TAMPA BAY NEW TIMESan alternative, holistic magazine exploring Body, Mind and Spirit. |
July/August 1998Articles on the theme "Pride & Prejudice"Prejudice Can Kill Loving Authority The Same Only Different Random Acts of Kindness The Magic of Differences A Threat To Survival Forgiveness and Compassion No Room for Pride or Prejudice Unlimited Vision Personal Pride and Legal Prejudice Too Much! Other Feature ArticlesNatural Health Q&A What is . . . Hypnosis
|
What is . . . Hypnosis?by Alvin Bartz PhDThis article will help the reader to understand better what hypnosis is, and what it is not. It will show that our ability to be hypnotized is a natural psychological trait which was an important factor in man's survival and evolution. It will discuss some of the marvelous ways that hypnosis is currently being used to help make people's lives better. It will conclude by attempting to dispel some of the misconceptions that have impeded the potential benefits hypnosis has to offer. Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, more akin to day-dreaming than to sleep. It is a state of heightened awareness and focus in a realm of deep peace, calm and relaxation. In the hands of a competent therapist, it is a means for helping people take personal responsibility for achieving their individual goals of living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Hypnosis is not magic or some supernatural power. It is a natural human ability which in many ways has immeasurably contributed to the very survival of humankind. The trait of hypnotizability was an important survival mechanism which was passed down to succeeding generations. The hypnotic ability of some Cro-Magnon men to disassociate from severe physical pain, for example, would greatly enhance their ability to survive severe injury and otherwise disabling wounds. This ability hypnotically to separate one's consciousness from physical pain was utilized in amazing ways by ancient Viking warriors. In preparation for battle, Vikings would put themselves into a berserk hypnotic trance by repeatedly shouting, "Odin, Odin, Odin"! Even though these fierce warriors didn't wear protective armor, they appeared oblivious to even serious wounds. Here too, the berserk's capacity for dissociation from pain during battle helped lead the Vikings to victory and thus to the preservation of only the fittest fighters. Throughout man's ancient past, the intentional and accidental use of hypnosis can be found in abundance. Shaman and medicine men apparently made the most of this natural ability in their healing rituals. The ancient Egyptians developed "Sleep Temples" where a truly formalized hypnotic trance induction and guided imagery were used in the relief of illness, suffering and pain. The underlying principles which explain the foundation of human hypnotizability are being utilized by professional clinicians today. Let us now explore some of the myriad ways that modern hypnotherapy is being used to make people's lives better. Through hypnosis, individuals can be taught to channel the miraculous power of their subconscious mind to make important life changes. Self-hypnosis can help people to control chronic pain, reduce stress and anxiety and continue to pursue meaningful and fulfilling life activities. Hypnosis is widely used to help people give up unwanted habits and phobic reactions. Hypnosis helps people to gain greater self-confidence, and the determination to achieve difficult personal goals and objectives. Hypnosis is being used by many women as the only means of anesthesia for the delivery of their children and it is gaining wider and wider acceptance as an adjunct to conventional medical treatment both in surgery and the general field of health and healing. In the realm of psychiatry, hypnosis is gaining greater acceptance than ever before as a quick means for uncovering deeply hidden traumatic experiences which are often responsible for the onset of chronic depression, stress and anxiety. As a therapeutic tool, hypnosis can help individuals tap into a core of strength, confidence and determination which greatly enhances any psychiatric technique that is being used. While it is unlikely that this article will dispel all of the misconceptions about hypnosis, I would like to conclude by addressing some of the most common misconceptions and encourage the reader to seek a greater awareness of a natural phenomena that can only serve to greatly enhance our enjoyment of life. Is hypnosis dangerous? No! Hypnosis is never dangerous in the hands of a trained professional, and it can never be used against you. You can not be manipulated by hypnosis and made to do anything that is not in keeping with your morals or your purpose for seeking hypnosis. However, you are indeed open to the idea that positive change can easily take place which will make your life happier and more fulfilling. Can I be hypnotized? Yes! The vast majority of people can easily be hypnotized; and yet no one can be hypnotized against his or her will. Individuals who possess relatively normal intelligence and who don't suffer from acute paranoia or schizophrenia can easily learn self-hypnosis and deepen their hypnotic state with practice. Are there any negative side effects to hypnosis? No! There are absolutely no negative side effects from hypnosis. Hypnosis is not addictive. One awakens from the hypnotic state feeling well rested, clear-headed, relaxed and refreshed. Hypnosis invariably leads to deeper and more restful sleep, and a more positive feeling of self-control and self-mastery. From its ancient evolutionary origins to its modern uses, hypnosis is a natural phenomena which, when directed by a skilled professional, offers amazing benefits to all who have the courage to expand their comfort zone and try something different that will surely make their lives better. s Alvin Bartz Ph.D. is a clinical hypnotherapist and certified behaviour analyst. He is a member of the National Society of Hypnotherapists, the American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists and the American Association of Behavior Therapists. St. Petersburg, Florida. (813) 826-1742.
|