what is hypnosis and NLP?

What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a method by which we can communicate with the subconscious mind by deeply relaxing, thus changing our state of awareness, focus and concentration. Unlike stage hypnosis that many are familiar with, it is a tool which we can utilize to enhance or enable what we set our minds to accomplish. This deeply relaxed awakened state, where you are in control, is similar to one accessed during meditation. It is a safe, non-invasive technique that can be used for the realization of both physical and mental well-being. It can help you accomplish goals you may have, or create changes you desire both personally and professionally.

Why involve the subconscious mind? Can’t you just make up your mind and make change happen with just a conscious effort?

Conscious Mind
• Temporary Memory
• Will Power
• Rational/Analytical Thinking
• Critical Faculty

Subconscious Mind
• Protect & Preserve Body/Controls Body    Functions
• Controls Habits
• Permanent Memory
• All Emotions
• Beliefs & Expectations
• Values
• Imagination & Creativity

The conscious mind is very good at analyzing, organizing and making decisions, but it is limited in getting results because it involves only 10% of the mind’s power. Willpower is great for short term goals and will often work, if the goals are in sync with our “basic programming.” (How often have we changed something only to go back to the old way of being/doing?)

What drives the conscious mind and change is underlying in the “programming” of the subconscious mind. The critical faculty acts as a filter, checking to see if the conscious mind and subconscious information matches. All aspects of the subconscious mind need to be on board with what the conscious mind is trying to accomplish for permanent change to take place. The above model shows the various components of the conscious vs. the subconscious mind. Even if one component is off, change will either not occur, or might occur only temporarily. Essentially all change takes place on a subconscious level.

What is Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)?
Breaking down the word itself, helps to explain what it is. “Neuro” comes from the Greek word neuron—the nervous system—“the mind” through which our experience is processed. “Linguistic” comes from the Latin word lingua—or language. It indicates that neural processes are represented, coded and ordered to create meaning. “Programming” indicates how components of a system are organized to create patterns of activity and/or behavior.

So, NLP is a practical application of how people think and act. It works with how people store information in the mind, how communication takes place within and how to make changes in it all, if desired, to create new feelings and experiences. It can be described as “software for the brain” and can be used to successfully facilitate change—a kind of state of the art communications method for nurturing personal and professional growth and change gracefully.

Like in hypnosis, it taps into the subconscious mind’s components, deeper wisdom, knowing and intuitive side. It is often combined with traditional hypnotic technique, but can be used as a stand alone. It is a type of hypnosis sometimes referred to “waking hypnosis” but that is a bit of a misnomer; because in all forms of hypnosis, one is awake, aware and in control during the sessions.

For the purpose of this website, hypnosis and NLP will be lumped together under “hypnosis,” since I use both, often combined in one session, as determined by client need.