WHAT IS HYPNOTISM OR HYPNOSIS?
Hypnotism is derived from a Greek word meaning "sleep." However, hypnosis is not sleep, but a heightened state of consciousness, focus, and suggestibility. The body and the conscious mind are in a relaxed, natural state allowing access to the subconscious mind, which is alert and receptive to positive suggestions for change. Hypnosis is often referred to as a “trance-like state,” yet the person is fully aware and conscious of what is being said. It allows the person to fully focus or concentrate on a specific thought, image, idea, emotion, or feeling while being able to block out any and all distractions.
The subconscious mind is full of thoughts and ideas that create automatic behaviors. Hypnosis is a tool that allows us to bypass the critical filter in the mind and to access the subconscious mind to plant new suggestions, new thoughts, and new ideas that will now be accepted. These new thoughts and ideas will create new automatic behaviors. While hypnosis can be used for personal benefit, it cannot cause you to do anything against your free will or ethics.
Therapeutic hypnosis is used to improve your health and well-being and is different from stage hypnosis that is used for entertainment purposes only.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERNECE BETWEEN HYPNOSIS AND SELF HYPNOSIS?
Hetero-hypnosis is defined as hypnosis induced by another person, such as by a Hypnotherapist, or when listening to a CD.
Self-hypnosis, also known as autohypnosis, is when the state of hypnosis (the same naturally occurring state of mind, which is a heightened state of focused concentration) is induced solely by you. It is similar to meditation. It is most often induced through imagery where the person puts themselves into an extremely relaxed state.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HYPNOSIS AND SELF HYPNOSIS?
Self Hypnosis is very beneficial when working with general self-improvement issues. Self Hypnosis is governed by two laws of suggestibility in order for it to work: the Law of Association and the Law of Repetition. Self-hypnosis can help with positive change, healing, and personal growth. The more you use Self Hypnosis in your daily life, then the more effective and rapid those changes will be. Self Hypnosis is not recommended for more serious or deep-seated mental or emotional concerns.
Hypnosis sessions performed by a Hypnotherapist are very beneficial because the Hypnotherapist can create positive images, thoughts, and feelings by re-framing the negative images, thoughts, and feelings that the client has shared with them. There are hundreds of ways that a Hypnotherapist can help create positive change in your life. Here are just a few:
1. Relaxation/General Well-Being
2. Stress Management
3. Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem
4. Self-Image/Self-Love
5. Career Success
6. Motivation & Goal Setting
7. Communication Skills
8. Eliminate Procrastination
9. Improve Memory
10. Test/Exam Anxiety/Study Habits
11. Sports/Dance Skills & Performance
12. Strengthen Creativity & Talents
13. Eliminate, Anxiety, Fears & Phobias
14. Habit Control
15. Stop Smoking
16. Relationship Enhancement
17. Pain Management & Illness
18. Sleep Disorders
19. Overcome Addictions & Co-dependency
20. Public Speaking/Stage Fright
SOME MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HYPNOSIS:
Myth: You can't hypnotize me!
There are many people who believe that they can't be hypnotized, but this is not necessarily true as everyone, or almost everyone, can be hypnotized and has been. Have you ever been to a movie where you were so into the story you lost track of time? Have you ever driven home from work and couldn't remember how you got home? Well, then, you have been in a state of hypnosis. Have you ever wondered why the commercials are louder and more fast paced than the show you are watching? They are trying to hypnotize you so that you will take in their suggestion that you really need their product. Actually, every night before you go to sleep, you enter the state of hypnosis right before you fall asleep. You know that state. You know you are falling asleep, but can still hear the TV on. You know you should get up and turn it off, but don't. Yes, at that moment you are in a state of hypnosis and are very open to suggestions.
Myth: I'm afraid I will lose control and you will make me do something I don't want to do.
What most people know about hypnosis is what they have seen either on TV or at in the movies where a person is under someone’s “spell.” Or perhaps they attended a stage show where a person "clucks" like a chicken or "barks" like a dog. TV and movies have to sensationalize things for entertain purposes. Also, with stage shows, they too are all about entertainment. And, if the person volunteers to participate in the show, then they probably wanted, on some level, to play that part. It is not at all what happens in a session with a professional Hypnotherapist. Hypnosis is a natural conscious state of mind, whereby the critical filtering system is bypassed so that positive suggestions can be introduced and accepted to create desired changes in a persons life. You are always in control and you can always end a hypnosis session whenever you choose.
