The Mind

The Mind

by | Apr 20, 2025 | The Mind

Brian K Proulx, CCHt

The Mind : A Hypnotherapist’s Perspective

You Are Not Your Brain

Your brain is a biological organ that serves as the control center of the nervous system. It processes sensory inputs, coordinates bodily functions, and enables complex activities like reasoning and movement. Yet, it is not the entirety of who you are.

The adult human brain is a three-pound mass of gray matter nestled within the skull. There are various interpretations of what the mind is and its relationship with the brain, but they are not one and the same. Modern science refers to the enigma of how the physical brain gives rise to subjective consciousness as “the hard problem,” a term coined by philosopher David Chalmers to highlight the challenge of explaining why and how physical processes in the brain produce subjective experiences, such as the taste of coffee or the feeling of love. It is theorized that the mind is the manifestation of thought, perception, emotion, determination, memory, and imagination that takes place within the brain. To illustrate this distinction, consider your body as a computer, with the brain as the hardware performing functions and the mind as the software driving its operations.

You Are Your Mind

The mind has been debated extensively by psychologists, philosophers, and scientists due to its subjective and elusive nature. For example, René Descartes, a 17th-century philosopher, proposed a dualist view, arguing that the mind and body are distinct substances, with the mind being non-physical and the brain a physical entity. While Descartes’ dualism has been largely critiqued by modern neuroscience, it underscores the persistent challenge of defining the mind’s nature. In reality, the so-called parts of the mind do not exist as distinct entities—they are oversimplified labels for a complex interplay of processes. This approach simplifies the mind to make it more comprehensible. The study of the mind remains open to interpretation and should be viewed not as a rigid science but as a philosophical inquiry. The mind, for all intents and purposes, remains a mystery.

Some schools of thought interpret the mind as comprising two components—the conscious and subconscious, with the subconscious sometimes referred to as the unconscious mind. Others describe the mind as having three levels of awareness—conscious, subconscious, and superconscious—each with distinct functions and capabilities. The superconscious, often discussed in spiritual and metaphysical traditions, is thought to represent a higher state of awareness, potentially connecting individuals to universal truths or intuitive insights beyond ordinary consciousness.

Chart: The Brain and Mind: A Model of the Mind Analogy

Aspect Brain Mind
Definition A biological organ, the control center of the nervous system. The manifestation of thought, perception, emotion, determination, memory, and imagination.
Physicality Tangible: A three-pound mass of gray matter within the skull. Intangible: Subjective consciousness, an elusive and emergent phenomenon.
Role Processes sensory inputs, coordinates bodily functions, enables movement. Shapes thoughts, emotions, and identity through a complex interplay of processes.
Computer Analogy Hardware: Executes physical processes (e.g., neural firing). Software: Drives subjective experience, oversimplified as “parts” or labels.
Relation to Consciousness Physical substrate; how it produces consciousness is “the hard problem.” Subjective essence; a mystery that defies scientific proof and remains debated.
Components Neural substrate enabling all levels of awareness (e.g., prefrontal cortex for decision-making). Conscious: Analytical thought, decision-making. Subconscious: Automatic processes, beliefs. Superconscious: Higher intuition, universal connection (see footnote).
Study/Interpretation Studied via neuroscience; measurable (e.g., brain scans, EEG). Studied via philosophy and psychology; open to interpretation, a mystery per the Model of the Mind.
Example Brain activity during meditation shows increased connectivity in the default mode network. Meditative states may produce feelings of unity or transcendence, not fully explained by brain activity.

Footnote: The superconscious is a concept rooted in traditions like transpersonal psychology and Eastern philosophy, where it is seen as a state of heightened intuition or spiritual connection, though it lacks empirical validation in mainstream neuroscience.

The Conscious Mind

The conscious mind is active while an individual is awake and can focus on only a few tasks at a time. Research indicates that the conscious mind can process five to nine pieces of information simultaneously. It is aware of the present moment and mindful of both the external environment and internal thoughts. It governs physical activities, such as walking, breathing, and muscle movement, and is attuned to the five senses: sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing.

The conscious mind’s limited capacity, often referred to as working memory, is a key focus of cognitive science. For instance, George Miller’s seminal work on “the magical number seven, plus or minus two” suggests that humans can hold a small number of items in conscious awareness, which explains why multitasking is challenging. This limitation highlights the brain-mind distinction: while the brain’s neural networks process vast amounts of data (e.g., sensory inputs from the retina), only a fraction reaches conscious awareness, shaped by the mind’s subjective lens. The conscious mind’s role in sensory perception and decision-making ties directly to the “hard problem,” as it raises questions about why these neural processes feel like something rather than merely occurring mechanically.

The Conscious Mind: Reasoning and Thinking

The conscious mind is the “thinking” aspect of the mind, encompassing both inductive and deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning involves taking specific observations and forming broader generalizations that are considered probable, though not guaranteed to be accurate. For example, if my dog is small and has brown fur, inductive reasoning might lead me to conclude that all small dogs have brown fur. Deductive reasoning, in contrast, moves from general premises to specific conclusions based on logic. If the premises are true and the logic is valid, the conclusion must be true. For instance, all dogs have two ears; my Shelties are dogs; therefore, deductive reasoning concludes that my Shelties have two ears.

