The Modern Mind: The Unconscious (Subconscious) Debate

By Barrie St John

Many older, more traditional therapists use the term ‘subconscious’ because that is how Sigmund Freud originally introduced it. For me, the term is simply outdated. “Sub” lends itself to the belief that it is small, or somehow less important than the conscious part of the mind. I think that describing it as the ‘subconscious’ undermines the power that lies in the unconscious, as I prefer to call it.  

Many people associate ‘unconscious’ with being out for the count. When someone is unaware of what is going on around him or her, this is the term used to describe their state. To me the unconscious is comprised of all the parts of our mind, of all the underlying processes and motivators that we are unaware of at any given point.

We use the term subconscious from time to time on the HypnoShop.com web site because it is generally accepted and fits into public perception. While these two words, subconscious and unconscious, are essentially used to describe the same aspect of the mind, I feel strongly that this powerful part of our brain be given its full credit. It is not “sub” to anything; it’s just outside of our current awareness.

People often talk about the fact that humans only use 10 percent of their brains (see: Increase your Brain Power). It’s not that we fail to, or are incapable of, using our entire mind - of course we already do! We are just not fully aware of all that is going on inside our heads. Everyone’s brain is ticking on and working 24-7.  Undoubtedly, the unconscious is working much harder than we understand or know. 

I choose a more modern classification of the unaware mind for these reasons and, if for nothing else, a more complimentary connotation. Perception is a large part of what motivates our actions. If you perceive your subconscious as less than your conscious, you will be missing out on all the power your unconscious mind has to offer. 

Freud may have brought the notion of the subconscious into being, but I have absolutely no doubt it is the unconscious processes, their workings and their dynamics, that have the real power and ability to create results within a person.

HypnoShop Recommends: The power of the unconscious is never more clearly demonstrated than when it's used to over come health problems such as IBS, and depression. As mentioned in the article, we actually have a title called 'Increase your Brain Power', which is useful for just about everyone!

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