What Hypnosis is NOT

 

THERAPEUTIC hypnosis is a Professional, Safe, and Collaborative Process aimed at Personal Growth and Healing.

How Memories Work and

Why Hypnosis Helps Healing

The Neuroscience of Hypnosis

Memories are not fixed snapshots of the past. Instead, they are dynamic and stored in different parts of the brain, each playing a unique role in how we remember and feel about events. Here’s how it works and why hypnosis is so effective:

What is Ericksonian hypnosis?

Ericksonian therapy is a practical, goal-focused approach to solving problems, inspired by the methods and teachings of Dr. Milton H. Erickson. It’s based on creating experiences that help clients tap into their own strengths and natural abilities to learn and adapt.  
This therapeutic approach works across many areas, including:

 ➨ thoughts,
 ➨  feelings,
 ➨ emotions,
 ➨ behaviors,
 ➨ the subconscious,
 ➨ the body’s automatic responses, and
 ➨ social interactions.

By creating meaningful experiences—either symbolic or directly felt—it disrupts unhelpful patterns and helps clients uncover their own resources for solving problems both now and in the future.  

A key feature of Ericksonian therapy is the use of hypnosis or hypnotic techniques. The process focuses on helping clients discover and use strengths or abilities they may not realize they have.

Unlike other therapeutic approaches it doesn’t rely on interpreting past experiences or following a strict theory of personality. Instead, it emphasizes using what’s already within the client to foster meaningful and lasting change.

What is neuro-linguistic hypnosis?

Neuro-Linguistic Hypnotherapy is an approach that combines principles from neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy. It focuses on using language patterns and techniques from NLP in conjunction with hypnosis to help individuals achieve personal change and overcome various challenges, such as phobias, stress, and habits.
This combination aims to enhance the effectiveness of hypnotherapy by incorporating NLP's understanding of language, communication, and behavior.

What is habit change hypnosis?

Hypnosis for habit change is a therapeutic process that leverages a focused, relaxed state of mind to access the subconscious and reprogram patterns of behavior.

Research has shown that hypnosis is effective in altering thought processes, emotional responses, and habitual behaviors by utilizing positive suggestions, visualization, and mental rehearsal. This approach helps individuals replace unwanted habits with healthier, more desirable ones by addressing the root causes and reinforcing new patterns.


Habits That Have Been Changed with Hypnosis:

What is personal improvement /enhancement hypnosis?

Hypnosis for personal improvement is a scientifically supported method that utilizes a state of focused relaxation to enhance motivation, self-confidence, and emotional resilience.

Through positive suggestions, guided visualization, and subconscious reprogramming, hypnosis helps individuals unlock their potential, overcome mental barriers, and build habits that support personal growth.

Research shows hypnosis can effectively enhance motivation, performance, reduce stress, and encourage behaviors that align with personal goals.


Habits That Have Been Changed with Hypnosis:

What is alchemy hypnosis?

Alchemy Hypnosis is a therapeutic approach that blends traditional hypnotherapy techniques with the symbolic and transformational principles of alchemy. It is rooted in the belief that profound personal change can occur when individuals engage with their subconscious mind to transform emotional wounds, limiting beliefs, and inner conflicts into sources of strength, wisdom, and wholeness.

Alchemy Hypnosis is a very dynamic process, embracing your emotional and spiritual nature unlike any other form of hypnosis therapy; you are not completely dependent on the therapist, instead you are empowered to access your own latent healing abilities and transformative power within.


➔ •Focuses on transformation and integration of inner experiences using symbolic and archetypal processes.

➔ •It goes beyond revisiting the past to actively transform emotional wounds into sources of wisdom, strength, and self-awareness.

➔ •Inspired by alchemical principles, it aims to facilitate a journey of inner transmutation (turning "emotional lead into gold") rather than just healing.  

➔ •Integrates archetypes, symbols, and guided imagery into the process.

➔ •Techniques are inspired by Carl Jung’s archetypes, the stages of alchemy, and symbolic transformation.

➔ •Alchemy process often includes:
      -Engaging with inner guides or higher wisdom.
      -Using symbolic imagery to transform inner states (e.g., dissolving fear, purifying grief, or embodying courage).
      -Emphasizing creative and intuitive exploration for inner transmutation.

➔ •It focuses on empowering clients to discover and activate their inner resources rather than solely revisiting past pain.  

➔ •The goal is holistic transformation—not just healing but using challenges as opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.

➔ •It aims to help clients transmute pain into wisdom and empowerment while connecting with their higher self or deeper inner guidance.

➔ •Alchemy Example:
Instead of simply uncovering the source of the fear of public speaking, the client might symbolically "burn away" their fear (calcination stage) and embody confidence through interaction with an archetype like "The Speaker."


