How does it feel?

Some people experience sensations of floating, lightness or heaviness, sinking or swirling motions. Sometimes people see vivid imagery. People usually feel calm, relaxed and separate from their worries and pressures. There is less physical and emotional tension. Respiration and heartbeat slow down. If the blood pressure is high, it decreases. Most people experience hypnosis as a pleasant or even euphoric state.

There are many benefits of hypnosis. When you first awaken, you may be groggy for a few seconds, but then you will feel refreshed and relaxed. Separating from your cares for even a few minutes may give you a feeling of relief. Now if you are motivated to change, you may notice it’s a lot easier to break a habit or even start a new positive behavior, like regular exercise. You feel stronger and more positive. You won’t notice little things as much, it increases your frustration tolerance. One of my clients told me that after his first session, that colors seemed brighter, he tasted his lunch for the first time in 20 years, he felt more cheerful and confident, he had an increased sense of well-being, and slept better. These are all part of the relaxation response, which you can obtain from hypnosis or self-hypnosis.

They say all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. So why do we need a hypnotist? The hypnotist’s job is to guide the person into a relaxed state and make positive, meaningful suggestions to them. The suggestions should be carefully worded to instruct the subconscious mind to accept and work toward the person’s stated goals. When that happens, behavior can be influenced in a very direct way. Habitual behavior can be eliminated. New options can be found. A famous hypnotherapist, Dr. Milton Erickson defined hypnosis as a temporary interruption of habitual behavior in order for creative solutions to take place.