Understanding Christian Hypnosis
The idea of hypnosis is widely accepted as an effective tool in therapy or counseling. Hypnosis involves allowing the mind to focus without interference from the conscious mind. The subconscious mind is freed so that issues which the conscious mind is suppressing or repressing can be dealt with. Hypnosis is used in a variety of therapies, including weight loss, smoking cessation, addictions, self-esteem building, and even marriage counseling. Christian hypnosis aims to provide the same benefits for Christians but by removing the stigma of metaphysical involvement and demonstrating that the practice is only a tool to help the subject move closer to God and the power of prayer.
Many Christians avoid hypnotic therapy and meditation because of the stigma of the metaphysical. Because Christians believe that all things come from God and that only God has the power to heal, transform or rebirth the soul, there is a fear that opening the mind will allow evil to enter. Many Christian therapists believe differently. The belief is that hypnosis helps provide a form of meditation which has biblical roots, and opens people up to emotional healing and spiritual growth by allowing God to work in their hearts and mind.
Regardless of religious beliefs, people suffer from hurt, addiction, and imperfections that interfere with physical, emotional and spiritual health. In the Bible, Psalms 77:12 says, “I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” To meditate is simply to reflect, ponder, or consider at great length but without interference from the conscious mind. Many people have the ability to meditate on their own but oftentimes a hypnotic state is an easier path, especially for those new to self-awareness.
Rather than using hypnosis or meditation in a metaphysical sense, Christian hypnosis is used in conjunction with the belief and acceptance that God is willing and able to work in everyone’s life if they are only receptive to His presence and power. Christian hypnosis is not about the metaphysical, the occult or other pagan practices; it is simply about allowing the conscious mind to retreat so that subconscious issues can be identified and subsequently handed over to God.
People visit hypnotherapists for a number of reasons. Some people are dealing with repressed traumas or life issues that are impacting their ability to function happily. Others may suffer from psychological problems like anxiety, panic attacks or depression. Still others may need help overcoming addictions to gambling, alcohol, shopping, food or drugs. Some are battling low self esteem, weight loss or stress. The idea of Christian hypnosis is to make hypnotherapy a viable option for those who need help bringing their struggles to the forefront and subsequently seeking God’s help.
Anyone, Christian or not, who is interested in Christian hypnosis may be able to find a Christian hypnotherapist in their area, though some locations may not have a local therapist practicing Christian hypnosis. You might ask your pastor, minister or priest for information and referrals but you can also find a variety of self-help tools. Books, CDs and other material are available for use at home.
By eliminating the stigma of hypnosis as meddling with the metaphysical and accepting it as a simple science of the brain, it is easier to understand the basis of Christian hypnosis. The scientific facts of how the brain works and transmits information as well as how it also functions in two separate parts – the conscious and subconscious mind – are the basis of how we were made. As believers accepting that we have been made in God’s image, it is reasonable to accept that the science of the brain, while complicated to be sure, is not evil but rather a marvel of God’s ability to create the most complex and wonderful things.
Hypnosis can help people learn to relax and accept the ways in which God works, bringing with it spiritual strength, focused prayer and less stress, all of which means an improved physical, emotional and spiritual state of mind. Whether you are looking for a way to identify and focus on your struggles or simply to learn to practice peaceful prayer, hypnosis can be a beneficial tool to bring you to a better understanding of yourself and your relationship with God.
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