Reasoning is a hallmark of the conscious mind’s analytical capabilities, supported by brain regions like the prefrontal cortex, which is active during logical processing. Cognitive science suggests that reasoning reflects the mind’s ability to organize sensory and memory data into coherent patterns, yet the subjective experience of “thinking” remains elusive. For example, when solving a logic puzzle, the brain’s neural firing can be measured, but the feeling of arriving at a solution—eureka!—defies reduction to physical processes, reinforcing the “hard problem” of consciousness. This interplay between objective brain activity and subjective mental experience underscores the philosophical mystery of the mind.

The Conscious Mind: Decision-Making, Willpower, and Judgment

The conscious mind engages in analysis, systematically evaluating alternatives based on needs, goals, or problems—for example, deciding whether to remain in a higher-paying job without benefits or accept a lower-paying role with benefits. It makes choices when faced with multiple options, such as selecting a red or blue car. The conscious mind is the source of willpower, driving us to accomplish tasks like running an extra mile. Additionally, it judges, analyzes, and critiques people, places, or things, shaping our perceptions and opinions.

The Conscious Mind: Conceptual Thinking, Learning, and Social Expression

The conscious mind is conceptual—it calculates and interprets data, acting as the logical chatterbox we often “hear” when trying to sleep or meditate. It is the “look, listen, and learn” part of the mind, acquiring skills like fixing a washing machine by reading a manual or watching a YouTube video. It accepts or rejects information, such as evaluating a job offer with better pay. Additionally, it shapes the outward personality we display to friends, family, or coworkers. The conscious mind is essential for these functions.

The Conscious Mind: The Critical Factor

The critical factor is a component of the conscious mind, acting as the gatekeeper to the subconscious mind. It examines, interprets, and filters incoming ideas and information, comparing them to beliefs and programming stored in the subconscious. If new ideas or information align with existing subconscious content, the critical factor allows them to enter, reinforcing established beliefs. If they conflict with prior programming, it rejects them back to the conscious mind for further review and analysis.

The critical factor is not present in young children, leaving the subconscious mind open to direct influence. Between ages 7 and 11, the critical factor begins to develop, and by age 15, it is fully formed, effectively closing the door to the subconscious. During this period, beliefs, ideas, or information—whether positive or negative—accepted as true are imprinted into the subconscious as fact. These imprints are not permanent and can be modified through conscious effort or techniques like hypnosis.

Note: Bypassing the critical factor is key to positive change. Hypnosis temporarily lifts the “veil” of the critical factor, allowing new ideas and information to be placed directly into the subconscious mind.

The Subconscious Mind

The subconscious mind continuously processes an immense stream of information from the five senses—sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste—acting like a dynamic, ever-evolving database akin to a computer’s hard drive. It filters sensory data through neural networks, prioritizing salient stimuli based on emotional relevance or survival needs, as governed by structures like the thalamus and sensory cortices. This selective processing shapes perceptions and responses, capturing nearly every experience, thought, and sensory detail, even those not consciously registered. For example, the smell of a specific perfume may trigger a vivid memory of a loved one, despite years of conscious forgetting, illustrating the subconscious’s ability to store and retrieve sensory associations. Recent memories and information can surface to the conscious mind when prompted by environmental cues or internal triggers, yet they remain archived in the subconscious, influencing behavior, habits, and decision-making. This process underpins the subconscious’s role in regulating involuntary physiological functions, such as heart rate or digestion, via the autonomic nervous system, seamlessly integrating sensory input with bodily responses.

The subconscious serves as a vast repository for an individual’s entire experiential history, storing learned knowledge, memories, emotions, morals, values, and core beliefs about self and the world. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex facilitate memory consolidation and belief formation, encoding experiences into long-term storage. Memories are not static records but dynamic constructs, blending objective reality, subjective perception, and emotional interpretation. For instance, a childhood memory of a family gathering may be recalled with warmth or tension depending on the emotional lens, even if details are inaccurate. The subconscious accepts information perceived as valid—through direct experience, cultural conditioning, or repeated exposure—as truth, without critical scrutiny, shaping self-concepts (e.g., “I am unworthy”) or moral frameworks (e.g., fairness). Nearly all experiences, including those forgotten by the conscious mind, persist in the subconscious, subtly guiding reactions, such as an unexplained aversion to a place tied to a buried memory. This storage influences the “preprogrammed patterns” used by the sympathetic nervous system during fight-or-flight responses, as the subconscious draws on past experiences to inform rapid reactions.

Operating 24/7, the subconscious never rests, processing sensory input and regulating bodily functions regardless of conscious state—whether awake, asleep, or under anesthesia. Studies on implicit memory reveal that during anesthesia, the subconscious can register auditory stimuli, such as surgical team conversations, which may later manifest as subtle behavioral changes or emotional responses without conscious recall. For example, a patient might develop an unexplained discomfort around medical settings post-surgery due to subconsciously processed sounds. This constant vigilance extends to the autonomic nervous system, where the subconscious orchestrates parasympathetic (“rest-and-digest”) and sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) responses. A sudden threat, like a car horn, prompts the subconscious to activate the sympathetic system, accelerating heart rate and redirecting blood flow to muscles before conscious awareness kicks in. This integration of sensory processing and physiological control highlights the subconscious’s role as a silent orchestrator, ensuring survival and adaptation across diverse contexts.

