This week, The Holistic Psychiatrist podcast will explore hypnosis. What is it? Does it help heal people from trauma? Psychologist Dr. Annie Alexander will be sharing her clinical understanding of the role of hypnosis in healing mental health.
This topic makes me reflect more deeply about the subconscious and how to powerfully and directly communicate with it and influence it. Read on for my reflections and experiences in this area.
Have a wonderful week!
Does Our Subconscious Listen to Us?
Communication between the conscious and subconscious minds
Years ago, I read some books about a particular type of hypnosis that supposedly allowed people to explore their past lives. The books were filled with interesting stories from those hypnotic sessions.
I thought it would be a cool experience and booked an appointment with a nearby practitioner specially trained to do it. She talked to me all afternoon and then put me into a hypnotic state for hours. By the time the session was over, my Saturday was gone and the sun had set.
Honestly, I felt disappointed. I didn't feel "hypnotized." Instead, I felt like my imagination was simply making things up. However, don't let my lackluster ability to go into a trance state put you off from trying hypnosis. Many people get amazingly positive results from it.
I've also tried various other techniques meant to create a deeply relaxed state. For example, I went on a week-long retreat to the Monroe Institute in Faber, Virginia, and used their sound technology to induce out-of-body experiences. I did have a profound and powerful experience during that week that proved to be an authentic out-of-body experience.
In addition, I worked with Carol Colacurcio who used music and Tibetan bowls to create a deeply relaxed state. I remember an experience where I found myself looking at the Earth with a group of other beings of light. The "memory" of that moment is as clear to me today as it was the day I experienced it during her session.
But, I digress. This article is about the subconscious mind, not out-of-body experiences.
If the human mind is like a computer, I think of the subconscious mind as all the information stored within, while the conscious mind is simply the screen. It's an act of mercy that we don't have every memory showing up on our "screens" every moment of our lives. However, that doesn't mean that it isn't there, or that we aren't in contact with it at all times.
Many "energy medicine" techniques are simply phrases or simple intentions spoken out loud. Yet, when I test my patients after they've used these simple techniques, I notice a big, positive shift in energy. If I didn't know how to do energy testing, neither my patients nor I would be able to tell very easily that a shift had occurred (though we often yawn or tear up during the energy work).
From my experience, it's not hard to communicate with our subconscious. It's happening all the time. What is difficult is the ability to sense that the communication occurred. This is where the energy testing technique can be illuminating.
When I use the Infinite Intention Technique (fka Holistic Energy Healing Technique, HEHT), there is a deliberate effort to connect with the subconscious through metaphor, symbolism, and imagery. Doing so makes the healing process even more powerful and profound.
I hope you'll listen to Dr. Alexander's discussion about hypnosis and decide for yourself what you think about it.
Also, if you have any particular topics you want to hear about on my podcast, please feel free to email me and let me know.
Have a great week!
The Holistic Psychiatrist Podcast (Ep. 15):
Can Hypnosis Help Me Heal from Trauma
and Other Mental Health Issues?
Check out the teaser for the new episode out tomorrow!
In this first of a two-part interview with Dr. Annie Alexander, Ph.D., CH, we learn about hypnosis from a basic definition to its role in the treatment of traumas and mental illness.
Dr. Alexander has over 30 years of clinical experience as a psychologist and over a decade integrating hypnosis and evolutionary astrology into her practice. She uses her skills to help people overcome traumas, addictions, and dissociation. Dr. Alexander shares her perspective on trauma and psychosomatic illness and what factors lead to more successful treatment outcomes.
Click here for the full episode available on Wednesday.
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