Hypnosis

Ericksonian Hypnosis is the type of hypnosis I use. It is a modern conversational hypnosis developed by Dr. Milton H. Erickson.

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Emotional Crisis, Anxiety & Stress, Relationship termination / Separation / Divorce

Hypnosis

Ericksonian Hypnosis is the type of hypnosis I use. It is a modern conversational hypnosis developed by Dr. Milton H. Erickson. Dr. Erickson was a psychotherapist and psychiatrist who died in 1980. He is said to have done more to influence psychotherapy than any other person.

Trance is a part of every psychological process.It is the most effective way to get true change because it works with what the mind is already doing, naturally.

Many emotional states can also be described as trance states. When we are angry for instance, we totally accept the validity of our feelings, without considering the alternatives – we focus on one area without regard for any other.

How often have you looked back on an argument to realize that you were obviously wrong? The states of anxiety and depression are also very trance-like. You could say that much of the time we are in a trance (either a good one or a bad one).

Trance states are used naturally by the brain in giving us respite from the concerted effort of conscious concentration, such as when we find ourselves staring out of a window day-dreaming, or when concentration becomes difficult and we feel the need to take a break. A state of trance is also often present when we are absorbed in something we enjoy, such as a good book, playing a sport or even baking a cake. In all these cases, the immediate environment fades away and our awareness is filled with the task at hand.

The content of our attention affects us is determined by the meaning we give it.

The following story shows how the meaning of an event can change according to one’s point of view.

There was once an old farmer in a poor country village. He was considered very well to do because he owned a horse which he used for plowing and for transportation. One day his horse ran away. All his neighbors exclaimed how terrible this was but the farmer just said “Maybe”

A few days later his horse returned and brought 2 wild horses with it. The neighbors said that is wonderful, but the farmer just said “Maybe”

The next day the farmers son tried to ride one of the horses and fell off and broke his leg. The neighbors all offered their sympathy for his misfortune, but the farmer simply said” Maybe”.

The next week conscription officers came to the village to take young men for the army.They rejected the farmer’s son because of his broken leg. When the neighbors told him how lucky he was the farmer replied “Maybe”…

This story shows that not only can we alter what we pay attention to, but also the way in which we interpret and use that information.

Hypnosis is a useful tool in calming the mind  and the inner critic so that a person can be open to new ideas. This presents a good way to change limiting beliefs that most people have about themselves.

Emotional Freedom Techniques, EMDR

The Thirsty Lion

This Sufi tale tells the story of a lion who hd gotten lost from his pride as a baby and didn’t know he was a lion at all.

He was wondering around in the woods looking for water when he came upon a pool of water.  He was so thirsty that he rejoiced at the presence of water and was just about to drink of the water.

As he bent his head to drink from the pool he was terrified and shocked to see a huge , magnificent creature with dangerous looking teeth looking back at him.

At first the young lion withdrew quickly but then he was so thirsty that he returned to the pool again.  He thought that to get water he would have to fight that creature so he jumped in the pool determined to fight for water.

Of course there was no creature there besides himself in reflection.

He  learned 2 things instantly. He learned what and who he was, and that facing his fear would get him what he was after.

When he focused on his objective ( to get water) instead of his fear, he finally found the courage to take action.  His confidence came when he looked beyond himself

hypnosis - susan quinn