The subconscious mind is the seat of emotions, where ideas, beliefs, and memories are deeply imprinted through emotional intensity and repetition, mediated by the amygdala and its connections to the hippocampus. Intense emotions strengthen neural pathways, making associated experiences or beliefs more enduring. For instance, a single traumatic event, like a near-accident, may instill a lasting fear of driving, as the amygdala amplifies the memory’s emotional weight, requiring minimal repetition to embed. Conversely, repetition leverages neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to rewire itself, to reinforce ideas over time. Positive affirmations, such as repeating “I am capable” while visualizing success, exploit this mechanism to overwrite limiting beliefs, fostering confidence and resilience. Practical techniques, like combining affirmations with emotional visualization (e.g., feeling proud while affirming) or consistent daily practice (e.g., 10 minutes morning and night), enhance their impact by engaging both emotion and repetition. By intentionally harnessing these processes, individuals can reprogram the subconscious to align with personal goals, countering negative patterns rooted in past experiences. This emotional and repetitive imprinting also influences autonomic responses, as emotionally charged beliefs (e.g., chronic anxiety) can sustain sympathetic dominance, underscoring the subconscious’s profound impact on mind and body.

The Subconscious Mind: Characteristics and Communication

The subconscious mind interprets information literally, lacking the critical reasoning of the conscious mind. For example, the phrase “It’s raining cats and dogs” might be stored as an image of animals falling from the sky, rather than understood as heavy rain, because the subconscious processes language at face value. It accepts suggestions or perceptions as true once they bypass conscious filters, particularly if accompanied by emotional weight. The subconscious does not distinguish between fact and fantasy, treating imagined scenarios (e.g., a vivid daydream) and real experiences (e.g., an actual event) as equally valid if emotionally charged. This is why “feelings” are often interpreted as reality; for instance, intense anxiety about a future event may be stored as a real threat, influencing autonomic responses like a sympathetic fight-or-flight reaction. This literal processing underscores the subconscious’s role in shaping beliefs and behaviors without logical scrutiny.

The subconscious prioritizes the present moment, driven by a primal urge to seek pleasure and avoid pain, a mechanism rooted in survival and linked to the autonomic nervous system. The amygdala and hypothalamus, key brain structures, evaluate sensory input for threats or rewards, triggering parasympathetic (“rest-and-digest”) responses for pleasure or sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) responses for pain. However, chronic exposure to emotional or physical pain can condition the subconscious to tolerate distress, normalizing negative habits, feelings, or beliefs—what can be termed “the conditioned mind.” For example, someone in a toxic relationship may subconsciously accept emotional pain as familiar, resisting change despite conscious awareness of harm. The drive to avoid pain is typically stronger than the pursuit of pleasure, forming the basis for addictions and maladaptive behaviors. In addiction, substance use or compulsive actions become a subconscious escape from pain, overriding long-term well-being. This pain-avoidance mechanism explains why breaking negative cycles requires reprogramming the subconscious through emotional reconditioning or repetition.

The subconscious is programmed to affirm its existing beliefs as correct, resisting contradictory information to maintain internal consistency. This self-reinforcing nature, driven by neural pathways in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia, makes the subconscious resistant to change unless new information is emotionally compelling or repeatedly reinforced. For instance, a deeply held belief like “I am a failure” persists until countered by consistent positive affirmations or transformative experiences that reshape neural connections through neuroplasticity. This tendency to “be right” influences autonomic responses; a subconscious belief in constant danger may sustain sympathetic activation, elevating stress levels. By regulating these involuntary functions, the subconscious aligns bodily responses with its stored perceptions, as seen in the descriptions of parasympathetic calm or sympathetic alertness.

The subconscious communicates through symbolic imagery, music, and metaphors, bypassing the analytical conscious mind to deliver messages. Dreams, orchestrated by the hippocampus and visual cortex, present vivid images, sounds, and scenarios that reflect subconscious emotions or unresolved conflicts. For example, dreaming of being chased may symbolize subconscious anxiety, relaying emotional information through metaphor. Similarly, a song’s melody can evoke powerful emotions tied to past experiences, as the subconscious associates sensory patterns with stored memories. Metaphors, such as describing life as “a journey,” resonate deeply with the subconscious, embedding ideas more effectively than literal language. This symbolic communication explains why storytelling or visualization techniques, like imagining success before a performance, can influence subconscious beliefs and autonomic states, fostering calm or confidence.

The subconscious responds strongly to rhythm, which alters awareness and facilitates access to deeper mental states. Rhythmic stimuli, such as drumming, metronome ticks, or repetitive music, synchronize brain waves, particularly in the alpha or theta range, promoting relaxation or trance-like states conducive to hypnosis. For instance, shamanic drumming at 4–7 beats per second can induce theta waves, enhancing subconscious suggestibility. This rhythmic sensitivity is rooted in the auditory cortex and limbic system, which process sound patterns and emotional responses. Hypnosis leverages this by using rhythmic speech or sounds to bypass conscious resistance, allowing suggestions to reach the subconscious directly. Practical applications include using rhythmic music during meditation to enhance parasympathetic relaxation or employing metronome-guided affirmations to reinforce positive beliefs, aligning with the emphasis on affirmations’ power to reprogram the subconscious.

