An In-depth dive into Hypnosis
Hypnosis can be 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 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 unconscious mind—the deeper layer of awareness that operates outside everyday conscious attention (Thompson, 2017). I use the term 'unconscious' instead of 'subconscious' to describe this layer as a depth of awareness, rather than something subordinate to conscious thought.
The unconscious holds memories, emotions, patterns, and automatic responses that can influence our thoughts, decisions, and behaviors without conscious awareness. During a QHHT session, we explore these inner layers in a safe and receptive state of awareness.
Hypnotherapist Dr. Michael Newton observed that the unconscious often reveals underlying causes of life challenges and health-related issues during hypnosis (Newton, 1994). He referred to this process as accessing “the great archive” of inner knowledge, a source that can support understanding and transformation from within.
In my experience, the unconscious mind holds a wise and knowing aspect of the self. This wisdom may emerge through imagery, symbolic scenes, or internal impressions that arise during the session. Together, we explore these through conversation and reflection, working toward the questions and intentions you brought into the session.
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 experiences or patterns operating outside conscious awareness that continue to influence 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, and 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 unconscious mind brings forward what is meant to emerge during the session. It may appear as metaphorical or abstract imagery, emotional sensations, or intuitive/creative insights. Such experiences may not be tied to specific memories, but they can open into something worth exploring — a feeling, a pattern, a creative direction.
How a QHHT Session Works
When you book a session with me, the first thing I ask is that you prepare a list of questions or themes you wish to explore. 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 that is relevant for what you wish to explore. Whatever comes up is relevant, as it enables me to ask the right questions during hypnosis.
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 guided into a somnambulistic trance state. This state is reached through gentle techniques such as guided imagery and meditation, helping you connect more deeply with your inner experience.
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.