Frequently Asked Questions
- What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural, yet altered state, where the critical factor of the conscious mind is relaxed and selective thinking is maintained. Hypnosis is marked by the communication between the conscious and the subconscious.
- Is the hypnotherapist a licensed mental health worker?
No. The hypnotherapist, generally, has received training from a specialized school and is certified in hypnosis and hypnotherapy with a national organization.
- Do I lose consciousness or can I get "stuck" in hypnosis?
No. Physically you do not lose consciousness or go to sleep. A person cannot get "stuck" in hypnosis.
- Can the hypnotist make me do something false or against my will?
No. You will not do anything in hypnosis that is outside of your moral and ethical code. You do not surrender your "will" to the hypnotist, the ego is never dissociated.
- Am I able to talk and hear things during a hypnotherapy session?
Yes. The senses are generally enhanced during hypnosis and the client hears and is acutely aware of everything going on in the room.
- How long does a session last?
An initial, or introductory, session may last up to 90 minutes and subsequent sessions may run from 50-75 minutes.
- What happens if I can't be hypnotized?
All of us have the ability to enter into a hypnotic state. Those who have difficulty are usually trying too hard, are unresponsive by choice, or have had a negative or ineffective experience with hypnosis in the past.
- What does it mean when the state of hypnosis is referred to as "trance?"
The word trance refers to the altered state we experience during hypnosis. We naturally slip in and out of a light trance frequently on our own. When we are involved in a repetitive task or movement we are likely to experience a light trance state.
- Why does my hypnotherapist give me homework or "accelerators?"
Accelerators are assigned to clients to reinforce the positive outcomes of the day's session. This homework may include self hypnosis homework, action steps, journaling or reading assignments.
- How many sessions before I notice change?
For most people three to six sessions will begin to elicit positive change.
- Why am I given a CD to listen to as part of my therapy?
Repetition is a very important part of the hypnotherapy process. To be most effective the subconscious mind needs to be saturated with the new positive programming for real change to take place.
- Why does the hypnotherapist use regressions as part of the therapy?
Regressions are a vital part of the hypnotherapy process because it allows the client to discover, or uncover, those events which created limiting thoughts and defeating behaviors.
- How can I make my hypnotherapy sessions more effective?
To get the most from a hypnotherapy session one must have a willing and open attitude toward change along with a desire and belief that change will occur.
I believe in the existence within myself of a power.
From this belief derives my will to exert it.
The entire doctrine of Animal Magnetism (hypnosis) is contained in the two words: Believe and Want.
I believe that I have the power to set into action the vital principle of my fellow-men, I want to make use of it; this is all my science and all my means.
Believe and want, Sirs, and you will do as much as I.