How does hypnotherapy help you open to creativity?
Researchers have looked at physical changes in the bodies of subjects in numerous studies, but have found no significant physiological changes while in this hypnotic trance state. This is not really surprising, because the body is relaxed and slowed down during the process of hypnosis. However, when they looked at brain activity, the researchers noticed a change in the rhythms of electrical voltage by using an electroencephalograph (EEG) to measure the brain waves. Brain waves are different for the normal waking state than they are for deep sleep or a dreaming state. The EEGs from subjects in hypnosis were similar to those of the normal dreaming and sleep states. This corresponds with the theory that the conscious mind steps aside while another part of the mind (subconscious or unconscious) accepts the suggestions during hypnotherapy.
Researchers have also been looking at what is going on in the cerebral cortex of the brain during hypnosis. A noticed reduction in activity of the left hemisphere of the cortex and an increase of activity in the right has been documented with subjects while under hypnosis. Neurologists believe that the left hemisphere is the part of the brain that leads or controls logic, deduction, reasoning, and etc. The right hemisphere is the part of the cortex that regulates or leads imagination and creativity. This is important, for it supports the idea that the creative, right brain takes the lead during hypnosis from the restraining, left-brain. Therefore, researchers are leaning toward believing that hypnotherapy "opens the subconscious mind." (Hanks,T. "How Hypnosis Works")
Stage hypnotists say that subjects are a lot like kids under hypnosis. They are imaginative and playful. You have heard the stories of subjects getting onstage and acting like chickens or doing bizarre things. This may be because the subconscious mind feels free and creative. It lacks the inhibitions that the conscious mind has. Yet, it still will not go against the values of the person. Realize only the subjects that want to do these things accept the challenge. Sometimes the conscious mind prevents you from being creative. You think your painting is not good enough so you do not finish it or you should not try out for the play because everyone will laugh. Once the old thinking has changed through hypnotherapy… the thinking that reinforces the idea that you cannot be creative…and the real you is allowed to develop, who knows how creative you could be?!
There are many emotions, negative thoughts, and life situations that can get in the way of the creative process. Hypnosis can help with those such as the fear of failure, self-criticism, opening to the moment- fantasizing, becoming more relaxed and playful, being receptive to your intuition, following the flow of creativity, and more. "Hypnosis can serve to release, enhance, support, and encourage a person's inherent natural ability." (Hadley,J. & Staudacher, C., Hypnosis For Change).