Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a method of focusing your mind and then using your imagination and thoughts to access or achieve your goals. Hypnosis has been defined as a state of heightened suggestibility in which the individual is able to uncritically accept ideas for self-improvement and change (or other goals previously determined by the individual and the hypnotherapist) in order to act upon them appropriately. Hypnosis is a state of concentration and focused attention and may also be considered an altered state of consciousness during which the critical or analytical faculty of the conscious mind is temporarily bypassed in order to achieve specific goals.
What is self-hypnosis?
Actually, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, the hypnotherapist is basically a facilitator. Hypnosis and/or self-hypnosis is the process of directing yourself pro-actively into a deep state of relaxation and suggestibility. During this altered state of consciousness you may “program” your unconscious mind with suggestions to help you experience fewer stress or anxiety symptoms or to achieve other goals or improvements in your life. In my work with people, I teach self-hypnosis, so the techniques can be long term and continually reinforced.
Can anyone be hypnotized?
With very few exceptions, anyone who wants to be hypnotized can be. The opposite is also true—if you do not want to be hypnotized you will not be. It is essentially a matter of cooperation and trust between the therapist and the individual. Generally most everyone is suggestible and therefore almost anyone can be hypnotized and learn how to use self-hypnosis. The time required for achieving hypnosis and the skills of self-hypnosis vary from person to person. During the hypnotic state, you are always aware of what is going on. You hear what is said and follow directions, however, under hypnosis a person never surrenders their will or is controlled by the hypnotherapist.
Who might be a good subject?
Someone who wants to be hypnotized
Someone who cooperates fully, rather than someone trying too hard
Someone who has a good visual imagination
Someone intelligent enough to understand the explanations and participate fully
Who might be unable to cooperate?
Very young children
Persons with a history of epilepsy should not attempt altered states of mind
Persons who are mentally deficient in some way (Alzheimer’s, dementia, psychotic)
Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Will you be unconscious?
At all times during the experience you will be able to hear and to think. Because hypnosis entails cooperation, how could you cooperate if you did not know on some conscious level what was being said to you? You will always know what is going on. If the hypnotherapist said something you found objectionable, you would either not accept it or you would come out of the hypnotic state.
Can hypnosis be dangerous?
No, because the individual must cooperate. A competent and ethical hypnotherapist will always know when the individual is moving into an emotional state that is uncomfortable and will slowly and carefully bring the individual back to a conscious state.
How will I know I am hypnotized?
When you are in the hypnotic state you should feel completely relaxed, mentally and physically. It may feel like those moments between waking and sleeping—you hear and know what is going on, but you do not choose to react. Some people may feel a deep heaviness or some people have a feeling of lightness or elevation.
What is hypnosis or self-hypnosis used for?
Hypnosis and self-hypnosis can be used for just about anything. It depends on the goals and the efforts of the individual. It is commonly believed that we use only five or ten percent of our mental potential. Hypnosis is a focused state of concentration that allows you to use more of your potential and the power of you own mind to achieve your goals.
Are there any side effects?
Yes, but they are all positive. You will find that you are better able to relax, focus and sleep more soundly. Your health and well-being will improve.
Can hypnosis be dangerous?
Not in the hands of a competent and ethical hypnotherapist. The worst thing that could happen is that nothing will happen because the person is consciously resisting the process.
