Hypnosis Q & A

If you are considering hypnosis to get rid of bad habits, improve self esteem, for performance, health or creativity improvement, you may want to read this. I hope I answered all possible questions. If not- please email me or ask in the comments.

This practitioner obeys Code of Ethics as outlined by American Council of Hypnotist Examiners.

1. Who Can Be Hypnotized?

(who can use this natural state of mind to achieve goals?)

Anyone who is willing to use hypnotherapy to make positive, constructive life changes- can be hypnotized. This may be a good moment to emphasize, that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. You are the one “doing” the hypnosis- the hypnotherapist is there just to guide you thru it.

Anyone with an open mind, reasonable intelligence, who is able to concentrate.

It may be a bit more difficult at first for people who are very analytical. It gets better with practice.

Hypnosis may not be effective on small children, mentally ill people.

It has nothing to do with gender or education.

2. Why Try Hypnosis?

People often try hypnosis, when other methods of dealing with a problem failed.

Others recognize, that taking personal responsibility is an empowering act (vs relying on external things to help.)

Others, committed to personal growth, and those who already are familiar with it, use hypnosis as a way to find answers and reconnect with their authentic self.

3. How Will You Feel During Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of concentrated and focused attention, usually accompanied by relaxation. Most people describe it as very pleasant state.

Since all hypnosis is self hypnosis, it is up to you, how deep you will allow yourself to relax. You most likely will feel rejuvenated and refreshed; 1 hour of hypnosis equals 4 hours of sleep.

In some cases there might be an intensified emotional reaction- release of emotions once suppressed. You may want to be prepared to correct makeup afterwards.

4. Is It Possible To Reveal Secrets When In A Trance?

The short answer is: no.

The long answer: There are hypnotherapy sessions that involve verbal communication and those that don’t. If you will communicate – you will be in a light trance and in complete control of what you are saying.

You will notice that you will talk slower than in beta – daily state of consciousness- so you will have time to filter what you will say.

“Unless” answer: No, unless you decide it is the right thing to do, to assist you in emotional healing.

5. Will I be doing strange things afterwards?

Not a chance. The truth is, that nobody can make you do anything.

Even in hypnosis. Josie Hadley writes in “Hypnosis for Change”: “ You cannot be ‘made’ to violate your own values or accepted patterns of behavior.” And than addresses another fear:

6. Can I get stuck in hypnosis?

“ The trance state can be terminated by you at any time. It is your choice to enter it and you can always choose to leave it. If you were left in the trance state […] you would either return to full consciousness on your own or enter natural sleep and awaken after a pleasant nap.”

7. How many session will I need to resolve a problem?

For some persons one session is enough. Others may need 2-3 or several. Effectivenes will also depend on your determination.

Hypnotherapy is an effective method, however a hypnotherapist cannot gurantee results. And here, it is similar to many other professions. Please do not send over spouses you want to change in some way. For example, make them stop smoking or gambling. It will not work. They need to have the desire to change first. If they love it, they will keep doing it.

8. I don’t want to be brainwashed.

It seems to me, that we can be more brainwashed watching cartoons, than accessing our subconscious mind. In other words, we are brainwashed all the time if we participate in our culture, but hypnotherapy is quite the opposite: you are discovering your truth. What works and what doesn’t work for you. It is a tool of learning about yourself. Hypnotherapist is only giving you relaxation instructions and your instructions.

If a practitioner was to give you suggestions that are not aligned with your morals, your true self; your subconscious mind would reject them.

9. I can’t be hypnotized.

The years of research show, that the only individuals that can’t be hypnotized are very young children, mentally ill patients. Otherwise you may decide you don’t want to be hypnotized.

10. What should I be warned about?

Adverse reactions are rare, nevertheless you should know, there is a chance of:

Dizziness, headache, increased anxiety.

False memories: because our memory doesn’t reflect past in an objective light, but is a mixture of what happened, what we thought happened and what we felt. Your subconscious also may communicate with you thru metaphors.

People with mental illness should avoid hypnotherapy.

Do you have a question we didn’t cover?

Send it over and we will get back to you as soon as we can.