Hypnotherapy is shaking off its reputation as a comedy gimmick or a quit smoking endeavour. Used properly, it’s a powerful catalyst for peak performance and positive change, writes Maya Looker, clinical hypnotherapist and coach for professionals seeking to take control of the mental load.
Does the mere word ‘hypnosis’ have you thinking of swinging pocket watches and chicken impersonations from unsuspecting candidates in bad ’90s stage shows?
If that’s the case, rest assured you’re not alone; however, you may be surprised to learn that on the flip side of that unfortunate cringe factor, hypnotherapy has long been used in clinical and wellness settings to support personal and professional transformations.
We’re all aware that building a successful business requires discipline and focus, but does that make us immune to experiencing anxiety, stress, procrastination or negative self-talk? Sometimes, no matter how driven we are, self-sabotage or stress-based behaviours can derail us.
Hypnosis is a tool that can be used to help you access your untapped potential, which could be a game-changer for your personal and professional results.
Habits create outcomes
We are a product of our habits, and like most habits, they are either a force for good or they become problematic issues that hold us back.
If procrastinating, task avoidance or self-doubt sounds familiar, you probably know these patterns often show up when you’re under the pump? What you might not realise though, is that these reactions are mostly unconscious and you’re engaging in an unconscious habit loop.
This happens because we live 80 – 90 per cent of our lives at the subconscious ‘habit mind’ level.
The ‘sub’ means the part you can’t see, and while some subconscious habits serve you well, others are saboteurs that can keep you stuck. Whether you suffer crippling nerves before big presentations, self-confidence issues that fuel imposter syndrome, or procrastinating till the 11th hour, you can replace these habits with others that leverage your strengths and super charge your success.
Hypnotherapy is not just for entertainment
Hypnosis became the subject of serious research around the 1950s. According to the Mayo Clinic, hypnosis has established its credibility as an adjunct therapy within the medical and mental health professions over the last couple of decades.
Studies from Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that specific areas of the brain change in the state of hypnosis, making it beneficial in helping with a range of clinical issues including trauma, PTSD, pain management, anxiety, depression and phobias.
What is hypnosis and what happens in ‘trance’?
Firstly, contrary to popular myth, there’s no voodoo involved. Best defined as a ‘state of focused relaxation,’ hypnosis is a gentle way of guiding your attention using visualisation and verbal repetition.
While your conscious mind is relaxed and focused, hypnosis slows down the brain waves and works at the subconscious level to develop new ways of thinking.
There is a common misconception that trance is a form of ‘mind control’, which is false. Even in deep relaxation, neither your awareness nor control goes missing. Much like being absorbed in a good movie, your attention is focused but you can get up and leave at any time.
How hypnotherapy helps in business
Hypnosis began to get coverage in business publications following the growing trend of athletes, celebrities and business leaders using it for peak performance.
For CEOs and executives, eliminating stress or developing razor-sharp clarity are assets. A-list actors and elite athletes like Tiger Woods, David Beckham and even Winston Churchill are a few notable advocates.
When it comes to your business results, you can use hypnosis to tackle whatever you think is limiting your success.
Maybe you want to increase focus and concentration? Perhaps you want to develop outstanding presentation, pitching and public speaking skills? Or are you ready to conquer those confidence issues? These are all advantages that will help you excel and maximise your potential. It can also make you a formidable competitor.
What changes can I expect?
Hypnotherapy can help you get to the root cause of problematic blocks and help you ‘get out of your own way’.
You can consider hypnosis a way of cleaning out the mental clutter. You may know how to play to your strengths, but silent saboteurs can stop you from achieving your goals faster.
Does it work for everyone? The simple answer is no.
A few factors come into play, but broadly, a Stanford study found that approximately 10– 15 per cent of people are not hypnotisable at all. Equally, 10 per cent are incredibly hypnotisable; and the remaining 70 – 80 per cent of us sit in the middle.
As with most transformational projects, being clear on what you want to achieve plays a big part in getting the results you want. A key point to keep in mind is that successful outcomes are more likely when you’re ready for change.
So if you’re ready to try something new, I can promise there will be no swinging pocket watches or clucking chickens’ insight – and the results may be a game changer.
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