Hypnosis FAQ

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is best described as a state of mind where the conscious mind stands on the sidelines and allows the subconscious to be receptive to suggestions. When given a new suggestion, the subconscious mind then accepts it literally as a new reality.

Hypnosis is usually seen as a state of relaxed and effortless concentration. It's a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention, like using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the sun and make them more powerful. When our minds are concentrated and focused, we are able to use them more powerfully to achieve our own goals and be the best we can be.
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What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a form of coaching combining trance induction of hypnosis with techniques of counseling/coaching unique to the Hypnotherapist. Hypnotherapy encompasses a holistic approach to health and healing and the total person's well-being. It is an intervention system that reshapes the client's feelings of competence and capability.

Hypnotherapists do essentially three things with hypnosis. They encourage the use of imagination. Mental imagery is extremely powerful, especially in a focused state of attention. The mind incapable of using imagery, even if it is only symbolic, to help us to create the things we are imagining.

Another basic hypnotic method is to present ideas or suggestions to the client. In a state of concentrated attention, ideas and suggestions that are compatible with what the clients desires or goals have a powerful impact on the mind.

Hypnosis is also used for exploring the unconscious mind, to better understand underlying motivations or identify past events or experiences that may be associated with an issue. Hypnosis avoids the critical censor of the conscious mind, which often defeats what we know to be in our best interests.

In Hypnotherapy we can come to the realization that we are responsible for our own realities and can choose to change or re-create our perceptions and beliefs to create a reality by choice, not mere acceptance of what we believe we must accept. This awakening of self-awareness is the greatest gift of Hypnotherapy.
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What is hypnosis used for?

Smoke cessation and weight control are the most common applications, although it has many other effective uses. Stress and anxiety associated with public speaking and exam performance are often addressed. Performances in athletics, business, and academics are often enhanced with hypnotherapy. Other fears, phobias, and painful conditions can be treated effectively with the referral of a physician or psychologist. Hypnosis is recognized as an important adjunct to counseling and psychotherapy. Hypnosis is also finding increased usage in dentistry and other areas where pain control is important.
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Is hypnosis approved by the medical community?

Yes. In 1958, the AMA and the American Psychiatric Association approved and recommended the use of hypnosis. The British Medical Association also adopted hypnosis as a viable therapeutic tool in 1958. Some doctors use hypnosis for pain and habit control, while others refer patients for treatment by hypnotherapists.
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Can everyone be hypnotized?

Many people don't think they can be hypnotized, but once they try they find it very easy. Anyone of average intelligence can be hypnotized in most cases if they are willing and do not resist. Anyone with the attention span to watch a typical TV program has the ability to relax into the hypnotic state.

We have all experienced a trance many times, but we don't usually call it hypnosis. All of us have been so absorbed in thought – while reading a book, or riding the bus to work – that we fail to notice what is happening around us. While we were zoned out, another level of consciousness which we refer to as our unconscious mind, took over. These are very focused states of attention similar to hypnosis.

With modern techniques, almost everyone can enjoy a deep, comfortable level of hypnosis in just a few minutes.
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Is hypnotherapy dangerous?

No. The induction of hypnosis is never dangerous, although personal disappointments may arise because of unrealistic expectations or misinformation.
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What does hypnosis feel like?

Debbie Gent likes to describe what hypnosis feels like as "Saturday Morning". This is a time when you don't have to jump out of bed to the sound of the alarm clock and can just slowly begin to wake up. It's that time when you're half asleep and half awake. Your mind is just drifting in and out. Your body is still relaxed and heavy under the blankets, and you haven't got a care in the world. Remember that feeling? You are aware of what's going on the the house around you. You may hear your mate or children in the other rooms, cars going by, the neighbor's dog barking... but none of it matters. You're just drifting in and out of a light "sleep" , enjoying this time and space.
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Will I be asleep or unconscious?

No. Hypnosis is not a sleep state. People often say "I could hear every word you were saying", or "I felt like I could open my eyes if I wanted to". Although you appear to be resting or sleeping, the state is one of full awareness. You couldn't respond to suggestions or instructions if you were truly asleep. In hypnosis, you simply have a deeper focus internally, and a wonderful deep relaxation.
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Do you loose control when you go into hypnosis?

Emphatically not! You are in as much control when in hypnosis as when reading this. If you were asked to do anything that violated your ethical or moral beliefs, you would ignore the suggestion and return to normal consciousness. If an emergency arose, you would quickly return to full awareness and respond appropriately. Under hypnosis, you never lose control, but instead you do the exact opposite. You start to take control of a part of your life that perhaps you did not have control over before.
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What if I don't come out of trance?

There is no danger of being "stuck" in hypnosis. Without continued suggestions, you would quickly returns to normal awareness or simply drift into ordinary sleep.
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Are there side effects to hypnosis?

Not the way there are with drugs. Side effects of hypnotherapy tend to be positive -- such improvements as higher self-esteem, more confidence.
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Is it true that hypnotherapy can achieve success in only one or two sessions?

Hypnosis can often achieve remarkable success in a short period, but some conditions or issues are deeply implanted and require additional support and reinforcement.
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Are results of hypnotherapy permanent?

Suggestions stay with some individuals indefinitely, others need reinforcement. The effects of hypnosis are cumulative: the more the techniques are practiced and post, hypnotic suggestions are brought into play, the more permanent the results become. Self hypnosis training and reinforcement tapes for home use also provide additional help.
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Can hypnotherapy be done long distance?

Yes. Hypnotherapy sessions can be conducted easily by telephone. As long as you have a quite place where you can relax comfortably (and a headset is helpful), you can be assisted into a hypnotic state, just like in the office.
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