Hypnosis may cure you of your deepest fears, here's how it works

'Your eyelids feel heavy... You want to sleep', and then the inevitable pendulum that you are to follow with your eyes. We don't believe you if you say you've never seen a hypnosis scene in a film! And as if by magic, after a skilfully orchestrated trance, the person under hypnosis feels better.Well, in the best of cases, otherwise he's transformed into an evil puppet, controllable only by his therapist.

But can you really be hypnotized like in the movies? Or has fiction totally overtaken reality?

Does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis enables a state halfway between wakefulness and sleep, as this study explains. Under hypnosis, an individual is detached from the world around them, and more easily focused on their internal sensory experience. Intense relaxation makes it easier to access the subconscious. Dr. Ran Anbar, renowned hypnotherapist and member of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, defines it as follows:

The subconscious is the elusive part of your mind. You have little control over it, but it governs your life: from your fears and compulsions to your thought patterns.

What is hypnosis for?

As the doctors explain, contrary to popular belief, no one can force you to do anything under hypnosis. So let's face it, you won't find yourself ducking or pretending to be the late Queen of England. Nevertheless, this altered state of consciousness can help you get rid of disorders such as anxiety or stress, without the need for heavy medication.

The therapist is only there to help the patient find the necessary resources within himself, through suggestions. Let's say you were addicted to cigarettes, but wanted to stop. The doctor would suggest that you don't need to smoke; that you can easily stop whenever you choose. This would show you that quitting truly is an option, and you would be able to do so more readily.

Different for everyone

But we're not all equal when it comes to this therapy. Only 10% of the population are likely to be highly receptive to hypnosis. To find out where you stand, you can try this test to give you an idea. Experts claim that a few sessions, 1 or 2, are enough to cure mild phobias such as fear of flying.

For deeper issues, 3 to 6 are more appropriate. And, as with everything, it's best to trust a qualified professional, or risk seeing no difference at all.

This article has been translated from Gentside FR.

Read also:

⋙ If you’re dreaming of your childhood home, this is what it says about you

⋙ This surprising advice from a sleep specialist will help you get a good night's sleep

Sources used:

National Library of Medicine: What is hypnosis and how might it work?

Stanford Medicine: Study identifies brain areas altered during hypnotic trances