For many people hypnotic trance conjures up thoughts of stage and street hypnosis. For others the dramatic portrayal of hypnosis in the movies and on TV come to mind. The common thread is often the loss of control and the strict obedience of the orders given by a hypnotherapist. While these examples are very entertaining, they are not, an accurate portrayal of hypnotic trance is. So, what does hypnotic trance feel like?
What is hypnotherapy?
To understand what hypnosis feels like, it is first important to understand what hypnosis is. Hypnotic trance is a relaxed and highly attentive state that allows a skilled practitioner to access the unconscious mind. Contrary to how it is portrayed, hypnotic trance is not sleep. Subjects remain aware and attentive. The experience is often interactive, and it is not uncommon for clients to respond to questions while in hypnosis.
What does Hypnotic Trance feel like?
Hypnotic trance is a subjective experience. Some subjects can experience obvious signs of trance while others notice little if anything. A common misconception is that clients need to notice dramatic physical sensations to experience the benefits of hypnotherapy. While subjects often associate symptoms with success, nothing could be further from the truth. What should a patient expect to experience after being guided into hypnosis?
Deep Relaxation
The most common sensation reported by subjects is deep relaxation. Even though clients are not asleep, they often feel well rested when emerging from hypnotic trance. Some patients describe it as the feeling one experiences after taking a nap. The directions given as subjects are guided into hypnosis naturally relaxes the mind and body. However, some clients don’t realize how relaxed they are until they emerge.
Focus
In hypnotic trance subjects are highly attentive and focused. Like working intently on a project, clients become focused and free of distractions. It is very common for patients to intently focus on what the hypnotherapist is saying. This mental focus helps the certified hypnotist get to the root of the issue and reframe it subconsciously.
Disassociation & Detachment
Very often subjects will feel as though they have disassociated from the issue at hand. This helps them to see things from a new, and healthier perspective. Some people feel as though they have detached from the body, almost like looking at yourself from above. This can help free them from the limiting physical or emotional responses. It can also help chronic pain clients manage their discomfort by disconnecting from it.
Physical and mental sensations
Everyone has their own unique experience in hypnotic trance. Some subjects report experiencing a floating feeling while others may notice tingling and numbness in various parts of the body. Some clients are surprised to feel as though they were in hypnotic trance for only a few minutes while it was closer to an hour. Other people notice their eyelids fluttering or experience a heavy feeling in the body. Some subjects feel like they cannot move.
There are many different physical and mental responses to hypnotic trance. Regardless of what is experienced, hypnotic trance is an excellent way to shift your perspective and see things in a healthier and more positive light.