"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

Milton Erickson, one of the pioneers of modern hypnosis, described it as “a state of intensified attention and receptiveness, accompanied by an increased responsiveness to an idea or set of ideas” (Erickson, 1958). Similarly, Weitzenhoffer (1957) characterized hypnosis as a “state of selective hypersuggestibility.” In this altered state of consciousness, an individual becomes more responsive to suggestions—whether self-generated or provided by another person. These suggestions, defined as ideas offered for uncritical acceptance, bypass the conscious, analytical mind and access the subconscious, which governs much of a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

For example, in cases of substance abuse, a person may associate substance use with pleasure or confidence, reinforced by beliefs such as “I can’t live without it” or “Life is boring without it.” Through hypnosis, the therapist can introduce counter-suggestions that challenge these associations by highlighting the negative consequences of substance use and the positive benefits of abstinence. A suggestion such as, “Whenever you feel the urge, take a deep breath and remind yourself, ‘freedom,’” might be repeatedly reinforced while the patient is in a relaxed, receptive state. Over time, these new associations are intended to replace old conditioning—transforming the equation from substance = pleasure to abstinence = freedom and self-respect.

Hypnosis is an effective method for overcoming a wide range of challenges, including:

• Quit Smoking: Break the habit and overcome cravings with the power of your subconscious mind.
• Weight Loss: Reprogram your relationship with food, enhance motivation, and develop healthier habits.
• Discipline: Build self-control and reinforce positive behavior patterns to achieve personal goals.
• Peaceful Childbirth: Use hypnosis to manage pain, reduce anxiety, and promote a calm, relaxed childbirth experience.
• Past Life Regression: Explore past life memories to gain insights into unresolved emotional or behavioral patterns.

It is particularly effective in treating:

• Pain management (back pain, cancer pain, dental procedures, childbirth)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sleep disorders

Additionally, hypnosis can help uncover repressed memories, improve memory and concentration, and enhance peak performance.

Up to 95% of people can be hypnotized to some degree, with a test conducted to assess your hypnotic susceptibility before starting treatment.