How hypnosis can help Introverts?

In this blog post, I will explore how hypnosis can be a great tool for introverts to help manage some of the typical challenges we experience. While there are many misconceptions around hypnosis, I would like to highlight how hypnosis in fact is a very useful tool and practice that can enable us to reach our full potential.

On our journey to become our best, introverted self, we may face challenges. This is natural, and typical to our growth. Us, Introverts often experience heightened stress related to social situations, or even some level of social anxiety (intense fear of social situations where one worries about being judged, embarrassed, or rejected). We may have the tendency to overthink and become too judgemental towards ourselves leading to a lower self-esteem and self-confidence (thinking we are not good enough). Generally for many of us, social interactions can become overly draining and exhausting. Lastly, many of us may be afraid of public speaking, networking, or just putting themselves out in the spotlight.

Many of us, Introverts may struggle with them. It is reassuring that there are resources and tools, such as hypnosis out there, that can help us reduce the negative effects of these challenges.

 What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and focused attention in which the mind becomes more open to positive suggestions and behavioural changes. During a hypnosis or hypnotherapy, the client is guided into a relaxed but focused state where the hypnotherapist gives suggestions in order to reframe negative thoughts, build confidence, break behavioural patterns or address specific concerns. The client remains in control throughout the session and afterwards feels relaxed and refreshed. Hypnosis in fact is very similar to a guided meditation, except, it uses very targeted techniques to reach the focused attention state and enable the suggestions to build into the subconscious mind in the most effective way.

How hypnosis can help Introverts?

Hypnosis can be used to manage and reduce many of the negative beliefs and stresses an introvert may have related to social interactions, being in the spotlight, and managing energy levels. Here are some examples:

• Reducing social anxiety: with hypnosis, an introvert can gradually learn to overcome and mitigate their stress level that normally occurs in social interactions. It enables them to be more relaxed and present in the moment when being surrounded by people.

• Enhancing self-confidence: through hypnosis, many positive reaffirmation can be suggested that reframes one thinking about themselves and ultimately create a more positive self-image. Out of this positive self-image, lot of reinforcing behaviours emerge, such as speaking up, being calm, being more attentive, showing more charisma.

• Improve communicational skills: a typical introvert may dislike and try to avoid having to speak up publicly, or giving presentations. Through hypnosis, the fear of public speaking can be reduced and a calm, more collected state of mind achieved that results in a better public speaking performance.

• Managing energy levels: Hypnosis can also help to trigger a more efficient energy management, leading to getting drained less in social interactions and recharging in a faster pace through deep relaxation.

How to get started with hypnosis?

I am fascinated by the potential hypnosis has to improve the wellbeing, happiness and life satisfaction of introverts. Hence, I've been training to become a hypnotherapist. Working with a hypnotherapist is a great way to experience its benefits in an effective way. Of course, nowadays a lot of resources are available online, e.g. Youtube videos, recordings, even guides to practice self-hypnosis. Depending on your goals, challenges, aim to improve over what timeframe, you can choose either. Nevertheless, working with a hypnotherapist will enable you a safe and effective environment to address your goals and get support.

Reference

Cain, S. (2012). Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. Crown Publishing Group.

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). “Hypnosis: What it is and how it works.” Retrieved from www.mayoclinic.org

Hammond, D. C. (2010). Handbook of Hypnotic Suggestions and Metaphors. W. W. Norton & Company.