Behaviors with Hypnosis

Introduction

Within the following pages a simple theory of behaviors is presented. Then, the way advanced hypnosis techniques can be used to modify these behaviors. There are many related studies making use of fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Neural Pathways

The foundation of the work involved with modifying habits involves the creation and reinforcement of neural pathways.

Once these pathways are created and reinforced, they can be 'triggered'. When a pathway is triggered, it tends to function and proceed automatically. Depending on how the behaviors are formed, and what type reinforcement they have had, they can be very strong and difficult to change.

Behaviors, Habits and Beliefs

Think about a simple habit, like locking the door to your car, it is an automatic function. You do not consciously think about doing it. It happens automatically. It is a dominant neural pathway generally created with repetition. Many people could change this habit with time, motivation and repitition. Some People that may have had a traumatic emotional experience around locking thier door, such as being followed to their car by a stranger, would likely have a more difficult time changing this behavior. Their neural pathway was created with strong emotion and reinforced by repetition. They would be trying to change a dominant neural pathway with a strong emotional association.

The dynamic of working 'against' one's own mind is seen everyday. People fighting to change common habits, like smoking or weight, know what this feels like. People that struggle with the relatively more serious issues, such as PTSD and depression, can also experience this. The information on this site will clarify what the sense of struggle consists of.