by Irene Hickman, D.O.
Hypnosis is an effective tool for looking into the human mind, exploring its facets, and determining its potential. Its increased use will undoubtedly reveal the answers to the questions as to who, what, and why we are and how our minds function. That these answers can be found by using non-directive methods — using questions rather than just suggestions — is one of the things I have leaned from patients in my thirty-seven years of using hypnosis with them. I have constantly been reminded, as I have worked with people from all backgrounds, that they know far more about themselves than I could ever know and that they can be led gently toward ever greater freedom from conflict, increased self-awareness, and enhanced creativity.
I am amazed at the ease and facility with which a hypnotized person is able to disclose facts that are totally unknown and unsuspected by the conscious mind. When hypnotized we appear to be able to tune in to a deep level that knows the nature, cause, and remedy for any problem. Such a subconscious level of wisdom far surpasses our usual consciousness. In this region or area it is possible to move through both time and space, recalling or reliving any event that may have contributed to or complicated a problem area. The term “subconscious” is probably more inclusive than customarily thought. I include all that area of mind that is below or beyond the level of conscious awareness. This area might also be spoken of as the soul. By whatever designation, it seems to me that here all our memories are stored, here our troubles originate, and here solutions can be found and problems resolved. Incidents dredged up may be from early childhood or from former lives.