Hypnosis Just May Be The Right Answer For Test/Exam Taking Anxiety
The decision to turn a life-long interest into a career in massage therapy seemed only natural to Bob. He had always worked well with his hands, and all his friends said that he gave the best back rubs around. Yet, once in massage therapy school, Bob’s dream became a nightmare. As his courses progressed, Bob found that the large amount of memorization required to pass the tests was becoming more and more challenging for him. He saw his dream slipping away as he fought harder to master the material while his grades, nonetheless, were increasingly dropping. He knew he had to do something fast.
Bob’s friend, also a massage therapist, shared an office with a Hypnotherapist. He suggested that Bob try hypnosis for test taking anxiety. Bob agreed to give it a try.
Bob didn’t know what to expect during his first visit but the Hypnotherapist quickly put him at ease and explained the process of hypnotic suggestion. She answered all his questions and put to rest any concerns that he had about “losing control.” She told him that he would, in fact, be in control of the process at all times. She explained that she would simply help him to obtain a state of deep relaxation from which he could awake himself at any time if necessary. While in this altered state of awareness Bob’s innermost (subconscious) mind would be more available to listen to and accept any suggestions or ideas that he perceived to be useful or helpful. His mind would automatically reject any suggestions that went against his own values and beliefs.
Relaxing in a recliner, Bob quickly entered a state of light hypnosis while listening to the soothing voice of the Hypnotherapist instructing him to release tension from every part of his body, bit by bit. After a few minutes of deep relaxation Bob was ready to receive the mental suggestions that he knew would end his problems with memorization and test anxiety.
The Hypnotherapist had Bob mentally visualize himself in his study area, imagining his desk, books, papers, and even any beverages and snacks he would normally have on hand while he studied. Once fully “there” in the scene, the Hypnotherapist had Bob re-experience his study habits, suggesting that his mind would be relaxed and receptive and that he would remember fully and easily the information that he read or studied.
As Bob re-experienced each phase of his study routine: reading over notes, repeating information out loud, even taking his rest breaks; the Hypnotherapist repeatedly stressed that he was fully retaining all the information easily and effortlessly. The Hypnotherapist further instructed Bob that when a question about the material that he was studying was put to him, either verbally or on a test, his mind would immediately bring the information up to a conscious level, making it instantly available for full recall. He was instructed to envision himself in class taking tests, imagine himself relaxed, confident, and feeling great as he confidently answered all of the questions easily and effortlessly. The he was fast forwarded to receiving the positive results of the exam. He passed. With that knowledge he was led to feel the feelings of excitement and great self-esteem as well as see himself being congratulated by his classmates and hearing the positive words of his teacher. He was in his own win-win situation.
Once Bob fully imagined his success, he was more certain about his ability to make his mental program a physical reality. With a few follow-up visits and a recording for reinforcement he passed his test with flying colors.
Bob’s dream did come true. He graduated in th top of his massage therapy class, thanks to Hypnosis and to following his friend’s advice.
If you or someone you know suffers from test-taking anxiety or trouble studying and memorization, Hypnosis may just be the right answer.
Maximum Power,
Dr. Dave Hill, DCH
Website: http://www.drdavehill.com
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
-Walt Disney