The Superconscious Mind

Down the Rabbit Hole
The superconscious mind, often described as the higher self, spiritual self, or soul, represents the deepest, most profound aspect of human consciousness. It is the intuitive, all-knowing part of the mind that delivers insights and wisdom beyond rational thought, often experienced as a “gut feeling” or sudden “you just know” moment. Unlike the conscious mind, which processes immediate sensory data, or the subconscious, which stores memories and regulates autonomic functions like the parasympathetic (“rest-and-digest”) and sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) responses, the superconscious transcends these layers. It serves as a bridge to universal truths, offering clarity on one’s purpose, motivations, and authentic identity. For example, a moment of unexplained certainty about a life decision, such as choosing a career path, may reflect the superconscious guiding the individual toward alignment with their true self.

At its core, the superconscious embodies an individual’s deepest sense of self, beyond external labels like name or role. It holds an unfiltered awareness of one’s thoughts, actions, and underlying intentions, revealing the “why” behind behaviors. This aspect of the mind is often associated with creative intelligence, manifesting in inspired ideas or solutions that seem to arise effortlessly. For instance, artists or inventors may attribute their breakthroughs to a superconscious spark, as if tapping into a wellspring of universal creativity. Many spiritual traditions posit that the superconscious exists beyond physical life, pre-dating birth and persisting after death, serving as the eternal essence of consciousness. This timeless quality distinguishes it from the subconscious, which is tethered to sensory and emotional experiences within a lifetime.

The superconscious is the seat of higher problem-solving intelligence, enabling intuitive leaps that surpass logical analysis. It connects individuals to broader existential concepts—often described as God, the Universe, or Collective Consciousness—fostering qualities like love, forgiveness, healing, peace, and inspired creativity. For example, a profound sense of forgiveness during meditation may emerge from the superconscious, dissolving resentment and promoting emotional healing. These qualities align with parasympathetic states of calm, suggesting a synergy between the superconscious’s peace and the subconscious’s regulation of rest-and-digest responses. By accessing the superconscious, individuals can cultivate grace and resilience, navigating life’s challenges with a sense of inner alignment and purpose.

The distinctions between the conscious, subconscious, and superconscious are, in reality, simplified constructs for understanding the mind’s complex interplay. The mind resembles an orchestra, with each “part” contributing unique functions yet blending into a unified whole. Rather than a linear hierarchy, the model can be envisioned as an inward journey toward the core self, like peeling an onion’s layers. The conscious mind, processing immediate awareness, forms the outer layer; the subconscious, storing memories and autonomic patterns, lies deeper; and the superconscious, embodying the true self, resides at the center. Alternatively, picture an inverted cone: the conscious mind at the narrow tip, expanding through the subconscious to the superconscious’s vast, universal expanse. This model simplifies the mind’s complexity for clarity, acknowledging that the deeper one travels inward, the closer one approaches their authentic essence.

In this four-part series, we will explore the mind through this layered model, examining the conscious, subconscious, superconscious, and their interplay. To read about the Conscious Mind, click here.

Disclaimer: This content is a theoretical framework for interpreting the mind through education and self-study. It blends psychological, neuroscientific, and metaphysical perspectives to foster understanding but remains speculative in areas beyond empirical validation.

The Concious Mnd <Click Here>.

 

 

Myths and Misconceptions

Myths and Misconceptions

by | Apr 20, 2025 | Blog

Brian K Proulx, CCHt

Myths and Misconceptions about Hypnosis

If you’ve read my post, “What Is Hypnosis?”, you likely realize that hypnosis is widely misunderstood. Most perceptions stem from the entertainment industry, particularly media and Hollywood portrayals, which depict hypnotists as mystical figures or hypnosis as mind control. Below are 24 common myths and misconceptions about hypnosis, debunked with facts to clarify its true nature as a safe, effective, and natural therapeutic tool.

Myth #1: A Hypnotist Is Gifted with Unique, Mystical, or Unusual Powers

Misconception: Media often portray hypnotists as possessing supernatural abilities, using mysterious techniques to control minds, fostering the belief that they have special powers.
Fact: A hypnotist is an ordinary person without mystical or unusual powers. A well-trained hypnotist understands that individuals hypnotize themselves, with the hypnotist delivering suggestions to facilitate an altered state of mind and teaching clients to self-induce hypnosis. Hypnotherapists are trained professionals who help clients tap into their subconscious resources. For example, a client seeking to reduce anxiety might learn to visualize a calm space, guided by our expertise but driven by their own focus and imagination. Hypnotherapists come from diverse backgrounds, united by a passion for helping others, not by extraordinary traits.

Myth #2: You May Get “Stuck” in Hypnosis or Remain in It for a Long Time

Misconception: Films like Get Out suggest hypnotized individuals can become trapped in a trance, unable to “wake up,” creating fears of losing control.
Fact: No one has ever remained indefinitely in a hypnotic state. Hypnosis is a voluntary state you can exit at will, as simply as opening your eyes. You remain fully in control and do not lose consciousness or fall asleep. It involves deep relaxation with enhanced communication between the conscious and subconscious mind, where you actively participate and can even direct the session. For instance, a client addressing insomnia might end a session feeling refreshed, choosing to open their eyes whenever ready, with no risk of being “stuck.”

