COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HYPNOSIS
What society knows about hypnosis is usually what they have seen on TV or in the movies where a person is under someone’s “spell.” While that works great on film, it is far from the truth of what really happens in a Hypnotherapy session with a certified professional. Hypnosis is a natural state of the mind and when combined with effective suggestions, can assist a person with desired changes in their life.
Q.1
I WENT TO A HYPNOTHERAPIST AND IT DIDN’T WORK. DOES THIS MEAN I CANNOT BE HYPNOTIZED?
A. 1
Hypnosis is a natural state that we have access to all day long. When you drive down the road and miss a turn or get lost in a movie or your favorite song, those are all states of hypnosis. The most common reason for failure to induce trance is lack of rapport and explanation of the state, or a Hypnotherapist without proper training who is using incomplete methods. Always check with the education and background of a new hypnotherapist before committing to a session.
Q.2
WILL I LOSE CONTROL OF MY MIND OR BODY AND DO SILLY THINGS?
A. 2
No, you won’t say or do anything that you don’t want to. You will not start clucking like a chicken or break out in a Michael Jackson dance. If you were given suggestions that you don’t morally agree with, you would come out of hypnosis and your mind will mentally block those suggestions. Hypnosis is not a control state, it is an agreeable state for the mind and body to shift its perspective in life.
Q.3
WHEN I AM ‘UNDER’ WILL I BE ASLEEP?
A. 3
The word Hypnosis comes from Greek origin meaning a “sleep-like state,” however you will not be asleep, nor will you be unconscious. You will be aware of everything that is happening and what is being said the whole time, however, you will be so deeply relaxed that you may find yourself drifting into different levels of awareness.
Q.4
WILL I REMEMBER EVERYTHING AFTERWARDS?
A. 4
Most people do remember either everything or certain parts of the experience depending on how deep your mind goes. You will find that suggestions which have been given to you in hypnosis will resurface in your conscious, thinking mind after your session and these will be the thoughts that produce changes in your behavior or way of thinking and feeling.
Q.5
ARE YOU GOING TO REGRESS ME TO REMEMBER TRAUMA FROM MY PAST?
A. 5
Unlike what you see in the movies, a well-trained Hypnotherapist rarely uses a “regression technique” to uncover subconscious memories. It is not necessary to go digging around in the mind to find out the how, why and what has made you who you are today. Hypnosis is a tool, that when properly used, allows for suggestions, visualization and metaphors to release the associations of the past that are affecting you in present time. This enables us to work on a brighter future in your personal and professional life.
Q.6
CAN I BE HYPNOTIZED AGAINST MY WILL?
A. 6
No, since you are still consciously aware of the process, you cannot be put under hypnosis against your will. At the same time, you also cannot be hypnotized to do something that you really don’t want to do for yourself. For example, if your partner wants you to quit smoking but you are not ready to, your mind will block the suggestion with your own resistance and you will remain a smoker after the session.
Q.7
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL IT TAKE TO REACH MY GOAL?
A. 7
The length of Hypnotherapy will be determined by your conscious will power , desire to change a behavior and how you handle your subconscious mind’s need for resistance. Some clients seek relief in as little as a couple sessions, while others feel it is a benefit for ongoing therapy for as long as they desire. Typically, a hypnosis client will be in counseling less time than with a psychologist or MFT. It is recommended that a new client work with a Hypnotherapist for a minimum of 3 to 6 sessions that are one week apart.
Q.8
ARE HYPNOTHERAPISTS LICENSED DOCTORS?
A. 8
No. Hypnotherapists are “certified counselors” that specialize in general self-improvement with behavior modification. There is no licensing in this profession, nor can a Hypnotherapist call themselves a Doctor or PhD without legitimate medical training from a college program and have completed state licensing exams.
Q.9
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING HYPNOSIS?
A. 9
If you are ready to make a change in your life and have tried other methods for achieving your goals without satisfaction, they Hypnotherapy may be right for you. While hypnosis does work quickly, it is not magic and results will not occur overnight in most cases.
They say that it takes 21 days to change a habit in the subconscious mind. The benefits of hypnosis creates “Trance-Formations!” Use the hypnosis to overcome self-defeating behaviors, negative habits and learn to manage all aspects of your life!