Step 1: Definition. Hypnotherapy combines the process of hypnosis and open communication during the hypnotic process between the client and hypnotherapist. This means that a conversation will occur, and yes, you can do it! No, you will not lose or fall out of trance. So what is trance exactly? It's a process of allowing your body to relax. There is no reason to be nervous or to treat the session with such high intensity. This leads to nervousnes and pretty soon both your brain and your ego take over. Take it easy, get comfortable and listen to what the hypnotherapist says as if you are listening to an old CD that you have already heard. The whole point is to follow along and participate.
Step 2: Expectations. Ask yourself what your expectations are. Hypnotherapist cannot diagnose or treat illnesses, they cannot mind control you or take away your power and most importantly, they cannot make you do what you don't want to do--including relaxing and opening yourself for a trance state. Always assume responsibility for yourself and what you bring to the session. The hypnotherapist uses words to communicate with you. It is your responsibility to process the words by using your imagination and integrating this imagery within your body.
Step 3: Guided Imagery. This is by far the easiest thing to do. Guided imagery is simply using your imagination. A commonly used image is that of a pathway in a forest. "Imagine walking on a pathway, soft grass underneath your bare feet, a crisp breeze brushing your cheeks, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, the smell of pine in the air. As Mother Earth guides you on your journey deep within, notice how you feel." The hypnotherapist tells a story and you simply follow along and envision this story.
Step 4: Choice. To enter a trance is a choice. It has less to do with the hypnotherapist and more to do with your willingness. You choose to get the most out of your session and that implies being a full participant.
Side Note: Do not try to control the session. Just follow along with the hypnotherapist. If you try to control how the session will run or if you have demands about what you want, you actually block yourself from entering a trance. You're limiting your imagination and most likely are setting harsh and unrealistic standards or expectations. Instead of resisting an image flow with it.
Step 5: Let go. It's natural to have strong emotions of excitement and anticipation, even a slight fear of the unknown. Put these emotions aside and remind yourself that your session is an opportunity for self-expression, healing, mind-body-spirit wisdom and getting to know yourself. The more you do it, the better you become at it.
Step 6: Everything is important. At times clients will say after a session "I already knew that". Does this mean that the session is less valuable or less extraordinary? Not at all. My reply is that if they already knew that, why is it coming up again? Maybe they are not really listening to how profound their thoughts and feelings are. Maybe that is why "But I already knew that" has come to mean "I know that but do nothing about it". Don't limit yourself; there is always room for further integration.
Step 7: Appreciation. Appreciate yourself for being responsible and attempting to heal your body and spirit. Bless yourself and the session and allow your body to integrate the information.
Step 8: Process. Hypnotherapy is a process because you have to integrate the experience and the information within your body. This can take some time. A process implies that a few sessions will more fully address an issue.
Now that you have a better understanding of what to expect, go for it! You can learn to be your best friend through hypnotherapy. The benefits include gaining access to your wisdom body and your higher self, changing thought patterns, gaining insight and solutions, healing the mind-body-spirit, and making yourself a better you! With all the techniques you learn you can soon rely on yourself for your healing.
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