What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural and deeply relaxed state of focused attention. Contrary to popular misconceptions—often influenced by stage hypnotists—a person under hypnosis does not lose conscious awareness or surrender free will. Instead, hypnosis is a cooperative process in which the individual willingly enters a state of relaxation under the guided instruction of a trained hypnotherapist.

 

The Human Mind

The human mind operates on two levels: the conscious and the unconscious.

 

The Conscious Mind

The conscious mind, also known as the waking mind, governs our present thoughts and feelings. It plays a critical role in managing daily activities by filtering out distractions and allowing us to focus on specific tasks. It is especially important when learning new information or making deliberate decisions.

 

The Unconscious Mind

The unconscious mind lies beneath the surface of conscious awareness and stores a vast archive of life experiences, memories, and learned behaviors. It shapes our automatic responses to present situations based on past experiences. These responses can be either helpful or unhelpful. For instance, instinctively fleeing from danger or feeling joy at a baby’s laughter are positive reactions guided by unconscious memory. Conversely, experiencing anxiety before a job interview or feeling inadequate in group discussions may stem from negative past experiences stored in the unconscious.

 

How Hypnotherapy Works

Hypnotherapy targets the unconscious mind—where deep-rooted patterns, beliefs, and emotional responses reside. Since this part of the mind influences how we react to the world without conscious effort, direct communication with it allows a hypnotherapist to help reframe negative responses and reinforce positive ones. By working at this level, hypnotherapy can bring about rapid, lasting emotional and behavioral change.