There are many different methods of hypnosis which can be used to attempt to unlock the unconscious mind. Each technique has its pluses and minuses, along with varying levels of effectiveness according to the individual it is being used on. Here’s a look at some of the most popular methods of hypnosis. There are others, too, but this should give you a good starting point to learn more.
Traditional hypnosis involves making simple, direct suggestions to the unconscious mind. This technique is typically most effective for people who are inclined to follow orders and don’t question them. Conversely, it won’t be as effective with those who are more critical in nature, and think about things more analytically.
Dr. Wilson Erickson came up with another form of hypnosis in the 1960s, appropriately named Ericksonian hypnosis. It dispenses with formal hypnotic instructions and instead relies on the use of stories to indirectly present ideas to the unconscious mind. These stories, or metaphors, come in two varieties: isomorphic and embedded. Isomorphic metaphors involve a story with a moral that directly relates to the issue being addressed by the therapy. The embedded metaphor tells a tale that amuses the conscious mind, but it also has concealed implications that are meant for the subconscious.
Ericksonian hypnosis also utilizes an approach known as “Process Instructions”. This method encourages the unconscious mind to remember a similar event in the past and apply it to the current situation.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) doesn’t rely on suggestions as do other forms of hypnosis. NLP uses thought patterns that are contributing to a problem and redirecting them towards eliminating the problem. A popular NLP method is called anchoring, and is comprised of bringing up memories from the past that are positive in nature and relating them to current issues. As you’re bringing forth these upbeat memories, you employ a specific gesture, such as pressing two of your fingers together. Subsequently, whenever this move is performed, it becomes an anchor or touchstone for those feelings that can then be applied to vexing problems.
The Flash is another common NLP technique. This seeks to switch things around in the unconscious. The result is that the brain can be retrained to view circumstances that used to bring on stress with a relaxed attitude instead.
Modifying conditioned responses is another thing the Flash is good at. For example, a smoker typically smokes when he or she is reading the newspaper. Unconsciously, the smoker pairs the two behaviors together so that each time they start to read their daily newspaper, they get a yen for a cigarette. The Flash technique aims to disassociate these two behaviors from one another so that reaching for the newspaper does NOT automatically trigger a desire for a cigarette.
Both Ericksonian hypnosis and NLP hypnosis have a lot of critics in the scientific community. A number of specialists refuse to acknowledge that Dr. Erickson’s method is even a form of hypnosis, since it bears little resemblance to conventional hypnosis. With regard to NLP, there isn’t enough empirical evidence that it works to make it widely accepted. Nonetheless, it is becoming a very popular technique among private psychotherapists and has also had a huge influence on the management training and life coaching industries.
When used properly, self hypnosis techniques can help you overcome your most destructive habits, like overeating and smoking. Hypnosis can also help you improve your self esteem and make you feel more in charge of your life. How does it work? Find out more at Learn Hypnosis.