An introduction to Hypnosis by

R.Hy Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist

When I decided to update the Astra Mate website very recently, I was rather surprised of how many years had passed since I had last revised the files.  Significantly, many of my former ideas and opinions have been expanded, modified, or completely abandoned. Hopefully, I aspired to sage - and not age. 

I became very intrigued with the discipline of Hypnosis when I pursued my B.A. degree in Behavioral Science.  I was impressed with the benefits that could be derived from its application.  I haven't changed my opinion about this.  But, what I have come to realize is that there is a great deal of 'bad press' about the process, especially when it is linked to 'mind control' and a person being seduced to obey someone else's  will. And no matter how I or another hypnotherapist may try to convince this type of person who is terrified of the subject, he/will resist and remain firm. 

That's fine. I then realized if this person was introduced to the idea that he/she could personally treat and eliminate their fear, worry, depression, etc. and replace their old habits and convictions with positive thinking and confidence, the idea wasn't so scary.  This is what is known as 'self-hypnosis'.  It is accomplished with self-help tapes dealing with many different topics.  And while I really don't wish to elaborate any further about this truth; I can only suggest that a person do their own research and be flexible enough to at least deal with any cognitive dissonance he has about  Hypnosis.  

What I have done is to explain the most common questions and reservations people have to be addressed and explained: 

What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is largely a question of your willingness to be receptive and responsive to positive ideas and allow these ideas to act upon your subconscious without interference. We call these ideas suggestions. Hypnosis then, is a process which produces relaxation, distraction of the conscious mind, heightened suggestibility and increased awareness, thus allowing access to the subconscious mind through imagination. It also produces the ability to experience thoughts and images as real.
What is your success rate of being hypnotized?
Basically, your success rate is your responsibility. There are two components that must be present for the process to be effective: belief and expectation. If a person has the belief that he/she can be hypnotized and the expectation that he/she will be hypnotized, then he/she will be hypnotized.

There are several myths or misconceptions concerning what will happen if you allow yourself to be hypnotized:
Myth of the weak mind: There exists a pervasive belief that only the weak-minded and/or gullible can be hypnotized. Actually, people of above average intelligence who are capable of concentrating and have active, vivid imaginations -  make the best subjects.

Fear of revealing secrets: People are concerned that if they allow themselves to be hypnotized, they will "tell all", and reveal some secret from the past that they wish to keep. The illusion that hypnosis is a power relationship between the hypnotist and client is another fear. In truth, the only power lies in your mind because in hypnosis, you have greater awareness then when you are fully awake, and you completely retain your powers of selectivity. Your secrets are secure.

Fear of humiliation: No one want to be made to look like a fool. People who are stage subjects volunteered to participate and knew ahead of time that they would be acting silly, clowning around and just generally being funny. Whereas, a client may never be induced into hurting himself or "fooled" into committing a crime. If for any reason, he finds a suggestion objectionable - he will either refuse to participate or he will spontaneously and completely come out of hypnosis.

Fear of losing control: "I don't want anyone to control my mind!" This is a classic fear that stems from past negative and false images. A hypnotized person is in full control of himself, fully aware of the environment and completely capable of making decisions. If you are presented with any idea or suggestion that you find objectionable in full consciousness, you will find it equally objectionable in hypnosis, and you will reject it outright.

Hypnosis cannot make you do anything against your will or better judgment. But it will help you to accomplish your goals that you set for yourself. Remember - you are always in control.

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While most fiction is based on real life circumstances, I employed my understanding of hypnosis in one of my novels . . .

Amber Harris, an attractive middle-aged divorcee, has been unsuccessful in her attempts to regain the love of a man from her past, widower Michael Lombardi. Her hopes for a reconciliation with Michael had been spurred on by a revolutionary scientific theory concerning multi-universe phenomena. The theory suggested that fate offered an individual the opportunity to ’jump’ from one reality to another. The various realities were termed ‘choice points‘. Based on her understanding of its concept, many experiences in one’s life were being played out at the same moment. They were already created and a person chose which one he/she would bring to manifestation. Every possible option a person could encounter was acted out somewhere in some universe.  What were these choices she had failed to recognize to actualize her dreams?

Confused and hurt by his indifference, she has assumed the blame, rationalizing his posture is founded on a regrettable decision she made when they first met many years ago. Hoping he might reconsider, she has tenaciously ‘hung on’ to her fantasy of a reconciliation . . . until now. She realizes her life has reached a stalemate and reluctantly decides it’s time to move on attributing her painful disappointment to the dictates of fate and karma. Inwardly she knows she will never love another man as passionately again. 

Determined to understand the hidden dynamics of their relationship that have kept her in emotional bondage for so many years, Amber seeks help from hypnotherapist, Dave West, and agrees to participate in a past-life regression hoping it will offer her insightful understanding and closure. The session generates a story from the depths of Amber’s subconscious, offering powerful clues concerning her relationship with Michael. She leaves Dave’s office unaware that she and Michael will soon be given the opportunity to confront the hidden agendas that have orchestrated their life circumstances freeing them to make new choices.

Available on AMAZON.COM

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