In my work as a Hypnotherapist, I am aware that the protective function of the mind can create both physical and emotional blocks to healing, thus perpetuating negative patterns of behaviour, even though these patterns cause great discomfort and disruption to people’s lives.

We all have emotional problems

Almost everybody has emotional problems at some time in their life. These can range from depression, panic attacks, various fears or phobias, lack of confidence, stress or severe anxiety – to name just a few.

Why using willpower isn’t enough

Most people believe they can overcome their problems with sheer willpower and determination. In a very few cases, they are successful, but for the majority, no amount of willpower is sufficient and the problems continue and often become more severe.

This is because they are using the Conscious level of the mind, whereas the information related to their problem is contained within the Subconscious mind, which can only be readily accessed whilst in the state of hypnosis.

The function of the Conscious mind

The Conscious mind is our temporary memory, and can only hold between 7 and 9 bits of information at any time. When this information is no longer required, it is released to allow more information to come in.

This part of the mind is analytical, rational and logical and likes to solve problems by assessing situations and then using past experience to come up with an answer.

The all-powerful Subconscious mind

The Subconscious mind, which is unlimited in its capacity, is where we have our permanent memory, and contains all the information, both positive and negative, about everything that has happened in our lives. It is also where we store our behaviours, habits and our beliefs. In other words, it is who you really are.

The protective function of the mind

All levels of the mind have a protective function. The Subconscious protects against known dangers, and by generating emotions (positive and negative), motivates you to fulfil your needs. So, if there is a known danger, it will generate the emotion of fear in order to motivate you to deal with the situation and keep yourself safe.

The Conscious mind also has a protective function. It is constantly protecting you against perceived danger, based upon what is rational and analytical.

Hypnotherapy works better than willpower

Once unsuccessful in overcoming their own problems, an increasing number of people will now contact a Hypnotherapist as their first port of call.

The experienced Hypnotherapist is skilled in helping the client to go into the state of hypnosis, in order to access the necessary information within the Subconscious mind that is the cause of the problem.

Secondary Gain

Many clients go through the course of hypnotherapy successfully, and experience positive and sometimes transformational change. However, the protective parts of the mind may perceive there is more benefit from hanging onto the problem rather than letting it go. This is known as Secondary Gain. It may also be concerned about any emotional pain experienced whilst undergoing therapy, and will want to protect the ‘Self’ from that pain.

The person who is depressed may be in a stressful job or doing work they actually loathe. Having been signed off by their GP, they’ve experienced a quiet and relaxing time away from their workplace. The protective function of the mind may believe that being depressed is actually a better option than returning to work.

Many emotional problems will result in the sufferer being given sympathy and extra attention. The protective mind may decide that getting better may cause the person to feel lonely and isolated.

Such is the power of the protective mind, Clients undergoing Hypnotherapy can suddenly develop genuine colds, flu, or sickness and diarrhoea bugs that stop them from attending their session. I’ve also had experience of clients who put their back out or have minor catastrophes in the home, causing them to cancel a session at short notice.

The successful conclusion

Most of these clients return after a short break, and once the Subconscious level of the mind is persuaded that the benefits of healing far outweigh the benefits of perpetuating the problem, the protective part backs off and there is generally a successful conclusion within a matter of weeks.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Author’s Details
Niki Cassar DCH DHP MAPHP(ACC)
Hypnotherapist & Past Life Regressionist – Perthshire, Scotland
Website: www.nikicassar.com Email: mindfully@nikicassar.com
_______________________________________________________________________________________