Myth #3: Hypnosis Effects a Cure in Just One or Two Sessions

Misconception: Movies like “Now You See Me” show hypnosis resolving complex issues instantly, setting unrealistic expectations of a quick fix.
Fact: While one or two sessions may help with simple habits, most goals require several sessions for lasting results. Hypnosis is not a panacea; it facilitates change through collaboration and commitment, not instant miracles. For example, a client aiming to quit smoking might use hypnosis to reinforce a smoke-free mindset over 4-6 sessions, paired with lifestyle changes. Hypnotherapists create personalized plans to ensure steady progress toward your goals.

Myth #4: Many People Cannot Be Hypnotized

Misconception: Media portrayals suggest hypnosis is elusive, working only for a select few, leading some to believe they’re inherently unhypnotizable.
Fact: Approximately 90% of people can be hypnotized, with studies showing higher intelligence often correlates with greater hypnotizability. If you believe “I cannot be hypnotized,” this self-suggestion may create resistance, but it’s not a fixed barrier. Our hypnotherapists work with clients to build trust and openness, easing them into the process. For instance, a skeptical client seeking stress relief might initially resist but achieve a light trance by focusing on relaxation, proving their natural ability to be hypnotized.

Myth #5: Only the Gullible or Weak-Minded Can Be Hypnotized

Misconception: TV shows imply that only easily swayed individuals can be hypnotized, suggesting hypnotizability reflects mental weakness.
Fact: Hypnosis requires imagination, cooperation, and willingness to accept suggestions, not gullibility. Intelligent, creative individuals are often the best candidates, as they can engage deeply with the process, while those with limited cognitive abilities may struggle. Highly analytical or controlling individuals might find it harder but can succeed with guidance. For example, a creative entrepreneur might use hypnosis to boost innovation, leveraging their mental flexibility. Some Hypnotherapists, tailor sessions to your strengths, ensuring hypnosis is accessible to motivated clients.

Myth #6: When in Hypnosis, You Are Out of Control

Misconception: Hollywood depicts hypnotized people as puppets, controlled by the hypnotist, fostering fears of losing agency.
Fact: You cannot be hypnotized against your will; hypnosis requires your desire, confidence in the hypnotist, willingness to accept suggestions, and freedom from fear or control needs. As hypnotist Dave Elman noted, “Remove fear, the biggest block of all, and you’ll be able to hypnotize one hundred people out of a hundred.” For instance, a client addressing public speaking fear retains full control, choosing to visualize confidence while rejecting uncomfortable suggestions. Our practice fosters a safe, trusting environment where you guide the process as an active participant.

Myth #7: Hypnosis Involves Surrendering Your Will to the Hypnotist

Misconception: Media suggests a hypnotist’s “stronger soul” dominates a “weaker soul,” forcing clients to commit crimes or act against morals.
Fact: A hypnotist has no power over you; you retain autonomy and cannot be compelled to act against your moral principles or commit illegal acts. Hypnosis enhances awareness, connecting the conscious and subconscious mind, and you remain fully conscious, rejecting improper suggestions. Modern hypnotherapy uses “in hypnosis” to describe the state, avoiding phrases like “under hypnosis” that imply dominance. For example, a client using hypnosis to improve focus would dismiss any unethical suggestion, as their values remain intact. Hypnotherapists act as facilitators, empowering you to resolve issues using your inner resources.

Myth #8: Hypnosis Is a Sleep-Like, Unconscious State

Misconception: TV shows portray hypnosis as unconsciousness, where individuals are unaware of their surroundings, resembling sleep.
Fact: Hypnosis involves heightened awareness, not unconsciousness. You remain fully aware of your surroundings and the hypnotherapist’s voice, with enhanced sensory acuity (hyper-acuity) that makes you more attuned to sounds and activities. For instance, a client addressing anxiety might vividly experience a calming visualization while hearing ambient sounds, able to reject any suggestion at will. As one hypnotist put it, “I am not here to put people to sleep; I am here to assist in waking them up.” We ensure sessions feel like an active, empowering process.

Myth #9: You Must Be Deeply Hypnotized to Benefit

Misconception: Media implies that only a deep trance yields results, leading clients to worry they won’t achieve a “deep enough” state.
Fact: Positive results can be achieved in a light trance; deep hypnosis is not necessary. Accepting suggestions in a relaxed, focused state is sufficient. For example, a client seeking better sleep might benefit from a light trance visualizing restful nights, experiencing immediate improvements.Hypnotherapists adapt to your comfort level, ensuring effective outcomes regardless of trance depth.

Myth #10: Hypnosis Is Unnatural or Supernatural

Misconception: Hollywood’s mystical depictions suggest hypnosis is an unnatural or supernatural phenomenon, detached from everyday experience.
Fact: Hypnosis is a natural, altered state of mind we all experience, like zoning out while driving or reading. It offers therapeutic benefits by accessing the subconscious, with no supernatural elements. For instance, a client using hypnosis to enhance creativity might feel it’s like their usual brainstorming flow, just guided. Our practice demystifies hypnosis, presenting it as a practical tool for personal growth.

Myth #11: Hypnosis Is Merely Relaxation and Nothing More

Misconception: Some believe hypnosis is just relaxation, akin to meditation or a nap, with no deeper impact.
Fact: While relaxation is a component of some trance states, hypnosis is distinct, involving focused suggestion to access the subconscious and effect change. You can be hypnotized without being relaxed, and relaxation alone isn’t hypnosis. For example, a client addressing a phobia might enter a trance while alert, focusing on new responses, not just relaxing. We use hypnosis to target specific goals, going beyond mere relaxation.

