Frequently Asked Questions about Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

There are many myths about hypnosis. So, if you are considering hypnotherapy, you may have a number of questions. To help answer them, I've compiled a short list of the most frequently asked questions below. And of course, you can always contact me to discuss your concerns.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a trance state characterized by highly focused attention, high suggestibility, relaxation and heightened imagination. It's not at all like sleep, because you are alert and aware the whole time. It is most often compared to daydreaming, or the feeling of "losing yourself" in a book or movie. You are fully conscious, but you tune out most of the stimuli around you. You focus intently on the subject at hand, to the near exclusion of any other thought.

 

What is hypnotherapy?

During hypnotherapy I use hypnotic techniques to bring about helpful changes. My role is to guide the client to activating their own inner resources. I encourage the use of imagination. Mental imagery is very powerful, especially in a focused state of attention. I will also present ideas or suggestions to my clients. This is effective because, in a state of concentrated attention, ideas and suggestions compatible with what you want have a more powerful impact on the mind. Finally, we may use hypnosis for unconscious exploration, to better understand your underlying motivations or identify whether past events or experiences are associated with causing a problem.

 

Can I be hypnotized?

Yes! You can be hypnotized, if that’s what you want. In fact, almost anyone who is able to concentrate can be hypnotized. Everyone experiences hypnosis each day in fact. The hypnoidal point of sleep occurs just as you are about to fall asleep or just as you are waking up. At this point you are not asleep but so relaxed you may hear a sound like an alarm or someone moving around and just do not care, preferring to tune it out and continue in this relaxed state.

 

It is always your choice. A deep resistance to the hypnotic process and a desire not to be hypnotized will prevent hypnosis from occurring. By the same token, a deep desire to be hypnotized and to be receptive to the suggestions can produce highly effective results. Finally, hypnosis improves with practice; the more you experience the feeling, the better the response.

 

Will I be asleep?

No. You will not be asleep. You are fully awake and aware of everything that is happening throughout the session.

 

What if I don’t wake up?

This is completely impossible, because hypnosis is not sleep. You can emerge from hypnosis any time you want. In hundreds of years of documented use of hypnosis there is not a single instance of anyone being stuck in hypnosis.

 

What does it feel like to be hypnotized?

The hypnosis experience is very individual and different for each person. You are deeply relaxed and calm, aware of everything happening around you. It is a pleasant and enjoyable state very similar to daydreaming. Beyond this, it is difficult to provide a definitive description of what a trance will feel like for you. For some, the sensation begins with heaviness in the body; or a warmness, lightness, tingling or fuzziness. Often, time loses its usual meaning. Most people will emerge with a full memory of the experience...but with a vagueness about the amount of time that has passed.

 

Who is in control?

You are! You are fully awake and alert, aware of everything that is happening throughout the session. It is completely your choice to enter and remain in a state of hypnosis. When you're hypnotized, you don't lose your personality, your free will or your personal strength. You're perfectly capable of saying no and you can end the session any time you like. A hypnotist only serves as a knowledgeable guide or facilitator. Clients don't say anything they don't want to say and don't do anything they don't want to do. You will fully adhere to your usual moral standards. You are in complete control.

 

What kinds of things can hypnotherapy help with?

Hypnotherapy can change habits, relieve pain and help you meet your goals in almost any area. Here is a partial list of issues hypnosis is commonly used for:

-Smoking -Weight control -Phobias -ADD/ADHD* -Stress -Anxiety -Nerves (exams, tests etc.) -Childbirth* -Past Life Regression -Nail biting -Habits -Eating disorders -Stammering -Learning -Motivation -Work performance

-Compulsive Disorders* -Depression* -Sports/ athletic performance -Confidence -Self-esteem -Sleep problems -Public speaking -Letting Go -Panic attacks -Headaches* -Pain* -Illness* -Relationship problems -Endometriosis* -Hypertension*

-Skin problems -Arthritis -Concentration -Memory -Fear -Relaxation -Shyness -Irritable Bowel Syndrome* -Bereavement -Sales -Interviews -Addictions* -Self-actualization -Personal growth -Fulfillment

 * Usually requires a Referral from your Health Care Provider

 

What is a typical session like?

If you’re interested in working with me, here’s what to expect.

 

Your first session will begin with a 30-minute free consultation. This will give us the opportunity to ensure that you are comfortable with my office environment, my style and with me. It's also important for me to determine if my skills and techniques are appropriate for you and your goals. I will ask you questions to get some insight into what motivates you and what your beliefs and expectations might be. I'll ask you questions about the reason for your visit and discuss with you any relevant background information. Most importantly, we'll talk about what you really want and what it will be like when you get it. If it makes sense to work together, I'll explain more about the way hypnosis works and answer any questions you have about the process so you can be completely comfortable before we begin.

 

As we begin hypnosis, you'll sit in a comfortable chair. I'll talk with you and guide you into a deep state of relaxation. You'll be very aware of everything that occurs and you'll know you're fully capable of ending the session any time you want. You probably won't want to, though, since most people find that state of relaxation to be very enjoyable. At this point there are any number of techniques we'll use to help start moving you towards your goals. All will involve your complete participation. All will be chosen specifically for you and your issue.

 

When the session is complete, you'll emerge from that deeply relaxed state with the ability to remember everything that happened (it's extremely rare that a person forgets part of a session). You'll relax a few moments as you orient to daily life (the feeling is similar to waking up from a nap). We then discuss any questions, comments or issues you wish to address in the future. After that, the session ends. The entire first session lasts about two hours. Subsequent sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes.

If you would like to schedule a session, or if you have any questions, you can contact me.

 

What about confidentiality?

 I'm committed to your privacy. I won't share your information with anyone without your specific written permission. The only exception I'll make is when I am required to by law or if, in my judgment, failing to do so would result in harm to you or someone else.

 

Does hypnotherapy substitute for regular health care?

No. Hypnotherapy is definitely not a substitute for a licensed physician's or mental health professional's advice, procedures, or medicines. Hypnotherapy can be an excellent complement to standard health care. Therefore, while you are participating in hypnotherapy you should also continue working with your licensed health care provider to support your well-being. For medical based issues you will need a referral from your health care provider.

 

Contact us with your questions or to schedule a time for your complimentary consultation and session. Create the changes you want to see happen in your life!