The trance state is a natural condition that affects an individual’s emotional, mental, and physical processes. A trance state can be experienced as part of the hypnosis process or as an independent state. It is a natural state that allows the individual to get in touch with their inner resources and thus bring about fundamental changes.
The trance state is characterized by various trance phenomena and basically combines relaxation with concentration and focus. This makes things possible that would have been unattainable without trance.
Furthermore, trance takes us into the world of the unconscious, which acts as a kind of inner director within us. So we can make contact with that part of ourselves that otherwise remains hidden from the conscious mind.
That might sound a bit out there, but everyone knows trance states from everyday life.
This article covers the different aspects of the trance state, how to recognize it, and possible applications to solve problems and make good things even better.
What is a trance state?
A trance state is a state of consciousness in which the unconscious outweighs the conscious mind. A trance is not the same as sleep, primarily because the conscious mind is usually still present. It is also different from the waking state, because the conscious part is in the minority.
Basically, we can describe the trance state as something between awake and asleep. Naturally, there is a broad spectrum of possibilities here.
In my work with hypnosis, most of my clients notice a distinct difference from being awake, but they are still “there”.
How do trance states arise?
Trance states can be triggered by various methods like music, movement, and above all, hypnosis. What feels hypnotic to us varies. Just as different people like different music, they also like different ways of going into a trance. I generally say that anything that can put us into a trance state can be “hypnotic”. The important thing here is that the unconscious is addressed more than the conscious mind.
You can, of course, put yourself into a trance state, especially with enough practice. Whether it’s meditation or self-hypnosis, many roads lead to trance. For beginners, however, outside support is often very helpful.
The suggestions and atmosphere created by the hypnotist help you enter a trance state. Everyone can reach a trance state; the only question is: How?
How do you know you are in a trance?
We can notice trance states primarily through the presence of trance phenomena. If trance phenomena are there, then a trance is also present, even if your subjective feeling hasn’t changed.
To tell if you are in a trance, you can look out for the following trance phenomena:
Ideomotor responses
Unconscious twitching, which is sometimes as strong as the jerk before falling asleep and sometimes as gentle as a twitch of the nostrils or eyebrows
Hallucinations
Seeing what isn’t there or not seeing what is there. Familiar from daydreaming
Time distortion
Time feels very short or very long. Familiar from driving or math classes
Catalepsy
Freezing of body parts, sometimes also showing up as a form of being blocked
Dissociation
“Spacing out” in varying degrees. Familiar from drifting off during conversations, watching TV, etc.
Trance phenomena that indicate a trance
Falling into a trance?
The expression “falling into a trance” is quite misleading. It suggests the image of a hole or a trap that you fall into. In reality, however, trance is almost always pleasant, and in more than ten years of working with trance, no one has ever fallen.
Body tension is also maintained by almost all of my clients, even in deep trance states. The slumping or falling over, which is probably where the term comes from, is by no means normal in hypnotic trance. That is mainly for show purposes and rarely happens in hypnotherapy, for example.
Applications of trance states
Trance states can be used in various ways. One possibility is therapeutic application, such as hypnotherapy. In a trance, a person can dive deep into their own psyche and heal emotional wounds.
Furthermore, there are spiritual applications, like shamanic practices, which are about gaining insights and visions.
Finally, creative applications are in focus, including music or certain drugs that lead to a flow experience.
Trance states thus enable communication with the subconscious and access to untapped knowledge. They are a powerful tool for understanding behavior and feelings, as well as gaining new insights about people.
Risks and limits of trance states
Trance states can be used as a therapeutic measure to resolve inner conflicts and overcome emotional problems. However, there can be risks that must be considered.
Trance states are something helpful and pleasant for almost everyone. However, there are certain exceptions. For instance, it is not exactly recommended to create a trance state in the classical sense with people who suffer from schizophrenia. We usually have to bring them out of a trance instead.
Caution is also advised with trance for people with severe trauma. Often, a regression to the traumatic event occurs, from which they cannot easily pull themselves out again.
It is important that the hypnotist has sufficient knowledge and is able to accurately assess the limits of their abilities. If trance states are not applied correctly, negative effects on the patient’s psyche can result.
Trance from a hypnotic perspective
Trance from a hypnotic perspective is a very important aspect of hypnotherapy, as it allows people to get in touch with the unconscious. In a trance-like state, the client is in a kind of “transition zone” that allows them to shift mentally and emotionally from one state to another. Through this shift, the client can gain new insights about themselves and their inner resources. In a trance, you are also more receptive to suggestions and ideas, which makes the therapy more effective than therapeutic methods without the use of trance states.
The hypnotherapist can use this to help the client solve problems or make good things even better. So you can say that trance is one of the most effective tools in hypnotherapy and has many positive effects.
Conclusion
Trance states are a complex psychophysiological phenomenon made up of various factors. It is a state of concentration and expanded perception in which you can go beyond your normal limits. Hypnotists use trance states to help their clients relax better and release inner blockages.
When applied correctly, trance states can offer many benefits; however, a certain degree of caution is required with heavy topics and experiences.