➔ •Alchemy approach to the Past:
       •Acknowledges the past but emphasizes transformation over re-experiencing.

       •The focus is more on the present and future—how the client can reshape and transmute their current emotional or mental states into more empowered ways of being.


➔ •Alchemy Emotional Experience:
       •While emotional release can occur, the focus is on symbolic transformation and accessing higher states of awareness.

       •It feels more creative, intuitive, and empowering due to its reliance on archetypal and symbolic imagery.

       •Deeply integrates spirituality, using symbols, archetypes, and inner guides as transformational tools.

       • It aligns with personal evolution, inner alchemy, and the development of higher consciousness.

What is regression?

Regression Hypnosis helps you explore past experiences to access the transformative power within yourself.  

Although there are similarities between Alchemy Hypnotherapy and Regression Hypnotherapy, they differ significantly in focus, methodology, and the scope of their transformative processes.



➔ •Focuses  on uncovering and resolving past events that contribute to current issues.

➔ •The primary goal is to revisit and heal traumatic memories, unresolved emotions, or limiting beliefs stemming from earlier life experiences (e.g., childhood or past lives).

➔ •It seeks to provide closure or understanding of how specific events influence present behavior and emotional states.  

➔ •Primarily involves guiding the client back to specific moments in their past to re-experience or reinterpret the events.

➔ •Regression techniques often include:
      -Age regression (returning to a certain point in the client's current life).
      -Past life regression (exploring potential past lives to understand patterns or challenges).
      -Revisiting emotions or memories to release trauma, gain perspective, or reframe beliefs.

➔ •The goal is to uncover the root cause of an issue, often by tracing it to a specific event, memory, or life experience.

➔ •Healing involves understanding, reframing, and releasing the emotional charge of past experiences.

➔ •Example:
A client with a fear of public speaking might uncover a childhood memory of humiliation and work to release the associated shame.



➔ Regression approach to the Past:
      •Relies heavily on exploring and resolving the past.
      •The process often revisits emotionally charged memories, aiming to reframe or release their influence.        




➔ Regression Emotional Experience:
       •The process can be emotionally intense as clients revisit painful memories.

       •Emotional catharsis is often part of the therapeutic release.

       •May include past-life exploration for clients who resonate with spiritual perspectives.

       •Primarily focuses on therapeutic healing, with spirituality being optional.

Are You Hypnotizable?

Most people think they aren't. But - in fact 95% of people are hypnotizable. How do you measure up?  

The following quiz is designed for you to gain a better understanding into how you might react in different situations and how those reactions form patterns to determine how you process information.  

Count 1 (one) for each question that reflects a YES answer. When answering, try to be as honest as possible. Try not to go back and change your answers:

If you answered "Yes" to at least 13 questions Congratulations! the probability of you being hypnotizable is great!  

Most people are hypnotizable under the right circumstances. Hypnotizability depends on a person’s expectations. If you think you are hypnotizable, your chances of going into an altered state are greatly improved.  



Other factors that influence the success of hypnosis include:  


Belief: 

The mind will only accept that which is congruent with your established morals and ethics. The role of the hypnosis facilitator is to encourage you to imagine, picture and visualize the best situation for a successful outcome – creating images that are in your best interest. If you believe in the process of hypnosis, then certainly it is attainable.    



Rapport: 

The ability to create rapport is a skill that is used to elicit a relationship with another person. Be sure you have established good rapport. If you feel uncomfortable with the hypnosis practitioner you select, some part of your mind may remain on guard, thereby impeding the process.  



Motivation: 

The most hypnotizable people are those who sincerely want to be hypnotized, expect hypnosis to work, and believe hypnosis can assist them in achieving their goal.    We encourage you to seek the services of a certified hypnosis practitioner who is skilled in the use of various approaches and techniques so that he/she is best prepared to bring about the desired change for a successful outcome.

note: quiz courtesy of IACT

Top of Page


Request an Appointment

Jason Linett's Podcast on Work Smart Hypnosis:

In this engaging session, we delve deep into the artistry of linguistics and creating transformative spaces for clients. I’m thrilled to have Carmen Sauciuc with me to share her insights on harnessing the power of word triangles for strategic goals.
Carmen’s unique method is not just about therapy; it’s also about personal growth and guiding individuals toward more profound, empowering experiences.  
Carmen Sauciuc brings a diverse and enriching background to the table. As a former financial accountant specializing in financial analysis, Carmen now applies her expertise to the field of hypnosis. Her analytical skills serve her well in understanding systems and their influence on our psychological patterns.
Carmen’s work emphasizes the interplay between our subconscious imagery and its healing effects, a testament to her depth of knowledge in both the corporate and therapeutic worlds.  
“Sometimes the simplest words can open doors to the complex chambers of our minds.” – Carmen Sauciuc

The Million Dollars

CAN YOU USE HYPNOSIS TO "MAKE" A MILLION BUCKS?

