How Hypnosis Can Help a Gymnast Improve Confidence

April 5, 2024 Barry Jones

What causes a gymnast to lose confidence and how hypnosis can remedy this:

1. Performance Anxiety

Every athlete goes through these emotions at some stage during their career. It typically gets easier as the gymnast matures and, like any other skill, learns how to integrate strategies to alleviate it If you under-perform in meets compared to how you perform in practice, then you most likely have performance anxiety. Fear of failure can cause many performance barriers for gymnasts. Gymnastics tends to be a perfectionist sport, so many gymnasts struggle with fear of failure. Instead of thinking about the actual performance, they become more focused on the outcome, and what score their performance will receive. To overcome performance anxiety, you want to first understand the underlying fear. Whether it’s a need for approval, perfectionism, or fear of embarrassment, you need to address that specific issue.

How Hypnosis Can Help

During hypnosis, the subconscious mind is open to accessing information. Defining the issue leads to developing the strategy to address it. The relaxation response created by hypnosis can be profound and replace anxiety with excitement and confidence. Not only can the gymnast feel this during the hypnotherapy session, but they can quickly learn how to induce this state rapidly prior to a performance.

2. Self-made limitations or blockages

A mental block on one skill can quickly spiral into a loss of confidence. It can create a fear that can spread to more than just the skill in question, but to an entire group of skills, such as any backwards skill, for example. Mental blocks are a type of fear that usually comes from one of two different causes – your brain keeping you safe from danger through a primitive response known as fight-or-flight, or your mind being afraid of the unknown or what might happen. Unfortunately, sometimes your brain cannot recognize when a threat poses a real danger versus when the threat can be used as a learning experience. For example, when you are trying to perform a skill in gymnastics that your body perceives as a threat, your fight-or-flight response might kick in. This is a prevalent emotion after coming back to practice from an injury. If the mental block is the result of the fight-or-flight response kicking into overdrive, how can we stop this response from happening? To get past a mental block and perform the skill in question, we make it clear to our brain that the threat is no longer there.

How Hypnosis Can Help

Using hypnosis/imagery techniques can “trick” your brain into believing your body can do something. When you feel stuck and are unable to perform a skill you once could perform, one of the best ways to get past this is to spend time re-imagining yourself performing the skill you’re struggling with. See yourself going through each of the motions of your skill in slow motion. Make it as realistic as possible. What sounds do you hear? What does the gym smell like? How do your muscles feel? The more details you can add to your imagery, the more likely you are to convince your brain that you can do the skill again. During hypnosis you can do your routine successfully as many times as you like. Not only are your neural pathways stimulated as though you are currently performing, but your limitations, blockages, and self-doubt dissolve. Hypnosis can have a profoundly positive effect on the gymnast’s general wellbeing. Hypnosis creates a conducive environment for suggestibility. The hypnotist creates a dialogue of suggestions, rich in positively embellished detail and emotion, for using during the suggestible state. For example, those suggestions may include memories of achieving short- and long-term goals or reflecting on prior challenges—and how the gymnast vanquished those difficult and seemingly unobtainable goals. My work is to constantly find small opportunities to build confidence. I build in the memories of the positive interaction with teammates and coaches, with an emphasis on self-focus, and not on comparison with others.

Hypnotherapy Accreditation In The USA?

November 2, 2020 Barry Jones

In America, hypnosis is an unregulated profession and there is no accreditation.

I read an article by a hypnotherapy school that said, “You don’t need a license, you just need to meet certain criteria.” There is NO criteria!

Only three States require registration, but anybody can do that as long as you pay the fee.

Similar in the UK, there are many “accredited” schools, and also an abundance of minefields to go through to find a course that meets your needs. If you can pay, you can take a course!

Your best alternative is to go through a professional organization.

Here are three I would suggest:

Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis www.sceh.us
American Society of Clinical Hypnosis www.asch.net
American Board of Medical Hypnosis

Also, look into: Hypnosis/Dental Hypnosis/Psychological Hypnosis and Social Work Hypnosis/Nursing

The Absence of Hypnosis Accreditation in the USA: An In-Depth Analysis

Introduction

Hypnosis, a practice often associated with therapeutic and entertainment purposes, has long been a subject of intrigue and skepticism. Despite its widespread use and historical significance, hypnosis lacks formal accreditation in the United States. This absence of standardized accreditation can be attributed to several factors, including the diverse definitions of hypnosis, varying state regulations, the interdisciplinary nature of the field, and ongoing debates about its scientific validity.

