when they are given encouragement to relax during hypnotherapy that the realise how tense they were before.
Hypnotherapy uses progressive muscular relaxation (PMR) so the client consciously tenses and relaxes each muscle. This conscious relaxation allowed the muscle to stay in a relaxed state, improving the mental, physical and emotional state of the client as they are able to feel the benefit of the release of tension they have been holding onto.
As part of Melon Mindfulness Counselling I offer hypnotherapy as a standalone service or incorporate hypnosis into counselling session where it is appropriate for the client’s needs. I also offer group relaxation and guided meditation sessions for workplaces and organisations.
Please get in touch if you want to find out more about how hypnotherapy can support you or if you would like to book a free group taster session to experience some much needed relaxation. www.melonmindfulness.com
See you soon – and remember to relax!
Helen.