Myth #12: Hypnosis Is Catalepsy, and You Cannot Move

Misconception: Media confuses hypnosis with catalepsy, a medical condition involving rigidity and unresponsiveness, suggesting hypnotized people are immobile.
Fact: Hypnosis is not catalepsy. The “hypnotic coma” is a misnomer for profound relaxation, where you may choose not to move but remain conscious and able to act at any time. For instance, a client in a deeply relaxed session might feel still but can stand or speak if desired. Our sessions ensure you feel free and in control, with no physical restrictions.

Myth #13: Your Eyes Must Be Closed for Hypnosis

Misconception: TV shows depict closed eyes as essential for hypnosis, implying it’s impossible otherwise.
Fact: Hypnosis can occur with eyes open, as seen in everyday trances like zoning out while driving. Closing eyes often enhances focus, but it’s not required. For example, a client might enter a trance with eyes open, focusing on a visualization while fully aware. We adapt to your preferences, ensuring comfort whether your eyes are open or closed.

Myth #14: Hypnosis Is Brainwashing

Misconception: Films equate hypnosis with brainwashing, suggesting it forcibly alters beliefs or personality, akin to indoctrination.
Fact: Brainwashing involves coercive indoctrination to destroy beliefs, often through deprivation. Hypnosis is fundamentally different, a voluntary process empowering clients to make positive changes while respecting their autonomy and values. For example, a client addressing self-doubt might reinforce confidence through hypnosis, choosing suggestions that align with their goals. Hypnotherapists ensure you retain control, enhancing your mind’s natural abilities.

Myth #15: Hypnosis Is Anti-Religious

Misconception: Some fear hypnosis conflicts with religious beliefs, viewing it as mystical or anti-spiritual due to media portrayals.
Fact: Hypnosis is a neutral tool with no religious connotations, compatible with most faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, when used ethically. It supports goals like pain relief or fear reduction, respecting your spiritual beliefs. For example, a client might use hypnosis to reinforce faith-based affirmations, such as inner peace, aligning with their values. We tailor sessions to honor your beliefs, ensuring an inclusive approach.

Myth #16: Repressed Trauma Memories Always Emerge in Hypnosis

Misconception: TV dramas suggest hypnosis automatically surfaces repressed trauma, causing distress or uncontrollable flashbacks.
Fact: Hypnosis doesn’t automatically trigger repressed memories; they emerge only if you’re ready and if intentionally sought by you or the hypnotherapist. You remain in control and won’t face memories unprepared. For example, a client addressing a fear might choose to explore related memories for healing, guided gently to ensure comfort. Our practice prioritizes your emotional safety, using hypnosis responsibly.

Myth #17: Hypnosis Causes Deafness or Memory Loss

Misconception: Hollywood scenes imply hypnosis leads to sensory loss or amnesia, with characters forgetting sessions or losing hearing.
Fact: Hypnosis enhances sensory awareness and memory, not diminishes them. You’ll remember sessions clearly, feeling rested and refreshed, with no impact on hearing or cognitive function. For instance, a client using hypnosis for focus might recall vivid session details, like a mental image of success, with heightened clarity. We ensure transparency, addressing concerns to build trust.

Myth #18: Hypnosis Is Not an Effective Modality

Misconception: Some believe hypnosis is ineffective, dismissing it as a placebo or entertainment trick due to media exaggerations.
Fact: Hypnosis is highly effective, supported by research. A study reported in American Health Magazine found hypnotherapy achieved a 93% recovery rate after 6 sessions, compared to 72% for behavior therapy after 22 sessions and 38% for psychoanalysis after 600 sessions. Clients have successfully reduced anxiety or quit habits in fewer sessions than traditional therapies. Our evidence-based approach delivers measurable results, tailored to your needs.

Myth #19: Hypnosis Is Mind Control or Brainwashing

Misconception: Hollywood often portrays hypnosis as mind control, where a hypnotist can force someone to act against their will, like a puppet on strings (e.g., villains using swinging watches to manipulate victims). This creates fear that hypnosis strips away autonomy.
Fact: Hypnosis is a collaborative process requiring your consent and active participation. You cannot be hypnotized against your will or made to do anything that violates your moral or ethical values. In hypnotherapy, you remain in control, entering a relaxed state of focused attention where the conscious mind’s critical factor—a filter that evaluates new ideas—is bypassed to access the subconscious. For example, a client overcoming public speaking fear might visualize success, but they’d never act foolishly unless willingly participating in a stage show.

Myth #20: Hypnosis Puts You to Sleep or Makes You Unconscious

Misconception: Media often show hypnotized individuals slumped over, seemingly asleep or unaware, reinforcing the idea that hypnosis induces a loss of consciousness.
Fact: Hypnosis is a state of heightened focus and relaxation, not sleep or unconsciousness, where you’re fully aware of your surroundings. It’s like being engrossed in a book or movie, where distractions fade, yet awareness remains. For instance, a client addressing stress might visualize a serene beach while staying alert to the therapist’s guidance, able to respond or recall the session clearly.

