Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy is another form of energy medicine/healing. It is a practice that facilitates the relaxation of the conscious mind in order to access the wisdom and guidance of one’s subconscious and sometimes super-subconscious mind (the soul). This allows for healing a variety of dis-orders and disturbances with the holistic (mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual) self, gaining clarity in certain areas of one’s life, and reaching specific goals to promote behavior change.
Hypnosis is a natural and spontaneous state that everyone experiences several times a day! Bypassing the logical and analytical mind, information from the senses enters the emotional space of the subconscious. Examples of everyday hypnosis include times when we are worrying, watching a show or movie that we are so focused on that we may not hear or notice anything else in our surroundings, and when we are lost in our day dream-like state when driving down a highway or sitting in a boring lecture. All hypnosis is self hypnosis, meaning that it is not something that someone else does to you, but rather you give yourself permission to let go and experience.
In clinical and spiritual hypnotherapy sessions we are accessing and utilizing the subconscious space in a way that empowers, serves, and enhances what you DO want rather than what you do not want (which is the subconscious act of worrying). It is not mind control.
During a hypnosis session, you will remain awake and aware, conscious and in control throughout the entire process.
In a hypnotic state (which is a relaxed, trance-like or meditative state) you will never be made to say or do anything you are uncomfortable with, that goes against your morals and values. Remaining in control throughout the session, you are free to open your eyes whenever you wish, use the restroom, or change positions if you are feeling uncomfortable. The misconceptions around hypnosis and hypnotists are what many have seen in the media, most likely for the purposes of entertainment and are VERY different from what therapeutic hypnosis sessions are like and for.
Clinical and spiritual hypnotherapy is a tool used for behavior and habit change as well as spiritual awakening, deepening, and exploration. In hypnosis, conversation with the practitioner is taking place while allowing the subconscious mind to come into an individual’s awareness.
If psychotherapy is needed before pursuing hypnotherapy, or in combination with psychotherapy, or if it is suspected that a potential client is not mentally stable or at a place in their life where they are able to respond positively to the process of hypnosis, a referral may be given. Safety is the utmost priority for you.
Diane Stakoe reserves the right to refuse to guide hypnosis sessions if it appears an individual is not mentally stable or at a place in their life where they are able to respond positively to the process of hypnosis. If you experience borderline personality disorder or another clinical diagnosis, a referral note from a psychiatrist or psychotherapist may be needed in order to follow ethical guidelines. With your permission, Diane often collaborates with other psychotherapists to create the best wellbeing program for you.