Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a state of inner concentration and focused attention. Each individual experiences this state at different levels. What happens in a counseling session is the therapist guides the client into a trance state. A trance is a form of intense focal concentration that allows us to utilize our subconscious mind, or the part of our brain that stores all the information we learn throughout our lives. At times, we get stuck in life and have trouble focusing on what's important in the moment, taking care of ourselves. When we are able to focus our attention and narrow our scope of concentration, our mind becomes very powerful. In this state, we are able to use our full potential and gain more control over our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

When hypnosis is used during the counseling session, the client continues to maintain control. Just as when the client is speaking to the therapist with their eyes open, during hypnosis, they can say what they want to, disclose what they want to, or even stop at anytime they want to. When in a trance state, although the client is inwardly absorbed, they have total control of themselves and what is said and done.

Just about everyone has experienced trance while maintaining control. Take for example driving your car. How many times have you been driving along and all of a sudden you realize that you are arriving at your destination, yet you do not remember driving the last few miles? Or reading a book and becoming so involved in the novel that your surroundings seemed to fade into the background? What happens is that our attention is so focused that everything else falls away. It is perfectly normal and can also be a very pleasant experience to just let things go.

A few benefits to using hypnosis along with counseling are it:

• emphasizes solutions rather than problems
• accelerates progress and facilitates change
• increases awareness and insight
• adds skills that can be used outside of the counselor's office