A Simple Explanation of Hypnosis

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I assume that because you are reading this, you plan to use hypnosis on yourself and possibly on others as well. That being the case, you need a clear idea of what hypnosis is. In upcoming articles, we will be exploring what hypnosis is in three ways:

• through the lens of history
• looking at how great hypnotists like Milton Erickson and Dave Elman defined hypnosis
• through the lens of science

For now, I want to provide you with a simple, understandable, and clear description of hypnosis is. So here it is:

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring psychological process that when used deliberately makes positive use of relaxation, strong concentration, and the imagination.

When a person is able to skillfully create concentration, induce relaxation, and stimulate the imagination in oneself and others, the effect can be powerful! It is almost like creating a "virtual reality simulator" in the mind. Let us look at this definition a little deeper.

A Naturally Occurring Psychological Process

It is important to understand right at the outset that there is nothing magical or mystical about hypnosis (although hypnosis can be used in combination with spirituality). In essence, hypnosis is really a simple psychological process. All that this means is that if the brain/mind can be directed to go through the right steps, then every human being (with the exception of those with brain damage or those with severe mental handicaps) can go into anxiety hypnotherapist.

The fact is people go into hypnotic trances every day without being aware of it. Here are several examples of everyday hypnotic trances:

1. "Zoning out" while driving. Ever take a trip to a familiar location and realize upon your arrival that you do not remember the trip because your mind was absorbed elsewhere?
2. Daydreaming. This often occurs when you are thinking about a future project or event, recalling a past event, or just letting your mind drift. You can become so absorbed in that inner reality that you do not realize what is going on in your outside environment.
3. Reading an interesting book. Have you ever found yourself enraptured in a book where the author seemingly is creating a movie in your mind? Maybe you were even identifying with the character(s) or feeling certain emotions (such as excitement or anger) about the fictional events happening in the book.
4. Getting engrossed in a movie. This is similar to reading an interesting book and is sometimes even more hypnotic due to more of your physical senses being stimulated as well as your imagination (such a sight and hearing). Sometimes you can become so fixated on the movie that two hours of watching it only seemed like a few minutes!
5. Becoming deeply involved in an interesting conversation. This can happen when you are talking to someone about a subject that you are very interested in or listening to a charismatic public speaker.
6. Sexual fantasies. Yes, I said it. Most hypnotists would avoid talking about this. However, sexual fantasies can be one of the most powerful trances that humans enter into, because sex is such a basic human drive and need. They also show us how powerful hypnosis can be, because when we become engaged in a sexual fantasy "trance," it can affect our emotions and even our physical bodies! (Note: We will get into erotic hypnosis and seduction hypnosis a little later on down the road!)