Hypnosis and hypnotherapy

"Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future"
Deepak Chopra
What is hypnosis?
The term "hypnosis" comes from the Greek word "hypnos", which can be translated by "sleep". Hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation where the person has higher capabilities of responding to an idea or image. There are many different levels of hypnotic states, such as when you're watching TV you enter a light state of hypnosis (hence why there are so many commercials, which trigger your subconscious mind). Even as you fall asleep, you reach a deeper level of hypnosis. This means that all of us have had numerous hypnotic experiences since birth. As you're hypnotized, you still have that sense of awareness and sensitivity to the environment around you. Hypnosis is not intended to control your mind (as is usually shown in movies). You have complete control and are able to communicate with the therapist throughout. Hypnotherapy is used to work with your thoughts and your emotions in a helpful manner, and guides you through a process which involves visualization. Visualization is a powerful tool that allows the mind to acknowledge or adapt to a new behavior.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a tool to help you achieve balance in life, and to regain control of your emotions. Hypnotherapy uses the mind to heal, allowing you to rid yourself of any negativity and enjoy life to the maximum. The mind is comparable to a computer, you have the ability to reformat your mind for a specific issue. When something happens that affects you, the memory is stored as well as your behavior in response to the event. If these events occur repeatedly, the physical and emotional reactions attached to the memory are repeated with it. In some cases, these reactions are unhealthy, and many turn to hypnotherapy to help fight these harmful reactions. Once the initial event is identified under hypnosis, you release this negative emotion and can then replace it by a healthier alternative. However, to ease the mind into accepting this new behavior, you need 21 days to absorb this new reaction. A CD will be provided which contains suggestions to train the mind to accept the new behavior throughout those 21 days. Of course, these suggestions are previously agreed to and discussed between yourself and the hypnotherapist.