The best Hypnotist on the Planet

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind (or brainwave pattern), in which we become open to suggestion.  Firstly, let me explain brainwave patterns. When our mind and body relaxes our brain patterns go from what is called the ‘Beta’ state to the ‘Alpha’ and ‘Theta’ states. We engage the ‘Beta’ brainwave pattern for engaging activities such as working or planning. Alpha brain wave patterns are produced when you are relaxed and your brain activity has slowed. You are most likely in an Alpha state when watching the TV or reading a book Then there is the ‘Theta’ state, which that ‘dreamy’ feeling you experience just before you go to sleep or wake up in the morning. Lastly there is the ‘Delta’ state’ which is when we are asleep. The ‘Hypnotic’ state is the ‘Alpha’ (light hypnosis) and Theta (deep hypnosis) states. So even though the word Hypnosis comes from the Greek word ‘Hypno’ meaning sleep, hypnosis is not sleep (the “Delta’ brainwave pattern). 

Secondly I would like to explain what I mean by ‘suggestion’. We give and receive suggestions everyday. Suggestions can be positive or negative. For example, encouraging someone that ‘You will do very well in that exam’ is a positive suggestion. On the other hand; telling someone that ‘The exam is really difficult and that I wouldn’t like to be you’; is a negative suggestion. If the person accepts this suggestion at a subconscious level, a self fulfilling prophecy will be created. In other words if you think and believe something will be ‘so’ it will be. Most smokers have taken on a huge suggestion from the media that ‘stopping smoking’ is ‘hard’ and therefore it usually is. So you don’t have to be a ‘hypnotist’ to give someone a suggestion. But there is something that 99% of households own that gives powerful suggestions everyday. Can you think of what that is?

The best hypnotist on the planet is the TV set. In many ways the TV set has taken over our lives. Studies have found that the average American watches more than 4 hours of TV each day (or 28 hours/week, or 2 months of nonstop TV-watching per year). In a 65-year life, that person will have spent 9 years glued to the tube. The TV is on in an average U.S. home for 6 hours, 47 minutes; the number of violent acts seen on TV by age 18 is 200,000; the number of 30-second TV commercials seen in a year by an average child is 20,000. Now even though these are figures from an American study, I don’t think Ireland is too far behind. Walk into any estate in Ireland just before it gets dark and you’ll see the flashing, blinking vibrations from TV sets of all shapes and sizes. 

Watching TV induces the hypnotic state – in those Alpha brainwave patterns. Have you ever had that feeling of your eyes glazing over, almost trance like, as you go into that hypnotic state, where it becomes difficult to take your eyes off the TV screen? This makes us all more suggestible. And boy does the TV give us suggestions! 

Now in its simplest form TV advertisements are giving us suggestions. For example, when a car advert has a sexy model sitting on the bonnet of a car, the obvious message is ‘hey if you but this car; you can have this model’. But there are more subtle suggestions being given to a person’s subconscious. The MacDonald’s slogan ‘I’m Lovin It’ or their ‘Happy Meal’ is giving us a huge suggestion. More worrying is the amount of violence that children are exposed to through TV programs, which are not only giving the wrong suggestions, but have also a desensitizing effect. Children are very suggestible because they will accept things ‘uncritically’.

 

So, turn off that TV set and get out and about! Encourage your children to take walks, ride bikes, and play outside, etc., instead of watching TV.  Make very specific rules about when children can and cannot watch television.  For example, do not allow TV during meals, homework or when parents are not around. Yes, the TV is a part of popular culture, and cannot be easily ignored, so learning how to use it wisely is an important skill, which can be achieved through guidance and practice. As adults, not only is it important to be a good role model for your kids when it comes to watching TV; but it’s also wise to be aware of the various suggestions that the TV set is directing at us at any moment in time.

The difference between a Stage Hypnotist and a Consulting Hypnotist

One of the biggest misconceptions about hypnosis is that a hypnotist will make you do things that you don't want to do. This is mainly stems from 'Stage Hypnosis'. Even though to the casual observer, it may appear that the stage hypnotist takes over the control and will power of the volunteers on stage, this is absolutely false. Volunteers are actually always in control but just guided into a wonderful daydreaming experience and following the suggestions of the stage hypnotist. The stage hypnotist 'motivates' not 'forces' the volunteer to want to follow his-her suggestions. There is a big difference. For example the person isn't forced to play a musical instrument or get up to tap dance but rather the stage hypnotist encourages them to 'desire' to do that. Once the volunteer accepts the suggestion of the hypnotist, some fun can be had. But as I explained in my last blog, you do not have to be a hypnotist to give a suggestion.

