What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of being in complete comfort and relaxation. It can best be described as "concentrated attention" and characterized by an awake-sleep state (also known as the alpha- or theta-dominant brain wave state). Hypnosis is usually experienced in trance, where a high level of change can be experienced at an unconscious level.
Just as you go to sleep and just as you wake up, you are naturally in the alpha and theta brain wave state. You are also in this state when you are watching TV or a movie, especially if you lose track of time or your surroundings. When you are doing something you love and you lose track of time, you are also in the alpha state. In fact, you enter the hypnotic state more often than you think. So why not use it constructively to design the life you want?
Hypnosis is a natural state. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis.
Whether you are working with Krista in a private session, or using one of her online courses, you are always in complete control of your conscious state, just as you would be during meditation, or being in a state of high concentration. For example, have you ever been so engaged in an activity, such as being glued to a movie, enthralled in a book, or super focused in a sport or project, that you don't notice anything else around you? Hypnosis is no different. As you are guided to deepen your awareness of your unconscious mind, you will begin to lose involvement in your external surroundings. However, just as you can break your focus from any activity, you can also come out of hypnosis at any time you desire. Therefore, you are always in control of being in trance.
The primary state of consciousness that is most referred to in hypnosis/hypnotherapy is the alpha state. This is the state of mind where one is half-asleep, half-awake, and is in a state of relaxation or meditation. Once you allow yourself to enter an alpha state, your inner-talk will begin to slow down and you will begin to become more image-oriented, thus being guided to make positive changes in your life.
In hypnosis, some may also experience the theta state, going into a very deep relaxation. Many people meditate for hours to get to this state of deep calmness in the mind. Many consider that being in the gamma state (higher brain activity in the consciousness revolved around perception) or theta state is a favorable state to produce instant healing.
Clients often have concerns that they may not be able to be hypnotized or wonder if it is safe. It's completely "normal" to have concerns and be skeptical at first, especially because of how hypnosis has been portrayed in movies and TV. Clients have often also tried various methods to produce behavioral change but have not gotten the results they wanted. However, since this is a natural state and a relaxing one, where the client is in control, they most often find that once they allow themselves to tap into their ability to enter this unique state of consciousness, they open the door to countless possibilities for healing, self-exploration, and positive change.
Scientific discoveries show that certain brain wave frequencies (especially the alpha and theta) may:
1. Relieve stress and promote a lasting and substantial reduction in people prone to anxiety states.
2. Facilitate a deep physical relaxation and mental clarity.
3. Increase verbal ability and performance IQ.
4. Better synchronize the two hemispheres of the brain.
5. Recall mental images and spontaneous imaginative/creative thinking.
6. Reduce pain, stimulate the release of endorphins, and promote euphoria.