Myth: Only the weak-minded can experience hypnosis.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Hypnosis is a natural state that is dictated by brain-wave activity. Normal consciousness is referred to in terms of brain-wave cycles of beta, which is typically 15 to 30 cycles per second. Below beta is alpha, which is about 8 to 14 cycles per second of brain-wave activity. Below alpha is theta, which is 4 to 7 cycles and below that is delta. Alpha and theta brain-wave patterns are present when a person is in a state of hypnosis. They are also present when someone is sleeping, which is another reason some people refer to hypnosis as sleep.
Myth: Hypnosis is just deep sleep.
I have used hypnosis with many clients for varying reasons. Sometimes the client will tell me that they didn't feel like they were hypnotized, just really relaxed and that they maybe fell asleep. However, they could recall, with detail, everything that occurred during the session. You may notice that during a session, if you open your eyes, then your mind will be clearer than if you had been in a normal state of consciousness. I have noticed that when I wake up from an afternoon nap, on the rare occasion when I do that, that I am usually groggy and slow to wake up. After a hypnosis session many people have told me that they were totally relaxed and fully refreshed.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HYPNOSIS
What does Hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis is a natural state so some people do not feel any different. My experience, from what my clients have told me, is that most people feel much more relaxed that when they came in and they have an over-all good feeling at the end. When being placed under hypnosis you may experience some physiological changes in your body, such as your breathing will get deeper and all your senses are heightened.
Will I remember everything afterwards?
This will depend on how deep into the state of hypnosis you go, but most people do remember almost everything or, at least, certain parts of the experience.
Suggestions that are placed in your subconscious during the hypnosis session will come into your conscious awareness. These are the new images, ideas, and thoughts that will create the change in your life.
Are you going to regress me to remember trauma from my past?
A well-trained, professional Hypnotherapist rarely uses a “regression technique,” such as age regression, to uncover subconscious memories. It is not necessary to bring up the past experience or to attempt to uncover the how, why and what has made you who you are today. Hypnosis is a tool that allows access to the subconscious mind for placement of positive suggestions and visualizations, than when it is done correctly allows for the release and letting go of the past associations and identifications that are impact your current life. By doing so, we create a new image, a new future that is positive and more in line with what you want on both a personal and professional level.
Can I be hypnotized against my will?
Hypnosis is a conscious state of being and you are fully aware of what is going on. You have the ability to stop the session any time you want. So, no, you cannot be hypnotized against your will. Additionally, you cannot be hypnotized to do something that you really don’t want to do. A gentleman once asked me if I could hypnotize his wife to stop smoking. My reply was: "Yes, of course,but only if she really wants to quit. Does she? His reply was a slight shake of his head no and a smile. He wants her to quit, but she loves smoking. Therefore, no matter how many sessions I do, she will not stop smoking. You have to have the desire to change. No one else's desire is more important than yours.
I went to a hypnotherapist once before and it didn’t work. Does this mean I cannot be hypnotized?
No, most people can be hypnotized as it is a natural state that we have access to all day long. More than likely there was a lack of rapport or lack of explanation about the state of hypnosis. Additionally, it is always recommended that you check out the education and background of the Hypnotherapist prior to the session to ensure that you are working with someone who has had proper training and experience.
How many sessions will it take to reach my goal?
The number of sessions for Hypnotherapy varies depending on your conscious will power, your desire to change, the number of issues to work on, and your effort to create that change, especially when faced with resistance. Some clients seek relief in as little as a couple sessions, while others feel it is a benefit for ongoing therapy for as long as they desire. Typically, a hypnosis client will be in counseling less time than with a psychologist or MFT. It is recommended that a new client work with a Hypnotherapist for a minimum of 3 sessions that are one week to 10 days apart.
Are Hypnotherapists licensed doctors?
No. Hypnotherapists specialize in general self-improvement, vocational and avocational, with behavior modification. There is no licensing in this profession. A Hypnotherapist cannot call themselves a Doctor or PhD without legitimate medical training from a college program and have completed state licensing exams.
The benefits of hypnosis are numerous: it can help you to overcome self-defeating behaviors, negative thoughts, and habits. You can create an extraordinary life! Are you ready to create that change? If so, call for an appointment: 941-224-9684.
