FAQ's of Hypnosis
What IS Hypnosis?
- Hypnosis is a state of “selective hyper-suggestibility.” This simply means:
- You are open to accepting new suggestions;
- You will only accept suggestions that are in line with your morals, beliefs, and desires.
- Hypnosis can also be explained as one of four different levels
of brain wave activity.
- Beta - When you are alert and awake, your brainwave activity is rapid.
- Alpha - As you begin to relax, your brainwave pattern begins to slow down. This is the level in which you watch an intriguing movie, read an absorbing book, or drive a familiar road.
- Theta - These waves are even slower and are associated with deeper levels of relaxation. This is the stage during waking and drifting off to sleep when you realize that you are neither completely awake nor completely asleep, but somewhere in between, and deeply relaxed.
- Delta - These slowest waves indicate deep sleep. Hypnosis can occur in Alpha, Theta, or Delta levels.
- A hypnotic state is perfectly natural, and something we all experience at least twice a day - once as we are waking up and again as we drift off to sleep. If, at any time during the day, you should happen to become engrossed in a T.V. program or a good book, that is a hypnotic state. Another everyday example of a hypnotic state is driving somewhere only to realize upon arriving that you don’t remember anything about the actual trip. Your conscious mind is focused on things other than driving. This experience is sometimes called “road hypnosis.”
- Hypnosis is the intentional use of this naturally occurring state of awareness. When you are in this state, your subconscious mind is much more open to accepting suggestions. This can be used to your advantage when you make a conscious choice about the suggestions, or “programming,” that you allow in. By consciously choosing suggestions that are in your best interest and are in line with your goals, you gain access your own enormous potential!
- Hypnosis has much in common with meditation, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, guided imagery, visualization, and affirmation.
How quickly does it work?
- Hypnotic suggestions often begin immediately to have the desired effects. Multiple exposures to the suggestions are usually required for lasting change. We have been running our old, ineffective internal programs for years. Completely replacing them with new, effective ones can sometimes take a little time.
- When you are using a self-hypnosis CD, listen to it at least twice a day for at least 21 days. The subconscious mind absorbs best that to which it is exposed repeatedly. In this case, more is better! You will find that the more you experience hypnosis, the more quickly and deeply you relax. Generally speaking, hypnosis is a very rapid way to affect change in your life.
What types of things can hypnosis be used for?
Hypnosis can be of help for almost any issue that has a mental or emotional component. While not a “magic bullet,” it can have applications in almost anyone’s life. After all, everyone has something they would like to change, eliminate, or improve!
- Stress management When you are less stressed you experience better: Sleep, concentration, immune system functioning, digestion, memory, and more!
- Elimination of bad habits such as: Smoking, nail biting, knuckle cracking, snacking, procrastination……
- Self-Improvement Increased motivation, self-confidence, creativity, memory, study skills, assertiveness…….
- Decreasing fears such as: Flying, public speaking, test taking, dental visits………
- Pain Management Tension and migraine headaches, arthritis, backaches, childbirth……
- Healing Pre-surgery preparation, post-surgery recovery, burns, acne, warts, eczema, broken bones, allergies, blood pressure, tolerating chemotherapy, morning sickness....
- Performance Enhancement Sports, fitness, business, academic, goal achievement …
How safe is hypnosis?
- Hypnosis is very safe. The job of your sub-conscious is to ensure your well-being. It won’t accept suggestions that go against your morals, desires, or beliefs.
- You are in complete control at all times. If you want to become fully alert and end the session, you can, and at any time. You are not in the hypnotist’s power. Never listen to your CD while operating machinery, or play it where someone who is operating machinery could hear it.
- The only possible problems could come from a hypnotist’s mismanaging of a session, such as blocking pain that is signaling a medical problem or otherwise working outside her/his area of training. As a qualified hypnotist, I can assist you in reaching your desired outcome. The services I offer are not meant to be substitutes for psychological or professional counseling services. If you have an ongoing mental health problem, please consult a licensed professional. Unless licensed to do so, an ethical hypnotist will never diagnose, prescribe, or counsel. You decide what you want to change, improve, or eliminate.
What does it feel like to be hypnotized?
It feels wonderfully relaxing to be hypnotized. Some people feel light and floaty, while others feel limp and soft. Some people fall asleep, some remain somewhat alert, but most just drift in and out of awareness.
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What else should I know about hypnosis?
- Light, medium, or deep - every level can and does work! It is not true that you must be DEEP for hypnosis to work. Many people experience light levels, especially at first.
- Intelligent, strong-willed people make great subjects. That is, as long as their strong will is aimed at reaching their goals, and not at proving that they can’t change!
- You remain in control at all times. The hypnotist is a guide or coach. You won’t go against your deeply held beliefs, morals, or desires.
- You can’t get “stuck” in hypnosis just like you can’t get “stuck” in sleep. You’ll just wake up, feeling rested.
- You may remember a great deal of your session. If very deep (Delta) you may not consciously remember much. If you remain in lighter levels, your mind may wander, and you may quit paying attention. But either way, your sub-conscious heard every word.
- You can easily move or open your eyes while hypnotized. In fact, that is just fine. Do what you need to do to get comfortable - then you’ll relax even more.
Can EVERYONE be hypnotized?
- Yes, anyone of at least average intelligence is capable of being hypnotized, unless there has been a brain injury.
- Different techniques work better for different people. If you need, experiment a little, and you’ll find the method that is perfectly suited for you. You will find that the more you experience hypnosis, the more quickly and deeply you relax.