Myth #21: Hypnosis Can Make You Reveal Secrets or Act Embarrassingly

Misconception: Stage hypnosis shows, where participants perform silly acts like dancing or barking, lead people to believe hypnosis forces them to reveal private information or behave foolishly against their will.
Fact: Hypnosis cannot compel you to disclose secrets or act against your values. Stage hypnosis involves pre-screened, willing participants who agree to perform for entertainment. In therapeutic hypnosis, the focus is on your goals, like reframing limiting beliefs, with no risk of involuntary disclosures. For example, a client using hypnosis to quit smoking visualizes a smoke-free life, not sharing private details, as your autonomy is respected.

Myth #22: Hypnosis Is a Magic Cure or Instant Fix

Misconception: Hollywood depicts hypnosis as a quick, miraculous solution, resolving complex issues like phobias or addictions in one session.
Fact: Hypnosis is powerful but not a magic bullet. It facilitates change by accessing the subconscious to reframe beliefs, often requiring multiple sessions and your commitment. Outcomes depend on your openness and effort, sometimes complemented by other therapies. For instance, a client addressing anxiety might use hypnosis to visualize calm responses, but lasting change involves practice and lifestyle adjustments.

Myth #23: Only Weak-Minded or Gullible People Can Be Hypnotized

Misconception: Media suggest hypnosis only works on those who are easily manipulated, creating a stigma around suggestibility.
Fact: Hypnotizability is a natural ability tied to focus, imagination, and openness, not weakness. Most people can be hypnotized, with creative or focused individuals often responding best. In our practice, strong-minded clients, like professionals seeking performance enhancement, excel because they engage deeply. For example, a CEO might use hypnosis to boost leadership confidence, leveraging mental discipline.

Myth #24: Hypnosis Is Dangerous or Can Trap You in a Trance

Misconception: Movies portray hypnosis as risky, with characters getting “stuck” in a trance or facing psychological harm, fueling fears of losing control.
Fact: Hypnosis is a safe, natural state you can enter and exit voluntarily, with no risk of being trapped. You return to full awareness at any time, even if a session is interrupted. We emphasize safety, advising consultation with healthcare professionals for medical or psychological issues. For example, a client addressing insomnia might end a session feeling refreshed, able to open their eyes anytime, with no adverse effects.

Conclusion

Now that you understand what hypnosis is not, consider exploring it firsthand to experience its benefits as a tool for personal growth, stress relief, or behavior change. Try a guided hypnosis recording to see how it works for you. . Click here to listen.

References

  • American Health Magazine. (n.d.). Comparison of therapeutic modalities. [Note: Specific issue and date not provided in original post; further verification recommended for academic use].

  • Elman, D. (1964). Hypnotherapy. Westwood Publishing.

  • American Psychological Association. (2014). Hypnosis for the relief of pain. APA Monitor on Psychology, 45(3).

  • Kirsch, I., & Lynn, S. J. (1995). The altered state of hypnosis: Contemporary perspectives. American Psychologist, 50(10), 846–858.

  • Hammond, D. C. (2010). Hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 10(2), 263–273.

Hypnosis for Pain and/or Suffering

Hypnosis for Pain and/or Suffering

by | Apr 26, 2016 | Blog

A great article by a fellow collegue!

Hypnosis for Pain and/or Suffering

by Herve Boisde

Pain equals suffering and suffering equals pain. Right? Actually no. They are different and one does not necessarily need to follow the other. Pain is a physical response to a stimulus. Suffering is emotional. We need to experience pain in certain situations in order to be safe. If there was no pain response we could burn ourselves and not even notice it. Or we might not be cautious when playing rough sports. Pain is important feedback for our health. Suffering on the other hand may linger after the physical pain has died away, because, like many emotions, it can be habit forming. When we expect to suffer we tend to help those expectations come true. Suffering is the emotional pain caused by the resistance to what is. Sometimes we suffer because we don’t accept our situation. Sometimes when we get sick we fall into self-pity mode and think “why me?”  And that very attitude can cause us to neglect doing the things that would help us to get better. In those situations we’re not only resisting ‘what is’ but we’re actually making things worse.

With chronic pain or injuries people tend to tense up when they are in situations that usually cause pain. For example, if someone has back pain and they are dreading having to bend down to tie their shoes, they will usually brace themselves and tense up as they are bending down. Again, this is a form of resisting the pain and making things worse. Fear of pain leads to tensing up, which then leads to a cycle of suffering. You might be thinking: “It’s impossible to NOT brace yourself for pain. Pain hurts!” Yes, pain can hurt and it’s perfectly normal to want to avoid it but there are techniques that work to allow your mind and body to feel more comfortable in those situations. Hypnosis can be used to condition your body to relax in those ‘trigger’ situations and help break the fear-of-pain cycle. The hypnosis practitioner would actually deliver a post-hypnotic suggestion to the client’s subconscious mind such as:

“(Client’s name), when doing things like bending down to tie shoelaces, you are calm, confident, and relaxed. More and more now, your back muscles are flexible and comfortable when bending down and standing up. Because you expect to be comfortable, you are more comfortable when bending down and standing up.