Hypnotism is derived from a Greek word meaning "sleep." However, hypnosis is not sleep, but a heightened state of consciousness, focus, and suggestibility. The body and the conscious mind are in a relaxed, natural state allowing access to the subconscious mind, which is alert and receptive to positive suggestions for change. Hypnosis is often referred to as a “trance-like state,” yet the person is fully aware and conscious of what is being said. It allows the person to fully focus or concentrate on a specific thought, image, idea, emotion, or feeling while being able to block out any and all distractions.
The subconscious mind is full of thoughts and ideas that create automatic behaviors. Hypnosis is a tool that allows us to bypass the critical filter in the mind and to access the subconscious mind to plant new suggestions, new thoughts, and new ideas that will now be accepted. These new thoughts and ideas will create new automatic behaviors. While hypnosis can be used for personal benefit, it cannot cause you to do anything against your free will or ethics.
Therapeutic hypnosis is used to improve your health and well-being and is different from stage hypnosis that is used for entertainment purposes only.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERNECE BETWEEN HYPNOSIS AND SELF HYPNOSIS?
Hetero-hypnosis is defined as hypnosis induced by another person, such as by a Hypnotherapist, or when listening to a CD.
Self-hypnosis, also known as autohypnosis, is when the state of hypnosis (the same naturally occurring state of mind, which is a heightened state of focused concentration) is induced solely by you. It is similar to meditation. It is most often induced through imagery where the person puts themselves into an extremely relaxed state.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HYPNOSIS AND SELF HYPNOSIS?
Self Hypnosis is very beneficial when working with general self-improvement issues. Self Hypnosis is governed by two laws of suggestibility in order for it to work: the Law of Association and the Law of Repetition. Self-hypnosis can help with positive change, healing, and personal growth. The more you use Self Hypnosis in your daily life, then the more effective and rapid those changes will be. Self Hypnosis is not recommended for more serious or deep-seated mental or emotional concerns.
Hypnosis sessions performed by a Hypnotherapist are very beneficial because the Hypnotherapist can create positive images, thoughts, and feelings by re-framing the negative images, thoughts, and feelings that the client has shared with them. There are hundreds of ways that a Hypnotherapist can help create positive change in your life. Here are just a few:
1. Relaxation/General Well-Being
2. Stress Management
3. Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem
4. Self-Image/Self-Love
5. Career Success
6. Motivation & Goal Setting
7. Communication Skills
8. Eliminate Procrastination
9. Improve Memory
10. Test/Exam Anxiety/Study Habits
11. Sports/Dance Skills & Performance
12. Strengthen Creativity & Talents
13. Eliminate, Anxiety, Fears & Phobias
14. Habit Control
15. Stop Smoking
16. Relationship Enhancement
17. Pain Management & Illness
18. Sleep Disorders
19. Overcome Addictions & Co-dependency
20. Public Speaking/Stage Fright
SOME MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HYPNOSIS:
Myth: You can't hypnotize me!
There are many people who believe that they can't be hypnotized, but this is not necessarily true as everyone, or almost everyone, can be hypnotized and has been. Have you ever been to a movie where you were so into the story you lost track of time? Have you ever driven home from work and couldn't remember how you got home? Well, then, you have been in a state of hypnosis. Have you ever wondered why the commercials are louder and more fast paced than the show you are watching? They are trying to hypnotize you so that you will take in their suggestion that you really need their product. Actually, every night before you go to sleep, you enter the state of hypnosis right before you fall asleep. You know that state. You know you are falling asleep, but can still hear the TV on. You know you should get up and turn it off, but don't. Yes, at that moment you are in a state of hypnosis and are very open to suggestions.
Myth: I'm afraid I will lose control and you will make me do something I don't want to do.
What most people know about hypnosis is what they have seen either on TV or at in the movies where a person is under someone’s “spell.” Or perhaps they attended a stage show where a person "clucks" like a chicken or "barks" like a dog. TV and movies have to sensationalize things for entertain purposes. Also, with stage shows, they too are all about entertainment. And, if the person volunteers to participate in the show, then they probably wanted, on some level, to play that part. It is not at all what happens in a session with a professional Hypnotherapist. Hypnosis is a natural conscious state of mind, whereby the critical filtering system is bypassed so that positive suggestions can be introduced and accepted to create desired changes in a persons life. You are always in control and you can always end a hypnosis session whenever you choose.