Trevor Eivers CH with Keith Barry after his show 'The Dark Side'

I am a huge fan of talented Waterford man Keith Barry. Of course he is a man of many hats - an entertainer, an illusionist, a magician as well as a hypnotist. I have attended his show 'The Dark Side' and it comes recommended, it is truly entertaining and a brilliant night out. However he mixes up hypnosis with everything else in the show and unfortunately some people end up associating 'The Dark Side' or Alister Crowley with hypnosis! I do get people ringing me asking me if I am going to trick them and as a Consulting Hypnotist is can be frustrating to keep clarifying the misconceptions that are associated with hypnosis. For my part I have given over 30 public awareness talks spreading the word about the benefits of hypnosis.

The facts are, sadly, some people who see a hypnosis stage show, leave with a negative attitude about considering to seek help from a Consulting Hypnotist. Recently, I met a woman who had concerns about her daughter, who suffered from anxiety and panic attacks; I was sure i could help her, as I have helped many in a similar situation. Unfortunately though when she spoke to her daughter, she refused having bought into some of the misconceptions. Consulting Hypnotists like myself help regular everyday people with regular everyday problems, by simply using a communication process that helps one's mind and body relax. It is natural and if everyone knew all the benefits that could be obtained from hypnosis from reducing stress to weight control, a visit to a Consulting Hypnotist would be as normal and as common as a visit to any healthcare provider.

The most common question a potential client asks me is 'Does it work'? And my answer is always yes of course the studies have shown this (available on my website: http://www.waterford-hypnosis.com), but it is very important that the person commits to the process. As a Consulting Hypnotist I just facilitate a change by guiding the person into a natural super learning state of mind. I always outline that if, like the majority of my clients, they follow my instructions they will experience success in whatever they came to see me for.

A visit to see a Consulting Hypnotist can be life changing. Here is typical feedback that I have received after my sessions: "I want to thank you so much for helping me in my life. I can proudly say that I have not had a panic attack for the whole time. I haven't got fears like I used to, my body doesn't react weird in different situations. The nicest thing I experienced is the sensation of being in a moment of control, in a moment when I used to freak out. The peace inside me gives me more self confidence and happiness. Thank you again." This person was delighted that they came to see me as a Consulting Hypnotist and did not leave clucking like a chicken, like the stage show misconception, but rather left having benefited from a truly life changing experience.

For further information me at Waterford Hypnosis at 0868211677 or email trevor@waterford-hypnosis.com.

The Power of Suggestion and Hypnosis

Part of the services that I provide, is giving suggestions to clients whether in or out of the hypnotic state.  The suggestions that I give to a client are not suggestions that actually come from me, but rather from the client. The client comes into my office and pays me to make the required suggestions needed, helping them to achieve success, whether that is to stop smoking or to increase confidence.

We all give suggestions:

But did you know that we are all giving each other ‘suggestions’ that influence each other every day of our lives? For example if you have ever gone on a holiday and come back and told a friend that it was an “amazing place to visit”, your friend may go on the same holiday sometime in the future. This is called a positive suggestion. On the other hand, if you came back from the holiday and said to your friend that the holiday “was a nightmare”; then would that friend go to that place? Probably not, right? Because you have just given them a negative suggestion! Also, if you have ever encouraged a friend or family member that they “will really do well in that exam” then congratulations you may have influenced a positive outcome. Oppositely if you said something like “that exam is really hard, I don’t envy you” …well…you are hardly filling the receiver of that message with confidence. 

Effective suggestions:

When giving suggestions, it is important to tell people what you want rather than what you don’t want. Let’s say your children are playing outside in the middle of the road and you are concerned, so you shout at them “Don’t play on the road”. Unfortunately if you looked outside ten minutes later you would probably find the children playing on the road, the very thing they were told not to do. This is because when the mind processes the information it doesn’t pick up the word ‘Don’t”, so they would have heard “Play on the road”. It would have been much more effective to say “Have fun playing in the garden”. 

