Harnessing the Subconscious: The Potential of Hypnotherapy as a Tool for Growth

You've likely seen in a movie or on television a depiction of a magician "hypnotizing" an audience member to cluck like a chicken; this unfortunate image comes to mind for many people when thinking of the healing art of hypnotherapy. One of the most prevalent misconceptions about a hypnotherapy session is that you, as the client, are under the control of the facilitator, who can make you do whatever he or she pleases. In fact, the complete opposite is true: The receiver is in the driver’s seat. However, because of myths, many people decline the opportunity to experience a formal hypnotherapy session.

During a hypnotherapy session, the hypnotherapist offers a variety of suggestions, which the client is free to accept or reject. If a suggestion goes against your moral or ethical beliefs, or is in conflict with your goals, then you will easily refuse the suggestion.

What would you think if you found out that we all experience various forms of self-hypnosis on a daily basis? You enter a hypnosis-like state when daydreaming, becoming engrossed in reading, and even when sitting down to watch television. Even when you begin to go to sleep, your brain passes through a phase that resembles hypnosis; it is often the few moments before it’s "lights out," where you are still aware of your thoughts, however they seem to be generating themselves. That is, in essence, what hypnotherapy produces. It is a very pleasant and relaxing experience, allowing you to let your subconscious out to play.

Hypnotherapy helps to facilitate a highly relaxed state of inner concentration and focused attention for those seeking relief or change in various areas of their lives. Many people have reported that, in just a few short sessions, stressors, such as phobias or addictions, have been lessened or, in some cases, completely disappear. A hypnotherapy practitioner can additionally serve his or her clients by also teaching them to hypnotize themselves at home in order to reduce chronic pain, improve sleep, or alleviate some symptoms of depression and anxiety.

A growing body of scientific research supports its benefits in treating a wide range of physical conditions and behavior modifications, and there are a vast amount of reasons one may seek out a hypnotherapist beyond physical and mental relief. It has shown potential to increase productivity, clarify goals, remove mental blocks, and uncover subconscious motivations. Many high-performing professionals use hypnosis to help create a balance within their lives or assist in prioritizing their many obligations in a way that is healthy for their mind-body-spirit balance. Some even seek out hypnotherapists out of curiosity; in fact, there has been an increase in demand for practitioners specializing in past-life regression services.

Want to give hypnosis a try? It’s a safe and very rewarding experience.

At Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), you can experience the benefits of hypnosis by attending the specialty clinics offered throughout the year by calling 480-994-9244 or visiting the Specialty Clinic page on swiha.edu. These sessions can be offered in person or via a distance facilitation. If you're called to be of service to others and interested in being trained in the art of hypnotherapy, SWIHA encourages you to schedule an appointment with an admissions coach to learn more by emailing [email protected]. SWIHA hypnotherapy classes can be taken online or on campus.