In nearly two decades as a Hypnotherapist, I have found that there are many common misconceptions and/or beliefs about what hypnosis is, and what it isn't. Many of these beliefs come from movies, in which you see a man swinging a watch and a person goes immediately into a deep trance and seems to be controlled by the hypnotist. Stage shows are fun, but they also give the impression that the hypnotist is controlling the hypnotized subjects to do his or her will. Nothing could be further from the truth. In this article I will dispel some of the myths about hypnosis and explain what hypnosis is and how it can be a powerful tool for self change

What is Hypnosis?

There are many ways to explain what hypnosis is and what it can do, and although some things about hypnosis are very complex, I am going to give you the "nuts and bolts," and explain it as simply as possible.

First, all hypnosis is self hypnosis. It is a relaxed state of mind and body, in which conscious mind is slightly distracted, making the door to the subconscious open and ready to accept suggestions for change. Whether you are totally conscious, or what seems to be a sleep-like state, your subconscious mind is always awake and aware and will only accept suggestions that are within the boundaries of your personality to accept. Hypnosis cannot make you do anything that you do not want to do. Hypnosis can, however, help you to do things that you want to do, such as let go of unwanted behaviors, or create new, more productive behaviors.

Contrary to what many people believe, hypnosis is not "mind control," and you do not surrender your will to the hypnotist. Nobody can control your will. Hypnosis works with the imagination, which is a bridge to the subconscious mind. Hypnosis is a stated of heightened awareness and intense focus. In this state, you can plant the seeds for success. These seeds begin growing into natural behaviors.

Hypnosis can help with many things, such as:

* Weight Loss

* Exercise Motivation

* Performance Enhancement (Sports, Stage, Music, Personal, etc...)

* Test Taking/Study Habits

* Memory/Concentration

* Overcoming Fears

* Health and Healing

* Nail Biting

* Sleep Issues

* Self Esteem/Confidence

* Organizational Skills

* Letting go of unwanted behaviors/habits

* Create new habits/behaviors that you choose

* Help you feel more Empowered in your life

* Sales/Business

* Stress Reduction

* And so much more...

How does hypnosis help?

If you have been trying to change a behavior (for example, lose weight, quit smoking, overcoming stage fright, etc...), you know that mere "will power" is not usually enough to make the changes you desire. This is because the will is simply a "want." The imagination, which is like a bridge to the subconscious, has more ammunition than the will. It recalls every time you have tried and failed, and can come up with all the reasons why you should keep the unwanted behavior. A general rule is that when the will opposes the imagination, the imagination wins, every time, mainly because the imagination has much more power than the will. Hypnosis can help by getting your imagination in line with your will. When both are going in the same direction, change happens easily, naturally, and effortlessly.

Jessica Bergkvist is a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Massage Therapist, and Registered Addiction Specialist in Long Beach, CA. Jessica has been working in the healing arts since 1991. Private hypnosis sessions, personal training, and personalized hypnosis CD's available. Affordable fitness and weight loss coaching by email and/or telephone also available. You can reach Jessica by email: HypnoFitness@yahoo.com

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