Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy
Over the years, I’ve been asked all sorts of questions about hypnosis and hypnotherapy. On this page I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked ones. If you don’t find your questioned answered here, then feel free to send me a question directly by filling in the form at the bottom of this page.
What exactly is hypnotherapy ?
Hypnotherapy is the use of therapeutic techniques during the process of hypnosis to create a beneficial change. Hypnosis, itself, is a universal human experience and completely natural. When someone is hypnotised, they are actually in a highly focused of awareness where the conscious mind is bypassed and communication is established directly with the subconscious.. Hypnotherapy is using hypnosis to access the subconscious and release old patterns, and reprogram for a successful future. When you start to intervene with the deeper mind, a real lasting change is inevitable.
Can anyone be hypnotised ?
That depends on whether they want to be, and believe it is actually possible to be hypnotised. Without a belief in its possibility and a desire to be hypnotised, it is impossible for any hypnotherapist to do so.
The truth is that everyone can experience hypnosis if they want to. Since all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, you are simply being guided to use a natural ability you already have. The key factor is you must cooperate with the hypnotherapist in order to have success. The level of concentration that you achieve will depend directly on how well you follow the hypnotherapist’s instructions.
Will I know what is happening if while I am in hypnosis ?
Absolutely. Truth be known, you’ll most likely be even more aware than usual of the goings-on. While your eyes will be closed, your other senses can become more acute and aware.
What does being in hypnosis feel like ?
It is very relaxing, however it is not an experience that you would consider out of the ordinary, very much like day-dreaming. In fact, it’s a foregone conclusion that you have already experienced a state like hypnosis within your everyday activities. Did you know that day dreaming is hypnosis? When you are reading a book while riding in a vehicle (hopefully not driving it) and are oblivious to other noises and people therein, that is hypnosis. We experience hypnosis throughout our day, whether or not we are ever aware of it. Hypnotherapy simply focuses and deepens this natural state and allows you to use this time effectively.
Should safety be an issue?
When dealing with a professional, it is completely safe. The big problem is that reports of failure blame the procedure itself when in actuality it is normally the individual’s fault. Stories about these sessions going badly is not the fault of the process but rather and amateur or just plain phoney hypnotist. This is why some background research on the professional of your choice is always a good idea before you attend your first appointment. Keep in mind that they will help you get in touch with your subconscious, so you need to make sure that they are legitimate.
Will I tell secrets in hypnosis ?
Not if you don’t want to. Hypnosis does not “force” you to say anything that you wouldn’t otherwise. You remain in total control of what you or do not say. Though it may interfere with the hypnotist helping you reach your goals, you can even lie when you are under hypnosis.
Are there any side effects from hypnosis ?
The only known side effects are the beneficial ones you went there trying to experience in the first place – you’ll feel more relaxed afterwards, and more positive about whatever caused you to seek hypnotherapy in the first place.
Will I remember what happened during hypnosis ?
In some ways yes, and in other ways no. You will remember some things, but not all of them. Our memory always works this way, however. Take listening to a speech or talk, for instance. You will may start off listening to the person speaking, but you never remember everything that they said. According to many scientists, we only retain roughly 30% of what we hear unless we take written notes to aid our memory.
Will I lose control during hypnosis ?
Absolutely not! You cannot be hypnotised against your will and cannot be forced to do anything while hypnotised that you would not normally do. You remain in control of yourself at all times. The hypnotherapist has no control over you – if you decide to just get up and walk out of there, you’ll do just that.
Can I get stuck in hypnosis for long periods of time ?
No. Hypnosis has nothing to do with control. If you want to become un-hypnotised, then you will simply come out of it. Remember, we go in and out of consciousness multiple times everyday but always come out easily, naturally, and all on your own.
Will I be forced to accept suggestions ?
Of course not. Your mind is extremely protective of you (possibly because it’s a part of you), and you will not accept any suggestions that go against your morals or beliefs.
So how can being in hypnosis help resolve a problem ?
When we are hypnotised, we are more physically and mentally relaxed. During this state, our minds operate more efficiently and effectively. To understand this, remember a time when you tried very hard to remember someone’s name – eventually, when it wouldn’t come up, you went off to do something else. Typically, awhile later the name came to you. Putting your mind under pressure isn’t the most effective way to process or recall – but relaxation is.
Why don’t more people use self-hypnosis or get hypnotherapy sessions ?
That would be like asking why more people don’t take their vitamins, eat better meals with smaller portions, or exercise. For the most part, we know what’s good for us… but that doesn’t mean we’ll actually do those things. We’re busy, and we make excuses. Many of us barely keep up with our absolutely necessary tasks in life, to say nothing of the tasks which may seem completely “optional.”
Another reason why people may not try hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis would be that such things appear extremely simple. Simple things are often regarded as not being very effective, as if everything effective has to be extremely difficult. Or worse, they think that because self-hypnosis is fairly easy, they’re not doing it correctly. Obviously, as cases like swallowing vitamin pills, doing sit-ups and flossing will illustrate, an activity need not be complex to be effective.
Submit Your Own Question
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