Sports Performance Hypnosis

Sports Performance Hypnosis

Hypnosis is simply a focused state of awareness. It is created by mental and physical changes, such as relaxation, deep, slow breathing, and identifiable changes of activity in certain areas of the brain.  When we enter this altered state of consciousness, we allow for greater access to our unconscious thoughts, memories, and emotions. The information we receive during hypnotherapy is then able to bypass the critical mind, aiding our ability to make difficult changes. 

Sports Performance Hypnosis has been utilized to improve a variety of challenges. It has been a tool for overcoming fear of success and fear of failure, improving confidence, mental focus, and visualization of desired outcomes. Some have used hypnosis to return to their game after an injury, while others use it to enter “flow” more consistently. There are endless goals that sports performance hypnosis can help you achieve. 

Many of the world’s most accomplished performers, athletes, public figures, artists, competitive sports enthusiasts, military personnel, and others in high-pressure settings have employed the tools of hypnosis. Considered the greatest dynasty in sports history with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippin, Dennis Rodman, and legendary coach, Phil Jackson, the 90’s Chicago Bulls included hypnotherapy in their training regimen. Tiger Woods has used hypnosis to eliminate distractions and consistently enter the zone. Mike Tyson was hypnotized before each fight. David Beckham turned to hypnotherapy during a period of personal hardship. Princess Diana used hypnosis to overcome her fear of public speaking. 18-time grammy-winner, Adele, overcame her stage fright with hypnotherapy.

What To Expect During Your First Session

Your first appointment will last approximately 90 minutes and will begin with a 30-minute consultation. During this time, the therapist will gather information about you, the sport you play, your current challenges, and your goals for hypnotherapy. The therapist will ask some basic questions to determine how your brain processes information and makes decisions, specifically, how you visualize and interpret language. This is referred to as your “suggestibility” type and will help the therapist customize the treatment to best fit your needs. 

During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have. This time is designed to help you become educated on hypnotherapy and feel as comfortable as possible with the process. The hypnotherapist will also determine if you are an appropriate candidate for hypnotherapy during this time.

Once the consultation process is complete, your first hypnosis session will begin! You can expect to feel deeply relaxed throughout the session and well-rested upon awakening. You will be aware of what is happening around you and will have complete control over your thoughts and actions the entire time.   

Please feel free to dress in casual clothing and even bring your favorite blanket with you to session. The more comfortable you feel, the better your experience will be. 

All Subsequent Sessions

All sessions following your first visit will last approximately 60 minutes. The more experience you have with hypnosis, the easier it will become for you to enter a hypnotic state. Everyone responds to the suggestions of the therapist differently. Therefore, the amount of time required to help you reach the state of hypnosis (referred to as the induction phase) versus the amount of time spent in actual hypnosis will vary from person to person. 

Young baseball player

Each visit will begin with a brief discussion to examine your goals for that session and how you responded to the last. It is the therapist’s priority to understand exactly what you want to accomplish so that the session may be customized to achieve your unique goals. 

The number of sessions required to achieve desired results greatly depends upon the individual. While some clients may respond to the suggestions rapidly, others may need a few sessions before they begin making the necessary changes. Some clients have one simple goal they want to work on while others have multiple challenges they would like to address. Some athletes who experience success like to return to hypnosis for “tune ups” right before major competitive events. Others like to utilize hypnosis as a “maintenance” tool as they progress in their career, providing insurance that they are continuing to grow and not digress. 

 

Common Misconceptions about Hypnotherapy

#1: The Hypnotherapist will be able to control my mind.

This is one of the greatest misconceptions regarding hypnotherapy. Your Hypnotherapist will only provide the suggestions that you stated you wanted during your consultation. At no point during your session will you lose control over your thoughts or actions. Your subconscious mind will automatically reject any suggestions that you do not want to believe or accept. 

#2: The hypnotherapist will be able to make me do or say embarrassing things.

No one can make you say or do anything you do not want to while you are in a state of hypnosis. Additionally, Sports Performance Hypnotherapists are solely focused on your process of self improvement. This is very different from a stage hypnotist whose goal is to create entertainment, which is where this misconception comes from. 

#3: I may not be able to come out of the hypnotic state.

Hypnosis is incredibly safe and you have the power to enter or exit states of hypnosis on your own. At any time, a person can naturally come out of the hypnotic state by opening their eyes and stretching or speaking.

#4: I have never been in hypnosis.

We naturally enter a state of hypnosis at least twice every day, as we fall asleep at night and upon waking every morning. We also enter ‘Environmental Hypnosis’ throughout our day while engaging in certain activities, such as watching TV, driving on the highway, or while reading a good book.

#5: I am too stubborn and in need of control to be hypnotized. 

While it was once believed that only certain types of people are capable of being hypnotized, Dr. John Kappas developed methods to induce hypnosis in 100% of the population he worked with. Our therapist received her sports performance hypnosis certification from the institution founded by Dr. John Kappas and employs his methods for induction. 

Please contact Aubrey Koel, at aubrey@torus-therapy.com to schedule an appointment or hear about session pricing.