What is the subconscious?

The subconscious and unconscious are the aspects of who we are that lie below our awareness. The subconscious is the keeper of all that has ever been and it is also the driver of our bus. As we live our lives, we form beliefs about our experiences, often through the eyes of a child. Those beliefs play out in the way we respond to and live our lives.

Why is it important to access the subconscious?

We have all had experiences of knowing something was unhealthy or destructive for us and yet we have done it anyway. We swear we won’t eat those chips or get into another unhealthy relationship and yet we find ourselves, once again, engaged in that undesired behavior or circumstance.

This is because our subconscious drives our behavior. In fact, the estimated percentage of power it has over us lies somewhere between 85% to 99%! The intention of the subconscious is of goodness, it is trying to get our needs met or our beliefs reinforced through action. This is why it is so important to engage the subconscious in change. Our needs can be discovered and a healthier way can be established to meet them. Also, our outdated beliefs can be uncovered and new beliefs that are more inline with how we want to live can formed.

Should I be nervous about what I might discover while in trance?

It is very normal to have some fear or anxiety around the unknown. Rarely is what we discover nearly as “scary” as we had envisioned. Almost always what we discover is self-compassion, healing, and a new perspective. The subconscious is truly a treasure box of wisdom and creativity!

Can I open my eyes or come out of trance if I want?

I like to make a suggestion that my clients open their eyes at any time if they wish. Also, I let them know that this is their session and that they have the power to redirect, edit, or end the session at any time. It is very important to communicate with your hypnotherapist about how you are feeling and what you need.

Do I have any control over what I say in a session?

Yes! You can decide what you want to say and what you want to keep to yourself. It’s important to let your therapist know if you don’t want to share that particular answer or if you don’t want to say out loud what you are experiencing. Again, it is your session.

Can I be made to do something against my will while in trance?

The answer is no. A therapist cannot make you do something that is against your belief system or moral code. In fact the word trance forms a vision in most people’s mind of a person in a sleep walking state, arms out in front, following some command previously given. The truth is, most people don’t feel like they are in a hypnotic state, because their conscious mind is still engaged. They may even question whether or not they were hypnotized.

How can the new desired way of living become a natural part of my life?

Hypnotherapists often use a technique called anchoring. Anchoring can be a trigger or a reminder of what it is you seek. A simple example of anchoring would be, every time you brush your teeth before bed time, you instantly remember to listen to your guided imagery recording. Recordings are a wonderful way to reinforce your desired change, and I believe may be more important than the sessions themselves. Each time that you act more in line with how you want to live, it’s rewarding, and that creates momentum.

Can everyone be hypnotized?

Most everyone can be hypnotized. If you ever daydream, or can imagine, taste, smell, hear, feel or touch something that you are not currently, literally experiencing, than yes, you too can be hypnotized.