An In-depth dive into Hypnosis
Hypnosis is defined as an interaction in which a client responds to suggestions from a hypnotherapist, leading to changes in consciousness, perception, and memory (Kihlstrom, 2008). It is therefore used as a tool in therapeutic treatment.
There are many forms of hypnosis, and I specialize in the Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT)®. This method was developed by hypnotherapist Dolores Cannon and guides clients into a somnambulistic trance—a natural state that occurs just before falling asleep and immediately upon waking (Cannon, n.d.). In this relaxed state, the brain operates in the theta wave frequency, as illustrated in the figure below (Dienes & Scott, 2005).
The figure illustrates the different levels of consciousness: Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta—each defined by characteristic traits and measured in brainwave frequencies. During hypnosis, you are guided into the Theta frequency (Jamieson & Burgess, 2014). This brainwave state is linked to the early stages of sleep, REM sleep, meditation, deep relaxation, and somnambulism. Theta waves are also associated with creativity, intuitive insight, and dream-like states. In hypnosis, they support deep focus and self-exploration (Dienes & Scott, 2005).
In this trance-like state, clients gain access to the subconscious mind—the part of the psyche that operates beneath conscious awareness (Thompson, 2017). The subconscious holds memories, emotions, patterns, and automatic responses that often influence our thoughts, decisions, and behaviors without us realizing it. During a QHHT session, we explore these inner layers in a safe and receptive state of awareness.
Dolores Cannon described the subconscious as an infinitely wise part of the self, capable of offering insight and facilitating healing (Cannon, n.d.). This wisdom may emerge through imagery, symbolic scenes, or internal impressions that arise during the session. These are explored through mindful conversation and reflection to help us uncover answers to the intentions and questions brought into the session.
Hypnotherapist Dr. Michael Newton observed that the subconscious often reveals the underlying causes of life challenges and health issues during hypnosis (Newton, 1994). He referred to this process as tapping into "the great archive" of inner knowledge—a source that can guide transformation from within.
What You May Experience During a Hypnosis Session
Each hypnosis session is unique, and experiences vary from person to person. However, some of the most common processes include:
Age regression:
This involves revisiting events or periods from earlier stages of life. By returning to these moments in a relaxed state, we can access memories that may uncover emotional blocks, unresolved traumas, or unconscious patterns still influencing present-day thoughts and behavior (Olness & Diamond, 2013).
Parallel/Past life regression:
In this process, we explore experiences that seem to originate from other lifetimes (I use the term parallel rather than past to acknowledge that time may not be linear — that these experiences might unfold in different dimensions of consciousness rather than in a strict historical sequence). These journeys often offer new perspectives on current life challenges, recurring themes, or deep-seated emotions (Cannon, 2004).
Symbolic scenes, images, or impressions:
The subconscious always brings forward what is most relevant for gaining clarity. This may come through metaphorical or abstract imagery, emotional sensations, or intuitive insights. Such experiences may not be tied to specific memories, but they carry meaningful messages from within that help us process and understand your inner world more deeply.
How a QHHT Session Works
When you book a QHHT session with me, the first thing I ask is that you prepare a list of questions. Most people create two lists—one with health-related questions and another with life-related questions. I’ll also provide you with some tips on how to prepare your mind for the session.
On the day of our session, we begin by sitting down and talking. You’ll be invited to share your life story—whatever you feel comfortable sharing—including major events and important people. Whatever comes up is relevant, as it enables me to ask the right questions during hypnosis. Talking openly can also make it easier to feel at ease before the session.
After our conversation, we’ll review your questions and make any final preparations before beginning the hypnosis portion of the session.
The Induction Process
During the hypnosis portion of the session, you will be gently guided into a somnambulistic trance state—a naturally occurring state associated with the theta brainwave frequency (Cannon, n.d.). This state is reached through gentle techniques such as guided imagery and meditation, helping you connect more deeply with your inner experience.
A quiet, low-stimulus environment supports this transition by minimizing external distractions, making it easier for your awareness to settle and turn inward. In this deeply receptive state, the subconscious becomes more available, allowing meaningful memories and insights to surface for gentle exploration and reflection (Paoletti & Ben-Soussan, 2020).
Sources
Cannon, D. (n.d.) Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique℠ (QHHT®). [online] Available at: https://dolorescannon.com/about-qhht/ [Accessed 14 February 2025].
Dienes, Z. and Scott, R. (2005) ‘Measuring unconscious knowledge: distinguishing structural knowledge and judgment knowledge’, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 31(3), pp. 535–542.
Jamieson, G.A. and Burgess, A. (2014) ‘Hypnotic induction is followed by state-like changes in the organization of EEG functional connectivity in the theta and beta frequency bands in high-hypnotically susceptible individuals’, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 528. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00528.
Kihlstrom, J.F. (2008) ‘Hypnosis and hypnotizability’, in Nash, M.R. and Barnier, A.J. (eds.) Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis: Theory, Research, and Practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 25–54.
Newton, M. (1994) Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications.
Olness, K. and Diamond, W. (2013) Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy: Basic Principles and Applications. New York: Springer Science & Business Media.
Paoletti, P. and Ben-Soussan, T.D. (2020) ‘Reflections on silence and consciousness’, Frontiers in Psychology, 11, p. 1807. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01807.
Seth, A.K., Dienes, Z., Cleeremans, A., Overgaard, M. and Pessoa, L. (2008) ‘Measuring consciousness: relating behavioural and neurophysiological approaches’, Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 12(8), pp. 316–324.
Store Norske Leksikon (n.d.) Underbevissthet. [online] Available at: https://snl.no/underbevissthet [Accessed 24 February 2025].
Thompson, E. (2017) Waking, dreaming, being: Self and consciousness in neuroscience, meditation, and philosophy. London: Columbia University Press.