I got an interesting question from one of our clients today that I thought I'd share with you. They asked, "If the subconscious mind can't question or reject suggestions given through hypnosis, can't we just use it to attract a million dollars and let the subconscious figure out the 'how'?" It's a great question and one that could benefit many.

First off, let's debunk a myth: the subconscious mind can indeed reject suggestions. It doesn't work on logic like our conscious mind but rather on values.

For instance, if someone tried to hypnotize you into doing something harmful, your subconscious would kick in with a solid rejection.

Now, about the million-dollar suggestion. Technically, yes, you can use hypnosis to plant the idea of making a million bucks in a year. But there are a couple of things to consider:

1. Subconscious Alignment:
 
•Are all layers of your mind aligned with this goal? I'm talking about identities, values, beliefs, potentials, behaviors, and, of course, results. If you only focus on the result without aligning the other layers, the suggestion might not pack much punch. Aligning behaviors and potential actions increases your chances because they have a cascading effect on the results.
 
•For instance, if you're hypnotized to trade stocks for a million, but you know nada about stocks (Potentials layer), or if your beliefs and values are throwing a wrench in the money-making machinery, it might not work out. It's not your subconscious sabotaging; it's just not in sync.
 
•That's why, when I do hypnosis, I make sure to cover all layers. Getting them all in alignment is the real key to success.


2. Conscious Receptivity:
 
•Let's say you're on board with the suggestion. Are you open to receiving guidance from your subconscious on the 'how'? Often, our conscious minds are too loud, drowning out the subtle messages. After aligning, the solution is to take inspired action and let your subconscious guide you along the way.
 

So, while the idea of manifesting a million dollars through hypnosis is intriguing, it's not a one-and-done deal. It's a process that involves getting all your mental ducks in a row and then staying open to the guidance your subconscious provides.


3. Addressing Potential Challenges:
 
•Example: Now, picture this: I hypnotize you to take specific actions, like trading stocks, to rake in that million. Sounds great, right? But, if you're clueless about stock trading (Potentials layer), you're likely to fumble through the behavior or, more commonly, not even attempt it.
 
•Example Continued: And what if you harbor beliefs that making money is "hard" or that you don't deserve financial success? Or perhaps, your childhood experiences etched conflicting values about money in your mind. Maybe your identity is whispering, "Success isn't for me." In these scenarios, attempting the suggested behaviors might go awry, leading to what we label as "self-sabotage."
 
•Example Continued: It's crucial to note that your subconscious isn't playing the saboteur here. It's just not on the same page as the intended outcome.
 
•Example Continued: This is precisely why, in my hypnosis sessions, I address all layers of the mind. I want every part – identities, values, beliefs, potentials, behaviors, and results – aligned and working together. It's this harmony that propels you toward the desired outcome.


4. Conscious Receptivity Reiterated:
 
•Example: Assuming you've accepted the suggestion, the next hurdle is conscious receptivity. Imagine your subconscious mind guiding you on the "how" to achieve that million-dollar goal. Great, right? But here's the catch – many folks drown out this guidance with conscious noise.
 
•Example Continued: Too often, we second-guess our subconscious minds, letting the chatter of our conscious thoughts cloud the subtle cues. Achieving success through hypnosis requires not just alignment but also a receptive conscious mind.


In essence, it's not merely about planting a suggestion and waiting for magic to happen. It's about understanding and addressing potential roadblocks at every layer of your mind and then staying tuned to the guidance your subconscious offers along the way. This holistic approach maximizes your chances of turning that hypnotic suggestion into a tangible reality.  
https://www.creatingease.org/hypnosis

Top of Page

Request an Appointment

The Sacred

William James, Carl Jung, Mircea Eliade, and Rudolf Otto are all scholars who have written extensively about the concept of The Sacred in their respective fields of psychology. While each has a unique perspective, they all share a common interest in understanding the experience of the sacred.

William James believed that The Sacred and God are natural and universal human experience. In his book "The Varieties of Religious Experience," he argues that the sacred is a transcendent and mysterious experience that is beyond our everyday, mundane reality. He describes the sacred as a feeling of awe, wonder, and reverence that people often experience in the presence of something greater than themselves, such as nature, art, or God.

