Self-Actualization through Hypnosis
Every human being, psychologists claim, has an
ultimate goal. The goal may be maintained in the subconscious mind, but it is nonetheless a final objective. And
it is the same for all people, regardless of race, creed, nationality or even physical condition.
The ultimate goal for each individual is
Self-Actualization: achieving what sports people call a "personal best." Regardless of background, education, financial
standing or other factors, every individual is subconsciously induced to move onward and upward, to be the best possible
in reaction to beliefs and values.
Progress Toward the Ultimate Goal
Is affected by experiential factors - the hand of cards
dealt out by heredity, opportunity and life in general. There are three factors essential to positive progress: self-esteem,
confidence and motivation. During the course of a lifetime, virtually everyone experiences problems involving one or
more of these elesments.
Resolving such problems is one of the most important
and valuable capabilities of hypnotherapy.
Self-Esteem through Hypnotherapy
High self-esteem is a basic essential of success.
Low self-esteem, however, does not suddenly appear, like the symptom of an illness. It develops, like a cancer, usually
unnoticed in early stages, but spreading slowly throughout the mind until, when recognized, it may be full-blown, demoralizingly
destructive and possibly even terminal.
Low self-esteem actually must be dealt with before
progress can be achieved in building self-confidence and creating motivation. It is difficult for a person to show confidence
when he views himself as low man on his own totem pole.
Hypnosis helping with Negative Programming
While poor self-esteem can emanate from events which
might be considered personal setbacks (in business, relationships, health, etc.) , the primary cause is negative programming
from th past. It might be a product of judgmental parents, teacher,authority figures, relatives, or friends. Many
times derogatory comments, ridicule, relentless criticism and similar factors ignore commendable achievements and simply focus
on accentuate the negative.
Frequently these events, hurts, or negative valuations
are absorbed by and buried in subconscious memory, with the victim totally unaware of th sources of troubled feelings, fears,
self-doubt and damaging attitudes.
The Subconscious is the Storehouse of all Memory
We know that the subconscious mind is the storage house of memory. Through hypnotherapy it is
possible to set aside the conscious mind, seek, locate and uncover the detrimental memories which are adversely affecting
the personality, and in bringing the problems to light and understanding, accomplish a resolution which can free the client
from the past and open th doors to future progress and achievement.
Confidence
The establishment of self-confidence must follow the
dispostiton of past negative programming - eliminating from self-perception any labels such as bad, wrong, stupid, clumsy,
dumb, inept, untalented, ignorant, etc. Hypnosis can become th source of self-discovery - revealing unrecognized capabilities
that lead to an acceptance of valid self-worth.
The procedures for developing self-confidence may vary
considerably, depending on th depth and origins of the problem. In milder cases, working out problems of self-esteem
may be followed by programming which utilizes visualization, creating in the mind pictures of success, confidence and appropriate
abilities. Enhancing suggestions given in hypnotherapy can be absorbed and accepted, leading to attitude modification
and positive demonstrations of newly acquired self-assurance.
Parts Therapy
In more complex cases where depression is a factor,
the hypnotherapist may elect to use the techniques of parts therapy or the removal of fears to free up behavior and reduce
negative internal judgments so that positive self-feelings and confidence can develop in a natural way.
Longer terms results can be significant. Mood
and energy levels increase, compulsive and psychosomatic symptoms fade, emotions become understood, clients move toward self-direction
and greater interpersonal involvement. Self-degrogation is reduced and positive feelings about life's possibilities
develop.
Motivation
With self-esteem and confidence enhanced, improved
motivation comes into the spotlight. Psychologist Abraham Maslow defined five levels at which people are motivated:
Psychological - food, drink, sleep, sex; Safety - protection, freedom from fear, order; Belongingness - love,
social contact, family, friends; Esteem - self-respect, need to be valued; Self-actualization - the need to grow,
to achieve one's potential.
Essential to generating positive motivation is elimination
of any fear of failure(or its often hidden counterpart, fear of success). First, it is important to recognize motivations
and subsequent to successes of the past. Second, a sense of direction is needed. (Where am I going?) Then
comes the all important factor of "goal-setting." Not the ultimate goal, but a short term, quickly achievable goal -
a first step to provide convincing proof that forward movement is established. Finally, on achievement of this goal,
self-reward. This constitutes self-recogntion, a powerful motivating factor. This reward may be a self-treat,
or the pride of achievement and self-satisfaction. The lesson learned will be lasting.
Success Breeds Success!
The purpose of establishing short-term, successive
goals is important to understand. A small success generates additional confidence. It creates a sense of completion,
readiness and eagerness for the next step. The end result: MOTIVATION!
