Actually, hypnosis is better described than defined. It is often considered an altered state of consciousness featuring "selective perception," a process in which the subject (who is in control) chooses to see only what is relevant to his task, blocking out everything else. Hypnosis involves guided concentration. The guidance may be provided by a qualified practitioner or, in the case of self-hypnosis, by the individual subject. Self-hypnosis, which can be taught by a properly certified hypnotherapist and learned by virtually any client, can provide the recipient with a lifetime of benefit. By becoming actively involved in self-healing, one is able to gain control and overcome feelings of helplessness and hopelessness that have been shown to increase depression.

Medical interest and acceptance of hypnosis expanded following World War II when the use of hypnotherapy proved especially helpful to surviving battlefield casualties suffering from shock, injury, battle fatigue and various psychological disorders. As understanding increased hypnosis began to be recognized as an important adjunct to counseling psychology, psychotherapy, psychiatry, and also medical fields including neurology, obstetrics, emergency medicine, burn therapy and others. Hypnosis is finding increasing usage in dentistry and other areas where pain control is important.

Research has demonstrated that a person's body chemistry actually changes during a hypnotic trance. Likewise, a change occurs in the structure of the brain where the two halves of the brain are linked. Because of this change, more information flows from one side of the brain to the other than would normally be the case. Nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls habits lose some of their electrical charge, enabling one to become more receptive to change at this time. Through imagery and positive suggestion, new connections can be formed among the nerve cells, creating the desired results.

The subconscious mind receives and retains, neither accepting nor rejecting, all the messages we receive from our backgrounds, whether genetic, social, religious or experiential, plus all the conflicts (little or big) that enter our lives daily. When for whatever reason the conscious mind (which deals with everyday living, logic, reason, etc.) becomes overloaded, the subconscious prepares us for what is considered appropriate action (usually fight or flight). However the subconscious mind does not analyze, as does the conscious mind, but accepts all messages in the literal sense.

In essence, hypnosis is a means of communication between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. Many human problems, habits, stresses, anxieties, attitudes or apparent deficiencies can be traced to interpretations by the subconscious mind which, when understood by the conscious mind, can reduce or resolve specific problems.

Remember, negative patterns take a long time to build up so give yourself a chance to knock them down. Hypnotherapy requires a commitment to yourself and your own well-being. It requires a commitment to restructure the less constructive aspects of your personality and bring out your best qualities.

Make the commitment to MIND YOUR LIFE!