What are Clinical Hypnosis and NLP?
Clinical Hypnosis
First, it is important to understand the nature of hypnosis. Hypnosis is a very natural state – an altered state of consciousness wherein one has a very narrow mental focus usually coupled with deep physical relaxation.
This state can be achieved by the self (self-hypnosis) or through an external operator (usually a qualified hypnotist). This state of narrowed attention may be similar to day-dreaming or meditation.
During this period of deep relaxation, conscious awareness is not suspended, that is, the conscious mind is still there providing protection so that the subject may easily return to normal consciousness should any emergency arise.
It is believed that 85-90% of the population will readily be sufficiently hypnotised to achieve valuable, positive results.
Crucially, the unconscious mind is more receptive to suggestions made in trance.
Mental imagery flows more readily, and appropriate use of language and questioning can provide insights as well as a way to envisage positive outcomes in the future.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
Neuro-Linguistic Programming was invented by Dr John Grinder and Richard Bandler in the early nineteen-seventies at Santa-Cruz University, Arizona. Grinder was Assistant Professor of Linguistics and Bandler, a psychology student. They studied three well-known therapists: Fritz Perls, Virginia Satir and Milton Erickson, and developed a model of therapy based upon the celebrated work of the three. The result was NLP.
“NLP is the art and science of personal excellence. Art because everyone brings their unique personality and style to what they do…. Science because there is a method and process for discovering the patterns used by outstanding individuals in any field to achieve outstanding results.”
Introducing NLP – Joseph O’Connor & John Seymour. Element; 2002
NLP is all about excellent communication and it is excellent communication that is crucial to achieving excellent results, personally and professionally.
In the therapeutic setting, NLP is a powerful adjunct to hypnotherapy. NLP can provide rapid phobia cure – often so rapid as to be quite startling!