Hypnosis........ heightened awareness, endless possibilities
Have you ever "zoned out" while driving your car, only to suddenly find yourself wondering "how did I get here so fast"? Have you ever sat watching waves lapping against a shore and felt a sense of complete peace, relaxation and calm? These are some examples of the naturally occurring states of hypnosis or trance we automatically slip into from time to time.
Although the word itself comes from the Greek word for sleep, hypnosis is not sleep at all. Rather it is a deeply relaxed state of heightened attention and awareness that allows a person to easily access abilities, memories, and talents stored in their unconscious mind that are not usually accessible. When we enter into a state of hypnosis, we have heightened receptivity to positive and beneficial suggestions that can open the door to endless possibilities for self-healing, exploration and change.
Although hypnosis has been considered an effective therapeutic tool by the Canadian and American Medical Association for 50 years, most people still think of it as some form of "mind control". The truth is however, at no point do you lose control. The primary job of your unconscious mind is to protect you at all cost. Therefore, you cannot and will not do anything that goes against your moral and ethical codes. Hypnotherapy, when practiced by a well-trained, licensed health-care professional, is safe, and often speedier than many other forms of treatment.
Hypnosis has been used successfully to treat numerous psychological and physical conditions ranging from anxiety/stress management, phobias, panic attacks, depression, chronic/acute pain, childbirth/labor support, improving concentration and confidence, insomnia, sports performance enhancement, smoking cessation, addictions, weight control, habit modifications, etc.
Hypnosis is also safe and effective for children as hypnosis is a very natural mental state for them. Because of their natural practice of using their imagination, children are often in a state of self-hypnosis, for example, when engaged in imaginary play or daydreaming. Therefore hypnosis has been used in treating various pediatric conditions such as bedwetting, thumb sucking, anxiety/stress, improving focus/concentration in school and increasing confidence and self esteem, addressing negative behaviors, ADHD, etc. Hypnotherapy uses the power of positive suggestions to help children reprogram their subconscious minds so that they are in control of their symptoms.
With the guidance of a well-trained professional, you can develop your latent abilities that can enable you to make desired changes in personal habits, thoughts, and perceptions. As research has shown, hypnosis has often surpassed other forms of therapy in terms of effectiveness, without side-effects. It can promote rapid, and powerful changes from within that can lead to physical and emotional healing. Hypnosis is a wonderful option for individuals seeking to make positive changes in their lives.
Dr. Jane Shou B.Sc.(Hons),
Certified Hypnotherapist
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine