Frequently Asked Questions About Hynosis

What is Hypnosis Therapy?
Hypnosis is an education communication process to a person’s mind that allows his/her conscious and subconscious minds to come together and believe the same message. During hypnosis, the body and the conscious mind are in a relaxed neutral state while the subconscious mind remains awake and receptive to suggestion.  In this state, the person suspends critical judgment and exercises selective thinking.

This relaxed yet focused state of awareness and sensitivity allows the person to examine and change negative thought and behavioral patterns acquired through life experiences and accept the positive and healing suggestions while in the hypnotic state.  Hypnotherapy is a highly successful, clinically proven approach to behavioral modification.

Can children be hypnotized?
Yes.  Hypnosis works very well with children because they have fewer imprints and less years of reinforcement in their minds. Their subconscious is highly receptive because, as children, they are literally creating the structure of their inner library and its beliefs, impressions and life experiences. These will affect them for the rest of their lives. For this reason children have a natural drive and hunger for new experiences and ideas. They love to discover new ideas and are constantly learning and developing.  A parent or responsible adult must be present for the entire hypnosis session.

How long does a hypnosis therapy session last?
A typical hypnosis session lasts one to two hours.

How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the individual and the issues being addressed. It depends on the problem, the severity and the motivation to change. Most people see dramatic improvement in one session and often this is enough.  For example, habits, such as smoking may be reversed in one session while unhealthy food choices may take several sessions. Generally, three sessions will sufficiently bring about and reinforce the desired changes.

What can I expect in my first visit?
A typical first session consists of an intake and hypnosis.  The session begins with an overview of hypnosis, followed by an in depth analysis of the behavior that is being addressed.  We will discuss and identify solutions to the specific challenges. This part is a joint and equal effort with input from both the hypnotherapist and the client. The final part of each session is relaxing the mind and body, inducing the hypnotic state and implementing the solutions agreed upon.

 

What if I can’t be hypnotized?
Anyone can be hypnotized. Everyone has experienced hypnosis at various times in their lives and even in their daily activities.  Watching TV, playing video games and even driving often induce a state of hypnosis. Some people enter the hypnotic state quicker than others.  With each session you will enter into hypnosis quicker and easier.

Will I be in control during hypnosis? Will I know what is happening?
Absolutely.  Hypnosis is actually a hyper aware state.  The mind is focused intently on one subject yet remains alert and aware of surroundings. You are completely able to make rational decisions.  At no point does a hypnotist have control over the client. During hypnosis you will be cognizant of everything that is happening but will not be distracted outside noises and events.

Will I be asleep during hypnosis?
No.  Scientific studies using EEG, show that the brain activity of a person under hypnosis is awake rather than asleep. Although you are in a very relaxed state you remain aware of everything around you. Unlike sleep where you feel as if you are a passive recipient of dreams, you will actively choose what to visualize and focus on.

What if I don’t “believe in it”?
Hypnosis is effective even for those who claim not to believe in it.  It is a scientifically proven effective therapy. I find that “non-believers” are usually not educated about hypnosis and have misconceptions of it.   Often people come in with little hope and no belief in the effectiveness of hypnosis, yet see amazing results.  However, just as with anything else what you tell yourself over and over again is what will prevail.  Just giving it an honest shot is usually what allows one to achieve desirable results.

Will I remember what happened?
You will remember what happened and what you experienced.  It may take some time to fully realize what transpired. Often there will time distortion regarding how long you were in the hypnotic state. In rare instances you may not remember all that transpired. This is normal and also occurs in everyday conversations.

Will I get a recording of the session?
Yes, you will get a CD or other audio.

How will I know if I was hypnotized?
Some people come out of a session and do not believe that they were hypnotized.  This is because they do not have a clear understanding of what they are supposed to feel. They often believe that they should have felt unconscious or out of control and will claim that they did not “go under”.  Amazingly, they change the behavior that they were seeking help for! The hypnotist has many tools to recognize and evaluate the hypnotic state of the client.