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Why do you hypnotise sailors?
Hypnosis allows me to reach the subconscious mind, with which I can communicate in order to identify and interpret the cause of seasickness. This is often a protective function of the subconscious that wants to protect you from supposedly dangerous waves and therefore signals danger in the form of nausea.
Isn't it rather a hindrance to have a sleepwalking crew on board?
First of all, I have to dispel a prejudice: the candidates are not asleep during hypnosis. Rather, they are in a trance-like state of maximum relaxation, just like shortly before falling asleep. And of course, a session like this doesn't take place on the water, but on land or at anchor.
What does a session with you look like?
Firstly, there is an introductory meeting to see whether the chemistry is right and whether the person is willing to fully commit to it - their own motivation is very important. This is followed by an analysis meeting to find out how the seasickness manifests itself, when it occurs and what thoughts arise. Then I make a note of how I would like it to feel in the future. And then the actual hypnosis begins.
And what exactly is happening?
After reaching the trance state, we embark on a mental sea voyage. The candidate remains the determining captain the whole time, while I take on the role of the counselling navigator. We pacify a past stressful situation in order to anchor this moment of relaxation in the subconscious in a future situation. In this way, dangerous waves turned into cheeky, friendly chatterboxes in one candidate.
That sounds a bit like esoteric mumbo-jumbo ...
Contrary to expectations, as a carpenter and architect, I'm a rock-solid guy. (Laughs) But my husband is also rather sceptical. However, he was once so nauseous while sailing that he asked for a hypnosis session in his distress. We then tried it in the next anchorage, and although he couldn't commit to it 100 per cent - he hasn't been seasick since.
Have you ever been seasick and hypnotised yourself?
Yes, I've had it too. Self-hypnosis is theoretically possible, but it's very difficult to concentrate on the process and content at the same time. I therefore try to build up trust in the waves and mentally dance along.
There are various approaches to seasickness - why should people confide in you?
I don't want to claim that hypnosis is right for everyone. For problems of a physical nature, the mental work of hypnosis can't do that much. In the case of an emotional blockage, my approach is the right one, as I go to the source and resolve the problem there. There are no side effects like with medication.
About Silvia Schwarz
The 49-year-old from Stralsund is an enthusiastic sailor and owner of a Dehler 31. She has been offering maritime mental training for two years, including hypnosis, coaching and conflict management.