Mircea Eliade in his book "The Sacred and the Profane," distinguishes between the sacred and the profane as two distinct categories of experience. According to Eliade, the sacred refers to a realm of experience that is filled with spiritual meaning and significance, while the profane refers to the everyday, secular world of ordinary experience. He argues that the experience of the sacred is fundamental to human existence and that it provides the sense of orientation and meaning in life. Eliade also suggests that alchemy is a form of "technique of the sacred" that allows the alchemist to access the spiritual realm, and to communicate with the divine. He notes that alchemy, like shamanism, is a "way of becoming sacred" and that it can lead to a state of "cosmic awareness" and "illumination."

The psychological phenomenon of a suddenly appearing, extremely enigmatic, and at the same time fascinating state in which one feels influenced by higher powers was described as a “numinous experience” by Otto and Jung.  Rudolf Otto in his book "The Idea of the Holy," describes the sacred as a numinous experience that is characterized by a sense of awe and fascination in the presence of the divine. He argues that the experience of the sacred is distinct from other forms of experience and is characterized by a sense of mystery, transcendence, and ineffability that cannot be fully captured by words or concepts.

Carl Jung states that The Sacred is what helps us to appreciate and enter into a relationship with the numinous aspects of the psyche, or soul. He argued that the experience of the sacred is a fundamental part of human psychology and that it could be accessed through dreams, myths, and symbols and not just through repetition of religious ritual for obligation's sake.  Carl Jung’s encounter with The Sacred was feeling the presence of the numinous and states that this feeling forms the center of a whole and fulfilled human life and is central to the process of healing and individuation as he understood it.

Jung states that the wide-spread loss of soul is due to the lack  of living numinous experiences and the loss of a spiritual belief system. To Jung and Eliade, religion is not defined through institutionalized practices, but as a personal need to invoke and invite the Sacred into our daily lives. Jung argued that the sacred was not limited to traditional religious obligations to God, but could also be found in secular experiences such as nature, music, sports, and art. He believed that the sacred was a manifestation of the collective unconscious, and that it provided individuals with a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

Jung identified several archetypes that are related to the experience of the sacred, including the Self, the Divine Child, and the Wise Old Man. The Self is the central archetype that represents the integration of the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche. Jung believed that the experience of the Self was a transcendent and numinous experience that could be accessed through meditation, prayer, or other spiritual practices.  The Divine Child archetype represents the potential for renewal and rebirth in the individual. It is associated with the experience of innocence, wonder, and creativity. The Wise Old Man archetype represents wisdom, insight, and guidance. It is associated with the experience of transcendence and the search for meaning and purpose in life.

Jung believed that the experience of the sacred was an essential part of the individuation process, the journey towards wholeness and integration of the psyche. He believed that individuals who were able to integrate the sacred into their lives were more likely to experience a sense of wholeness, meaning and purpose, and to live a fulfilling life.

Nowadays psychologists use different terminologies to describe the concept of the sacred, depending on their theoretical perspective and research focus. Here are some examples:

1. Transcendence - the experience of going beyond the limits of the everyday self and connecting with something greater than oneself. This can include experiences of awe, wonder, and spiritual insight.

2. Greater Good - the idea that individuals should act in ways that benefit the larger community or society, even if it requires personal sacrifice or inconvenience. The greater good is often associated with ethical and moral values, and is frequently invoked in discussions of social responsibility, justice, and altruism. The concept of the greater good can be seen as a secular expression of the sacred, as it implies a sense of collective purpose and responsibility that transcends individual interests and selfish desires. In some cases, the pursuit of the greater good can be considered a form of spiritual practice, as it involves a commitment to values that are seen as transcendent and meaningful.

3. Peak Experience - a moment of intense joy, creativity, or fulfillment that can be triggered by a variety of activities, such as sports, music, or artistic expression.

4. Numinous Experience - the feeling of awe, reverence, or sacredness that is often associated with encounters with the divine or with sacred objects or places. Numinous experiences can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, such as music, art, nature, or religious rituals.

5. Ultimate Concern - the highest value or purpose that an individual or community holds. It is often associated with religious or spiritual beliefs and can provide a sense of meaning and direction in life.

6. Flow – the state of optimal experience characterized by complete absorption and engagement in a challenging activity. Flow experiences are often associated with creativity, productivity, and enjoyment, and are said to be deeply rewarding and fulfilling. Flow experiences can be triggered by a variety of activities, such as sports, art, music, or work, and are often described as moments of "being in the zone" or "losing oneself" in the task at hand. Many scholars have argued that flow experiences can be considered sacred, as they provide a sense of transcendence and connection with something greater than oneself.

7. Mystical Experience - a type of spiritual experience characterized by a sense of unity or oneness with the divine or with all things. Mystical experiences often involve feelings of transcendence, ineffability, and intense emotional arousal.

Top of Page

Request an Appointment