Frequently Asked Questions
~How is my will power influenced under hypnosis?
All hypnosis is self hypnosis. Despite what some stage hypnotists and old films might wish to you to believe, trance is entirely a self-generated phenomena. The state is entirely contained in your brain. While you are being guided into trance you can choose to resist or come out of trance at any point. In fact, many beginners mistakenly do just this as they first begin learning to enter the trance state.
You cannot do anything that violates your will, ethics or moral code under hypnosis. Many people find it relieving that you can lie while under hypnosis. You will also remember everything that occurs while you are in hypnosis. Any suggestion given may be resisted although all of these will be decided upon beforehand. Even suggestions intended to make you relax can be resisted, as evidenced by beginners who may move about, laugh or itch as they become accustomed to entering hypnosis.
Your will power will be strengthened through hypnosis. Isn't this the very reason you are coming to begin with? To gain control over a habit, behavior or issue that you have been struggling with? Hypnosis can take automatic or unconscious motivations or habits and bring them under your conscious control.
~Does hypnosis involve any special energies or mind powers?
None besides learning to use a natural state produced by your own mind and hypnotic techniques that your hypnotist has studied. Many people are surprised by the deep power of their own minds and falsely attribute the amazing feeling they learn to activate to either the hypnotist or some kind of special energy. Some people are simply overwhelmed by the discovery of such powerful inner resources that they refuse to believe the ability was within themselves all along.
~Can one become stuck in trance?
If only you could be so lucky! Meditators, yogis and others spend many years finding deeper and more beneficial trance states for a variety of reasons. The realistic answer to this is NO, however. Many find that they wish they could stay in trance for a longer time because of how positive and relaxing it feels. There has never been a case of someone becoming stuck in trance.
~Will I retain consciousness?
Because of the many myths and misconceptions surrounding hypnosis, many clients expect to enter a state of unconsciousness. They are glad to hear that you retain awareness in hypnosis. In order for hypnosis to work you must be able to hear the instructions! So not only will you retain your will power but you will also retain a sense of awareness and remember the inner work done in the session.
~Can only especially imaginative or intelligent people enter hypnosis?
Hypnosis can be experienced by all people regardless of imagination or intelligence. While there is some evidence that some are naturally "gifted" at learning to enter this state, this ability does not depend on any known personality traits.
~Can only gullible or weak-minded people experience hypnosis?
Hypnosis can be experienced by all people regardless of imagination or intelligence. While there is some evidence that some are naturally "gifted" at learning to enter this state, this ability does not depend on any known personality traits.
~How is hypnosis induced?
Hypnosis is induced through a variety of methods developed over the years by Doctors, Hypnotherapists, neuroscientists and even ancient meditation techniques. Basically, hypnosis is used to access your subconscious, which is where your mind goes every night while you dream. This explanation is very basic and if you are really interested you should investigate further through our links page.
The process of going into trance involves a few steps that must be learned before deep trance is possible. Your hypnotist will make this process as positive enjoyable as possible, which is easy because each step is more pleasurable than the last. First, one must be willing to enter the state of hypnosis. Some people are hesitant at first because of fears or misconceptions. These will all be dealt with in your hypnosis pre-talk. Next, your body must become completely relaxed; this is done by letting the tension out of your major muscle groups. Then your thoughts must wind down, many people are plagued by circulating and obsessive thinking that causes undue stress, it is nice to escape this for a little while. This part of your mind must be bypassed in order to access your subconscious, this sometimes feel like you are wading into warm water. Finally, your trance will be deepened through visualization techniques, often involving some of your favorite memories and feelings. In this state, inner work proceeds very smoothly and effortlessly.
~Can I induce this state myself i.e. learn self-hypnosis?
YES! This is one of the primary reasons you are coming to see us- to gain a lifelong relaxation tool! Stress and tension contribute to the #1 cause of death in America- heart disease. Many people find that excess stress, tension or nervousness negatively interferes with their well-being and enjoyment of life. Experiencing and then learning the valuable and natural ability of your mind to go into trance seems well worth the time spent. Also, you will receive a recording of your session to listen to and practice with at home.
~Is hypnosis like sleep?
Someone in trance may appear to be sleeping because many of the physical signs of trance match those of sleep. In trance, however, one has either Alpha or Theta brainwave frequencies, whereas in sleep they have Delta.
The experience of hypnosis is much different than sleep as well. Sleep is marked by a feeling of unconsciousness whereas in hypnosis one remains conscious and aware. If anything, hypnosis could be compared to the dream or dream-like state between sleep and wakefulness. Hypnosis is often described as a peaceful, relaxed and dreamlike state of absorbed focus and heightened awareness.
~How is hypnosis for health, well-being and mindfulness different from stage hypnotism?
Stage hypnotists find hypnotic virtuosos, or people who have a natural ability to go into trance and people who are very extraverted and naturally willing to perform. They often distort the nature of hypnosis by making people believe the power does not lie in themselves but in the hypnotist or in some kind of energy. Stage hypnosis is for entertainment purposes and bears little resemblance to the kind of hypnosis you will receive. You will NEVER be asked to do anything embarrassing in a hypnosis session.
It is worth noting, however, that hypnotism used on the stage allows ordinary people to perform entertaining and silly things on stage with no sense of nervousness or self-consciousness. This is quite remarkable seeing as they are often up in front of large crowds that would ordinarily petrify them. Even professional actors get a little nervous at auditions and yet these people are allowing themselves to be as entertaining as necessary without a trace of anxiety! While stage hypnosis unfortunately contributes to many of the misconceptions of hypnosis, it also provides a tiny glimpse into its great potential.
~What makes hypnosis different from other therapies?
Hypnosis is described by the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association as "a complementary protocol with broad applications." This means that hypnosis should be used in conjunction with other psychological or medical services. For example, a client with chronic back pain can relieve most if not all of the pain but must also be sure to see an M.D. to make sure that the physical causes are appropriately addressed.
Hypnosis is a faster yet effective fix for bad habits, phobias, stress, confidence and many more issues. Traditional therapy takes regular visits, often multiple visits a week for years. While traditional therapy is more extensive and is certainly necessary for any issue that fits into a diagnostic category, hypnosis may provide you with a tool you can use yourself for less severe issues and especially day to day nervousness, stress, lack of confidence, bad habits, phobias and more.