Historical Context and Definitions

The history of hypnosis dates back centuries, with roots in ancient practices such as mesmerism. Over time, it evolved into a more structured form used for both medical and psychological purposes. However, one of the primary challenges in establishing accreditation is the lack of a universally accepted definition of hypnosis. According to The Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis (Oxford University Press), hypnosis is described as a "state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion." This broad definition allows for multiple interpretations and applications across different fields.

Regulatory Challenges

In the United States, professional regulation typically falls under state jurisdiction rather than federal oversight. This decentralized approach results in significant variations in how hypnosis is perceived and regulated across states. Some states may require practitioners to hold specific licenses or certifications related to psychology or medicine before practicing hypnosis, while others have no such requirements. The lack of uniformity complicates efforts to establish national accreditation standards.

Moreover, as highlighted in Hypnotherapy: A Handbook (Routledge), many states do not recognize hypnotherapy as a distinct profession but rather as a technique that can be employed by licensed professionals such as psychologists or counselors. This further diminishes the impetus for creating a separate accrediting body specifically for hypnosis.

Interdisciplinary Nature

Hypnosis intersects with various disciplines including psychology, psychiatry, medicine, and even entertainment. Each discipline may employ hypnosis differently based on its objectives—therapeutic intervention versus performance art—leading to divergent standards and expectations. The interdisciplinary nature makes it challenging to develop a cohesive framework for accreditation that satisfies all stakeholders involved.

For instance, clinical psychologists might focus on evidence-based therapeutic outcomes when using hypnosis for treating conditions like anxiety or pain management (American Psychological Association Dictionary). In contrast, stage hypnotists prioritize audience engagement without necessarily adhering to scientific rigor. These differing priorities hinder consensus on what constitutes appropriate training or ethical practice standards.

Scientific Validity Debates

Another critical factor contributing to the absence of formal accreditation is ongoing debate regarding the scientific validity and efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment modality. While numerous studies suggest potential benefits (International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis), skeptics argue that placebo effects or suggestibility could account for observed outcomes rather than any intrinsic properties unique to hypnotic states themselves.

This controversy affects perceptions within academic circles where empirical evidence serves as foundational criteria for legitimizing practices through accreditation processes (Encyclopedia Britannica). Until consensus emerges around robust methodologies demonstrating consistent efficacy across diverse populations under controlled conditions—similar hurdles faced by complementary therapies like acupuncture—the path toward standardized accreditation remains fraught with obstacles.

The Need for Standardized Accreditation

To address these challenges effectively, establishing a standardized accreditation system for hypnosis practitioners in the U.S. is essential. Such a system would help ensure that all practicing hypnotists meet specific educational requirements and adhere to ethical guidelines5. Accreditation could also enhance public trust in hypnosis as a legitimate therapeutic option by providing clear criteria for evaluating practitioner qualifications.

Moreover, an accredited framework would facilitate collaboration between hypnotists and other healthcare professionals by creating common ground regarding treatment approaches and methodologies6. This integration could lead to more comprehensive care models where hypnosis is recognized as an adjunctive therapy within conventional medical practices.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

The absence of hypnosis accreditation in the USA presents significant barriers to both practitioners and patients alike. Establishing a formalized accreditation process would not only elevate professional standards but also enhance patient safety and confidence in hypnotherapy as an effective treatment modality. As research continues to support the efficacy of hypnosis across various clinical contexts7, it becomes increasingly imperative that stakeholders advocate for regulatory measures that promote quality education and ethical practice within this evolving field.

By addressing these issues through standardized accreditation efforts, we can pave the way for greater acceptance and utilization of hypnosis in mainstream healthcare settings.

If you want to learn hypnosis, find like-minded minded people. Facebook has an abundance of forums you can join. Get involved with Skype/Zoom practical sessions and read! The only way to become good at hypnosis is by doing it. Once you become proficient, then decide if a course is worth the investment. So many are padded with irrelevant information and redundant techniques. KIS (Keep It Simple).

Hypnosis: What we know!

October 21, 2020 Barry Jones

FOR ONLINE HYPNOTHERAPY CERTIFICATION GO TO MY BLOG

Some people are more hypnotically gifted than others. We still do not know the reason why, but scientific research is getting us closer.

A landmark study by Dr. David Spiegel, and colleagues, found a distinctive signature in the brain when a patient has undergone hypnosis. Functional and structural MRI scans of the brains were performed on 12 adults with high hypnotisability and 12 adults with low hypnotisability.