One of the more impressive things that happened when I was at hypnotherapy school was when the class watched a video of a patient undergoing major leg surgery (with a bone saw and everything) with no anesthesia except for hypnosis. I felt like I was in more discomfort just watching the video than the patient. A close second was a video that our instructor shot of himself getting a crown replaced at the dentist. He doesn’t like Novocaine so he instead used self-hypnosis to put himself into a comfortable trance where the dentist could do the procedure and he was awake and conscious, just feeling no pain.  I’m not sure that I would attempt that but he was well practiced enough with self-hypnosis that he was completely confident that it would be successful. Of course he had also instructed the dentist that if he put his hand up it meant that he was feeling pain and would receive the Novocaine. He never raised his hand.

The conscious mind can only focus on one thought at a time so hypnotherapy can direct the client to empty his mind of the experience of pain by filling it instead with pleasurable thoughts.  A person with a broken limb might visualize that they are on a beach in Hawaii and focus instead on the warm sun on their face, the cool breeze, the relaxing sounds of the ocean, and the feel of the fine sand next to their plush beach blanket. The hypnosis practitioner could either anchor that comfortable feeling so that it can summoned up whenever the client touches their thumb and forefinger together, or teach the client self-hypnosis so they can go back to Hawaii whenever they want. They might also record a self-hypnosis CD or audio file for the client to listen to as they are falling asleep at night, with added suggestions for a comfortable night’s sleep!

These are just some examples of how hypnosis can be used for pain management. But all of us have the ability to look at pain and suffering in a different way.

You Are Not Broken: Hypnotherapy vs. Psychotherapy

You Are Not Broken: Hypnotherapy vs. Psychotherapy

by | Mar 9, 2016 | Blog

You Are Not Broken: Hypnotherapy vs. Psychotherapy

 

By Donald Michael Kraig

In 1885, a young Austrian traveled to France to study with Jean-Martin Charcot, Europe’s premier neurologist and hypnotist. The young man thought that hypnosis might hold the cure for mental illness. A year later, and just married, he opened a medical practice specializing in neurology (disorders of the nervous system) and the use of hypnosis.

The young man’s success was limited. He wasn’t good at hypnosis, and couldn’t often obtain cures. He needed a way to regularly get results. He also wanted a system that would take longer to cure people. Hypnosis worked quickly. He wanted to keep charging patients for repeated appointments—he was tired of being broke! He eventually discovered ways to do this through asking leading questions and listening to his patients talk, combined with clues revealed in their dreams. This system became known as “the talking cure,” and was the basis for a new science: psychoanalysis. The young doctor (and failed hypnotist) was Sigmund Freud.

It was thanks to Freud that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy went in different directions. Although they help people with similar issues, their approaches are different:

Psychotherapy—You come to a psychotherapist because there’s something wrong with you—you are broken. Your therapist (or you and your therapist) will fix the problem. One of the most popular styles of psychotherapy is not strictly Freudian. Known as CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, it seeks to get practical and effective changes more quickly. Often, once a patient is diagnosed, a psychotherapist will use a book known as the DSM-IV to determine how long it should take to cure the patient. I refer to this as “process-centered” therapy. People are considered machines in this discipline, and the same repair is assumed to fix all similar machines in the same length of time. Generally, that’s all insurance will cover. Psychotherapy uses the conscious mind to eventually access the unconscious, and hopefully release problems.

Hypnotherapy—In hypnotherapy, it’s understood that you are not broken. You’re doing the best you can with the knowledge, training and experience you have. Because you are not broken, a hypnotherapist neither fixes nor cures you. He or she simply gives you new knowledge and training so that together you can change unwanted behaviors and eliminate unwanted beliefs. Hypnotherapy bypasses the conscious mind and works directly with the unconscious, the location of the unwanted behavior or belief.

In hypnotherapy, each person is considered an individual, and treatment is unique to that person. I refer to this as “client-centered” therapy. Hypnotists will often train in numerous approaches to be able to provide a client with exactly the work that is needed.

If your only knowledge of hypnosis comes from movies or live shows, you should know that the nature of hypnotherapy today is greatly different than in the past. Beginning in the 1940s, psychiatrist Milton H. Erickson revolutionized the nature of hypnotherapy. He analyzed the nature of trance and how people accept suggestions. Instead of ordering people around with “You are getting sleepy!” commands, he started giving more apparent control to the patient (“You may find that you’re getting sleepy, and can close your eyes when you want to”). Hypnotic suggestions changed from direct instructions (“You will stop biting your nails”) to metaphoric tales and stories that led a patient’s unconscious mind to change unwanted behavior on its own.

Both psychotherapy and hypnotherapy have many uses. They’re great for overcoming fears and problems that keep you from being social and succeeding in life. Some physical problems have mental causes, and they can be treated with hypnotherapy or psychotherapy. Hypnotherapy tends to succeed more quickly, and is less expensive, but often isn’t covered by medical insurance. In the U.S., psychotherapists are licensed by states, while hypnotherapists are certified by self-governing organizations. Unfortunately, the quality of both psychotherapists and hypnotherapists varies widely, and if you choose to use one or another, you should ask for references.

Donald Michael Kraig graduated from UCLA with a degree in philosophy, and has become a certified hypnotherapist and Master NLP practitioner. After years of personal work and study, Don began teaching workshops on the Kabalah, Tarot, Magick, past lives, Tantra, meditation, the chakras and numerous other subjects throughout the U.S. and in Europe. His book, Modern Magick, is the most popular step-by-step course in real magick ever published.