Many people who have seen others being hypnotized on television or maybe even on-stage wonder if it is pretend or real. The truth is that Hypnosis is just like the state you are in when you have been driving a car for a long distance. That feeling where you may not be taking everything in and your main focus is the road rather than unimportant details. In that “alpha” state you would still be able to react if something were to happen that required your attention. In addition, you would be able to begin noticing all of the little details missing, anytime you chose.
A very important aspect of hypnosis is that is not necessary to be in some sort of an otherworldly trance. Rather, it is a natural state which everyone moves in and out of throughout each day. Although most people aren’t aware of it, many of our everyday normal activities are actually performed under hypnosis. You may be aware of everything I say during the session and that’s OK because you are still in hypnosis. Another good example of a hypnotic state is playing video games. People who are playing video games can often become focused on what they are doing, yet they can intelligently answer the phone when it rings.
Alpha, or the lightest state of hypnosis, and can be easily achieved. People achieve this state every day, many times a day. Examples of times when people are in this state include watching TV, reading a good book, playing video games, and, even driving. In this state you're up to 200 times more suggestible than when you are fully awake. The state where you are full awake is known as the Beta state. In the alpha state, your mind is slowed down just a little, focus is narrow, breathing is slow, and you are relaxed. People often misunderstand what being hypnotized means and feel that they cannot be hypnotized when in reality most people experience being in the Alpha state during many daily activities. In addition, you also don’t have to worry if you fall asleep during hypnosis. It has been discovered by several research groups that hearing acts like a surveillance camera. Although eyes can close, ears cannot close. Because they always remain open, information is constantly coming in.
What are your thoughts on being hypnotized as a part of therapy? For more information check out Los Angeles Family Therapy at http://www.losangelesfamilytherapy.com/