Direct and Indirect Suggestions:

Direct suggestions are suggestions that are delivered in such a way that there is no chance of it being misunderstood. “You are going have a great holiday”. An indirect suggestion is a suggestion delivered with an implied meaning. Delivering indirect suggestions in an effective manner can eliminate the possibility of resistance to a suggestion. For example “I went on that holiday before, I had a fantastic time”.   

Big businesses use indirect suggestion all the time. An advertisement with a beautiful woman sitting on the bonnet of a car might suggest that: drive this car - have this woman. Maybe that is an obvious one, but corporations like MacDonalds use ‘indirect suggestion’ in a more subtle way, whether it is with ‘Clowns’ or ‘Happy Meals’.

First Baby:

My wife is expecting our first baby soon! Exciting times, so I have been touching up on some effective suggestions for childbirth. For example if the well intentioned mid wife says “Are you in much pain?” or “You don’t look uncomfortable yet!” or “How bad are your contractions?”, it is best to rephrase such potentially negative suggestions to “How comfortable are you?” or “We’re going to help you increase your comfort”. The word ‘pain’ creates and supports negative responses. Re-framing-Changing the word ‘pain’ to ‘comfort’ helps to deter negative automatic reactions.

I always advise clients that if they follow my instructions and accept my suggestions they will experience success. The subconscious mind is like a sponge and once the suggestions are accepted wonderful positive changes will occur, whether it is to happily live the non smoking life or establish a new found confidence. 

For Information on the services I provide please visit www.waterford-hypnosis.com 

6 Frequently asked Questions about Hypnosis

What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a great tool for helping people of all ages make change. It's a natural process, where old unwanted behaviours can be removed, new positive behaviours can be adapted and new choices can be made. It provides experiences and solutions that empower people to meet life's challenges. It can really help ‘wipe the slate clean’ and see things with a ‘new perspective, so that anything that has become stale over years for you will no longer be stale, but fresh, like seeing the world with new eyes!

Can you give us some examples?
Hypnosis is a very common occurrence. When your mind and body relaxes and the outside world seems to fade away then that is the hypnotic state, e.g. daydreaming. So it's similar to becoming absorbed in a good movie or good book, or even when taking a long drive and you drive the car on auto-pilot. Hypnosis is a feeling of peace and calm, where you can concentrate and focus and tap into your Subconscious Mind to program yourself ‘automatically’ in many positive ways.

Will I be in control?
Yes. The truth is that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis and it puts you in control - so that you can control your thoughts and emotions rather than them controlling you. It's very empowering and when you leave my office you will leave with some tools and techniques to help you on your way. I cannot make you do something you do not want to do.

Who do you help and what services do you provide?
Consulting hypnotists like myself help regular everyday people with regular everyday issues using hypnotic techniques. You can quit smoking, increase confidence, increase self esteem, eliminate fears, control weight, reduce stress, enhance sports performance, enhance concentration, improve exam performance, control anxiety and panic attacks and much more.

Does it work for everyone?
If you come to my office wanting to make change, follow my instructions and accept my suggestions, then you will leave having made the change you came to see me for. However, if a person comes to my office half hearted, not following instructions and not taking responsibility, then that person will have limited success. But when you think about it that is the same with anything in life - For example if I wanted to learned how to swim, and I didn't follow the instructors instructions and was half hearted, then I probably wouldn't become a very efficient swimmer....infact I would probably sink. However thankfully most people that come into see me commit to the process and achieve success.

How many sessions does it take?
It depends on the person - no two people are the same it can take longer for some than others, even though everyone gets to the same successful destination. It also depends on what the client has come to see me for - for example my stop smoking program is two sessions, whereas my weight control program is four sessions. In my opinion a session with a Consulting Hypnotist is something that everyone should do periodically. While I definitely recommend members of the general public coming to see a Consulting Hypnotist when dealing with a special specific problem, I also think they should should consult me at other times. Going to see a Consulting Hypnotist should be as normal an activity as getting a physical, having ones teeth cleaned, having a monthly massage or getting periodic chiropractic treatment. Hypnotism is a wellness treatment as well as problem solving treatment.

After the client has achieved his or her goals, there is a benefit in ongoing work with a Consulting Hypnotist to maintain motivation, encourage further progress, and to reinforce the benefits achieved. Just as no one ever says that they've had too many massages, no one can have too many hypnotic sessions either. Everyone needs to relax and stay positive. I can help.

Hypnosis is a safe, effective and life changing experience! Call me now on 0868211677!