Myth: Only the weak-minded can experience hypnosis.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Hypnosis is a natural state that is dictated by brain-wave activity. Normal consciousness is referred to in terms of brain-wave cycles of beta, which is typically 15 to 30 cycles per second. Below beta is alpha, which is about 8 to 14 cycles per second of brain-wave activity. Below alpha is theta, which is 4 to 7 cycles and below that is delta. Alpha and theta brain-wave patterns are present when a person is in a state of hypnosis. They are also present when someone is sleeping, which is another reason some people refer to hypnosis as sleep.
Myth: Hypnosis is just deep sleep.
I have used hypnosis with many clients for varying reasons. Sometimes the client will tell me that they didn't feel like they were hypnotized, just really relaxed and that they maybe fell asleep. However, they could recall, with detail, everything that occurred during the session. You may notice that during a session, if you open your eyes, then your mind will be clearer than if you had been in a normal state of consciousness. I have noticed that when I wake up from an afternoon nap, on the rare occasion when I do that, that I am usually groggy and slow to wake up. After a hypnosis session many people have told me that they were totally relaxed and fully refreshed.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HYPNOSIS
What does Hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis is a natural state so some people do not feel any different. My experience, from what my clients have told me, is that most people feel much more relaxed that when they came in and they have an over-all good feeling at the end. When being placed under hypnosis you may experience some physiological changes in your body, such as your breathing will get deeper and all your senses are heightened.
Will I remember everything afterwards?
This will depend on how deep into the state of hypnosis you go, but most people do remember almost everything or, at least, certain parts of the experience.
Suggestions that are placed in your subconscious during the hypnosis session will come into your conscious awareness. These are the new images, ideas, and thoughts that will create the change in your life.
Are you going to regress me to remember trauma from my past?
A well-trained, professional Hypnotherapist rarely uses a “regression technique,” such as age regression, to uncover subconscious memories. It is not necessary to bring up the past experience or to attempt to uncover the how, why and what has made you who you are today. Hypnosis is a tool that allows access to the subconscious mind for placement of positive suggestions and visualizations, than when it is done correctly allows for the release and letting go of the past associations and identifications that are impact your current life. By doing so, we create a new image, a new future that is positive and more in line with what you want on both a personal and professional level.
Can I be hypnotized against my will?
Hypnosis is a conscious state of being and you are fully aware of what is going on. You have the ability to stop the session any time you want. So, no, you cannot be hypnotized against your will. Additionally, you cannot be hypnotized to do something that you really don’t want to do. A gentleman once asked me if I could hypnotize his wife to stop smoking. My reply was: "Yes, of course,but only if she really wants to quit. Does she? His reply was a slight shake of his head no and a smile. He wants her to quit, but she loves smoking. Therefore, no matter how many sessions I do, she will not stop smoking. You have to have the desire to change. No one else's desire is more important than yours.
I went to a hypnotherapist once before and it didn’t work. Does this mean I cannot be hypnotized?
No, most people can be hypnotized as it is a natural state that we have access to all day long. More than likely there was a lack of rapport or lack of explanation about the state of hypnosis. Additionally, it is always recommended that you check out the education and background of the Hypnotherapist prior to the session to ensure that you are working with someone who has had proper training and experience.
How many sessions will it take to reach my goal?
The number of sessions for Hypnotherapy varies depending on your conscious will power, your desire to change, the number of issues to work on, and your effort to create that change, especially when faced with resistance. Some clients seek relief in as little as a couple sessions, while others feel it is a benefit for ongoing therapy for as long as they desire. Typically, a hypnosis client will be in counseling less time than with a psychologist or MFT. It is recommended that a new client work with a Hypnotherapist for a minimum of 3 sessions that are one week to 10 days apart.
Are Hypnotherapists licensed doctors?
No. Hypnotherapists specialize in general self-improvement, vocational and avocational, with behavior modification. There is no licensing in this profession. A Hypnotherapist cannot call themselves a Doctor or PhD without legitimate medical training from a college program and have completed state licensing exams.
The benefits of hypnosis are numerous: it can help you to overcome self-defeating behaviors, negative thoughts, and habits. You can create an extraordinary life! Are you ready to create that change? If so, call for an appointment: 941-224-9684.
