Hypnotherapy is mainly concerned with the unconscious mind. We have explained a little about how the mind works, and the role of the unconscious in our ‘What is Hypnotherapy?’ article.
In that article, we likened the mind to an iceberg, with the tip representing the conscious mind.
The conscious mind is responsible for all our rational thought processes. We use this part of our brain when we need to focus or consciously think about something. For example, when we are doing something for the very first time or learning a completely new skill.
The unconscious mind, (or the hidden part of the iceberg), also plays a huge role in our everyday lives. The importance of the unconscious is often underestimated because this part of the brain operates on “auto-pilot”. Many people are unaware of its tremendous influence on our lives.
In the course of a day, we do many things on an unconscious level – the kind of things which we don’t even have to think about.
We carry out many tasks automatically because we have done them many times before.
This is where the unconscious mind steps in. It is responsible for many of our ‘taken for granted’ functions, including our;
• breathing and automatic nervous system
• emotions
• memories
• dreams
• imagination.
The unconscious mind is important to the hypnotherapist because it influences and controls many of our inner beliefs and behaviours. Some of these beliefs and behaviours are ones which we would want to change. Perhaps we have developed unwelcome habits or patterns of thought. Perhaps they have been learned in childhood for example, and are no longer appropriate to our adult lives.
These things cannot simply be changed by will power, reason or rational thought. The hypnotherapist therefore seeks to go directly to the unconscious mind in order to make changes.
It is easier to do this during hypnosis because the conscious mind relaxes, making the unconscious more open and accessible.
It’s almost as if the conscious, thinking part of our brain ‘goes on holiday’ and the unconscious comes to the fore.
The flickering light cast by a candle can be an excellent source of relaxation. It is therefore a very useful image to focus upon when entering into hypnosis. The rhythmic dance of the flame, the subtle variations of colour, the smooth flow of the wax can all help infuse the mind with a feeling of well-being and calm.