“Our results provide novel evidence that altered functional connectivity in the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex may underlie hypnotisability.” Spiegel also said the work confirms that hypnotisability is less about personality variables and more about cognitive style. “Here we are seeing a neural trait.”

I have calculated my own hours in the field of hypnosis: in 35+ years, I hypnotized well over 100,000 people. As a result, I have become acutely aware of the subtleties and nuances for successful outcomes in hypnotized subjects.

My experience of how people relate to hypnosis:

To a degree, everybody can be hypnotised
Success is primarily based on the facilitator
Even those with low levels of hypnotisability can improve their ability
Those who say they cannot be hypnotised typically have a high desire to experience it
Most people’s fear of participating is about the loss of control and revealing personal information
Every research article has limitations, hypnosis has them in abundance

Understanding Hypnosis: An Academic Exploration

Hypnosis, a state of focused attention, heightened suggestibility, and deep relaxation, has intrigued scholars and practitioners for centuries. Despite its long history and widespread use in therapeutic settings, hypnosis remains a subject of debate and curiosity within the scientific community. This article delves into the intricacies of hypnosis, exploring its definitions, mechanisms, applications, and controversies through an academic lens.

Defining Hypnosis

The term "hypnosis" is derived from the Greek word "hypnos," meaning sleep. However, hypnosis is distinct from sleep; it is a trance-like state where individuals experience increased focus and concentration. According to The Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis, hypnosis can be described as a psychological condition involving focused attention, reduced peripheral awareness, and an enhanced capacity to respond to suggestion (The Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis).

Mechanisms of Hypnosis

Understanding the mechanisms underlying hypnosis involves examining both psychological and neurological perspectives. From a psychological standpoint, theories such as dissociation theory suggest that hypnosis involves a division of consciousness where certain cognitive processes are compartmentalized (Hilgard's Theory). Alternatively, social-cognitive theories propose that hypnotic phenomena result from individuals' expectations and social interactions during the hypnotic process.

Neurologically, advancements in brain imaging techniques have provided insights into how hypnosis affects brain activity. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have shown changes in brain regions associated with attention, perception, and emotion regulation during hypnosis (Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience). These findings suggest that hypnosis may alter neural pathways involved in processing sensory information and emotional responses.

Applications of Hypnosis

Hypnosis has been applied across various fields including medicine, psychology, dentistry, and even sports performance enhancement. In clinical settings, hypnotherapy is used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety disorders, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The efficacy of hypnotherapy often depends on the individual's susceptibility to hypnotic suggestion—a trait known as hypnotizability.

In pain management specifically, research published in Pain journal indicates that hypnosis can significantly reduce pain perception by altering patients' subjective experiences of pain without affecting physiological measures like heart rate or blood pressure (Pain Journal). Furthermore, dental practitioners utilize hypnosis to alleviate dental anxiety and manage procedural discomfort.

Controversies Surrounding Hypnosis

Despite its applications and growing body of research supporting its efficacy in certain contexts, hypnosis remains controversial. One major point of contention is the variability in individual susceptibility to hypnosis—only about 10-15% of people are considered highly susceptible, while others may not respond at all (American Psychological Association).

Additionally, ethical concerns arise regarding the potential for misuse or manipulation through hypnotic suggestion. Critics argue that false memories could be implanted during hypnotherapy sessions, leading to legal implications, especially in forensic contexts (Forensic Psychology).

Moreover, skeptics question whether hypnotic states are genuinely distinct from normal waking consciousness or merely represent heightened states of suggestibility akin to placebo effects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while significant strides have been made towards understanding hypnosis scientifically over recent decades, particularly through neuroimaging studies, many aspects remain enigmatic due largely due its subjective nature coupled with individual differences among subjects undergoing hypnotic induction procedures. Nevertheless, continued exploration into this fascinating phenomenon promises further insights into human cognition and consciousness itself, potentially unlocking new therapeutic avenues along the way.

The Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis. Edited by Michael R. Nash & Amanda J. Barnier. Oxford University Press. (Print)
Hilgard's Theory on Dissociation - Referenced within The Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis. (Print)
Journal Article: "Neural Correlates Of Hypnotic States" - Journal Of Cognitive Neuroscience. MIT Press Journals (Academic Journal)
Article: "Hypnotic Analgesia And Pain Management" - Pain Journal. Elsevier (Academic Journal)
American Psychological Association Guidelines On Hypnotizability - APA Publications (Reference Publication)