The Trance State

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Many people think that when one is in a hypnotic state one is actually asleep, but this is not the case. Hypnosis is not sleep. It is more a state where one withdraws from the normal state of consciousness but yet does not reach the unconscious state. It is like a borderline state between consciousness and unconsciousness, which acts as a link between the two states. When in a hypnotic state, one remains, to some extent, aware and deeply absorbed but open to hypnotic suggestion.

Some people are easier to put under hypnosis than others. It is quite important that the intended subject has some belief in hypnosis, and is prepared to let go and be totally relaxed. The person bringing about a hypnotic state in someone usually adopts a fairly unobtrusive manner and a quiet, monotonous tone of voice.

He or she frequently fixes the person about to be hypnotized with a steady, fixed gaze and the patient is asked to concentrate their attention on a fixed object or something that is moving slowly. This encourages the patient to become drowsy. Often the process begins with the patient closing his or her eyes and the therapist asking him or her to think relaxing thoughts.

Often the person is asked to imagine a beautiful scene. As the therapist's soothing voice guides the patient down a path of deeper and deeper relaxation, the patient gradually becomes totally focused on the picture he or she sees in the mind- mirroring what happens when the patient is engrossed in a book or a daydream. All outside images and thoughts disappear.

In this state of focused concentration, the patient becomes suggestible. The therapist may then ask the patient to concentrate on his or her own breathing and other sensations inside the body. At this point, the therapist suggests ways that patients can accomplish individual goals.

The therapist is able to encourage the patient to view any problem more positively, to realize what they can achieve and also to understand any events in their past history and how they might be likely to react in the future. It is quite unusual for a patient to actually go to sleep after they have been in a trance. Should this happen it only demonstrates that the person has not had sufficient sleep and is merely tired. It is quite commonplace for a patient to use hypnosis on themselves after the ailment or problem, such as insomnia or asthma, has been resolved.

With a little daily practice, they will be able to help themselves considerably should the need arise for further or frequent treatment. To assist the patient, a therapist might provide a pre-recorded tape of the known commencement of each session, which leads up to the trance.