What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis
is a very normal and natural altered state of consciousness (an altered
state of awareness), one we all experience from time to time in which
the mind remains clear, alert and focused on something. Have you ever
"become really absorbed" while watching TV? Or driven to work on "auto
pilot?" That's the same kind of altered state as hypnosis.
Some misconceptions about hypnosis are that it's a frightening or eerie
state, or that it feels very weird, but it's actually very normal and
very pleasant.
Some people ask if they've really been hypnotised, just because it feels
like such a normal state and they were expecting something very strange.
The zombie-type states you see depicted in movies and on TV are pure
fantasy.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis itself is unlikely to assist in a relief of symptoms, whatever those symptoms might be. It is the therapy, hypnotherapy, that is carried out within the altered state that is significant. It adopts two altogether different forms in its clinical approach.
Suggestion Therapy
This clinical form of treatment is ideal for helping to cope with such
things as self-development, particular fears, doubts, nerves, smoking,
certain habits, some weight-control problems, stress, hypno-healing
(working with the body`s immune and healing systems) and so forth.
Analytical Therapy
This is used for the more fundamental or deep-seated problems or issues.
This approach aims to find and eliminate the underlying rudimentary
cause of such things as irrational fears, emotional problems,
relationship difficulties, psychosexual problems, lack of confidence,
personality problems, sleeping difficulties, stuttering/stammering,
anxiety, inferiority complex, unhappiness, phobias, etc. and most other
problems and issues where there is a psychological factor at work.
Is hypnosis dangerous?
There has never been a documented case of harm coming to anyone from the therapeutic use of hypnotism.
Is hypnosis "mind control?"
Not at all. No one under hypnosis can be induced to do anything against his or her will. Whatever moral and ethical codes you hold in a normal waking state will still be in place under hypnosis. You can actually lie when in hypnosis.
Your unconscious mind was formed when you were very young. Its job is to
protect and help you. Just like you cannot be made to do anything
against your moral code, you will not say anything that is embarrassing
and will not reveal more than you are comfortable doing. Usually, if a
hypnotherapist`s suggestion conflicts with a client's value system, the
client simply brings him or herself up out of hypnosis; they just "wake
up." You are in complete control at all times.
Hypnotherapy is a gentle, loving process and hypnotherapists are trained
to not judge.
You will heal and change at your own pace.
Can hypnosis hurt me?
In over two hundred years of recorded hypnosis history, there is no documented case of anyone being hurt with hypnosis. Hypnosis can only be used in a positive way. If anyone tries to give you suggestions against your morals, religious beliefs or anything you feel strongly about, you could instantly emerge from the state of relaxation on your own.
Is hypnosis a 100% consent state?
If at any time you want to emerge from the state of hypnosis for any reason, you will instantly, naturally open your eyes and become fully alert. No one can keep you in hypnosis against your will.
How do you put people into hypnosis?
Using words, a soothing tone, mental imagery and various exercises and techniques (such as deep breathing) to induce a pleasant, lethargic state.
What does it feel like to be hypnotized?
It feels
wonderful! Hypnosis is a natural state that feels similar to that
feeling you get right before you fall asleep at night. When you awaken,
you feel refreshed and revitalised.
You just feel as if you are relaxing in a very comfortable space with
your eyes closed. You can hear everything--my voice, the sounds outside
the building or a car going down the street outside. Whatever you want
to hear you will hear.
You are fully aware all the time; aware of everything going on around
you as well as what your unconscious is revealing to you.
It is similar to watching TV in one room while a radio plays in another;
you can shift your awareness back and forth between the two,
concentrating on one but still aware of the other.
Who can be hypnotized?
Anyone with an open mind, reasonable intelligence and the ability to concentrate can be hypnotised. The only important factor is that you want to be hypnotised. If you don't then no hypnotherapist will be able to hypnotise you.
Does hypnosis weaken the will?
No. Hypnosis strengthens it. Hypnosis works with the will, not against it. The whole objective of hypnotherapy is to get your mind and body working in harmony, and this means having a stronger, not a weaker will.
How much will I remember?
You'll probably remember everything--everything I say and everything you experience or everything you need to remember. However, because most clients receive a great deal of information it may take days, weeks or months to really process.
I often encourage you to write your experience down as soon as possible.
As with any experience, it's not unusual to lose the subtler details
with the passage of time, and some of the patterns you uncover may not
“click” into place until much later.
How deep will I go?
Depth of the hypnotic state is an idea that used to be a focal point, but lately the hypnosis community and hypnosis professionals have realised that depth (or not) has little bearing. My view on this is that my clients go as deep (or stay as light) as they need to and what is appropriate for them is OK.
It is a fact that the more hypnosis one undergoes, the greater and
easier one drops down into the altered state. It is a skill and like all
skills it improves with practice.
Can I "get stuck"?
No. Hypnosis is a very natural and normal state and cannot hold anyone against his or her will. If a client were to go so deep as to enter a truly unconscious state (a very rare occurrence), they would simply go into natural sleep and awaken when they were rested. It is impossible for anyone to be `left or lost` in hypnosis.
After hypnosis, a person awakens naturally, just as they do after sleep!
If the hypnotherapist were to leave before counting them awake, the
subject would eventually realise that the session had ended and would
awaken on their own.
During the session, if there were an emergency, or the subject no longer
wished to participate, they could easily awaken themselves at any time
and simply stop.
Can a person be hypnotized against their will?
No one can be hypnotized against their will. The hypnotist merely assists you to achieve a state of hypnosis. If you don't want to go there nobody can force you.
What is the subconscious mind?
The subconscious mind is the one that directs your conduct through the habits and emotional desires. It is the part of your mind that controls the things you don't normally have to think about; breathing, keeping your balance, walking, chewing and so on.
What is self-hypnosis?
Techniques exist by which you can attain a state of self hypnosis and gain complete relaxation under the most stressful conditions. In this state the subconscious mind is open to therapeutic suggestions.
What can self-hypnosis do for me?
Anything you want it to! Instant learning and photographic memory systems are based on self-hypnosis. Champions in various sports use it to improve their game concentration. You can learn how to overcome undesirable habits, such as smoking, over-eating or drinking with self-hypnosis. You can regain self confidence. You will be able to erase harmful emotions, leading to a happier and healthier life.
How does self-hypnosis differ from hypnotism by a hypnotist?
In self-hypnosis YOU choose your own time limits, realizing that you have a choice and can now choose your area for self improvement. Using a hypnotist at the beginning of your awareness training is of great benefit. It speeds up the retraining process
What if I'm under a doctor's care or taking medication?
If you have any questions about whether or not hypnosis will help or conflict with a present medical condition you must ask you GP. The interesting reaction of hypnosis on medication is that, if you're taking medication, over long periods of time you may find that you need less amounts of it, or a lesser strength of the drug. Hypnosis can often complement traditional medical care and better or more informed doctors are happy for it to be used on their patients as an adjunct to medical treatment.