Conscious and unconscious - two sides of the same mind
Milton Erickson, one of the most renowned hypnotherapists of the 20th century, once said that our conscious mind is clever - really clever - but it is our unconscious mind that carries the real wisdom. It is in this part of the mind that lies the power for change that hypnotherapy is able to address and activate.
That's why in hypnotherapy we work not only with rational understanding and will, but above all with the unconscious - that silent but powerful part of our inner self that guides our habits, choices and emotional responses.
Why will and awareness are often not enough
When people try to change a habit or behavioural pattern, they often rely on conscious attempts: listening to recordings for weeks on end, writing diaries, making lists, recording behaviour, using apps, nicotine patches or e-cigarettes. Some even help themselves with bitter nail polish or other external aids.
While such approaches seem logical and sensible, their impact is usually short-lived. This is also why many people repeat the same experiments over and over again, without lasting success. Consciousness itself simply does not have the strength to sustain change when the unconscious is still holding on to old patterns in the background.
The path to change through the unconscious
Hypnotherapy offers a different way - it does not require lengthy homework, strict discipline or external aids. Instead, it gives access to the inner resources of the person, to his wisdom stored in the unconscious.
When change happens at this level, there is no longer a need for coercion or constant vigilance, as the new patterns become part of one's inner reality.