HYPNOTHERAPY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is it like ?

This question is usually related, in one way or another, to the word "trance."

Trance is a common and unfortunate term frequently associated with any kind of hypnosis. For the most part, especially in self-hypnosis, the Hollywood image of a trance will not apply. You will not be transported to some psychic Xanadu to experience raptures of spirit and flesh. Nor will you be likely to wander around with arms outstretched and a dazed look on your face.

My clients' descriptions have included: one is relaxed, pleasant, aware but not caring, almost like being asleep but still awake, in control but not needing to do anything -- comments like that. You will not lose your self-control, nor will you do anything in a self-hypnotic state that you would not otherwise do. (Of course, what some people would "otherwise do" can be surprising.) 

The most common description of a good self-hypnotic state is something to the effect that you are awake, but you don't care. If you were to close your eyes and relax, then focus your attention on one particular thought, that is pretty close to what it feels like. Generally, you are aware of what is going on around you, as you would be if you found yourself entranced by staring into the flames of a fire.

Can you make me _______? (quit smoking, lose weight, etc.)

No. We don’t have the power to "make" anyone do anything that you don’t already want to do. No one really does. Hypnosis works because the subject uses his/her own power and abilities to achieve the desired results.

Is hypnosis dangerous?

Probing around in the mind, sometimes uncovering long-buried stuff, seems at first like it might be dangerous. And it very well could be if the questioning were being done by someone who is not qualified, which is why you should not waste your time with amateurs and unlicensed “practitioners.”

Can I do this myself?

Yes, you can. In fact, we teach and encourage everyone to learn how to use self-hypnosis for success in many areas of their life.

What is the difference between hypnosis and self-hypnosis?

Let’s use the analogy of going from point A to point B in an automobile.

If you drive yourself there, you need to know how to drive the car. You also need to know which roads to take, and how to get there. While you can enjoy the ride, it is essential that you pay attention every step of the way. With self-hypnosis, you do all the driving.

If someone drives you there, you don’t need to know how to drive the car. You don’t need to know which roads to take or how to get there. You can enjoy the ride and even close your eyes. It doesn’t even matter if you don’t pay attention, you’ll still get there. When you choose hypnosis, a trained and certified professional "guides" you through the session to exactly where you want to go.

Is self-hypnosis dangerous?

Ideomotor questioning (in self-hypnosis) is a form of auto questioning. Please note the "auto," which means acting or directed from within. It is something you do yourself.

Just like an autobiography is written by a person about him/herself, so too is ideomotor questioning done by oneself, for oneself, and about oneself. It should be done in solitude, with no other input. As long as you stick to this you will be in no danger from ideomotor questioning.

While using self-hypnosis, you will not subconsciously divulge anything that would create a problem for you. In fact, the subconscious mind generally tends to be over protective and errs on the side of being too conservative.

Is hypnosis approved by the American or British Medical Association?

Yes. Since 1957 by The British medical and Dental association (BMA) and in 1958 the American Medical Association approved the therapeutic use of hypnosis.

Hypnosis was used in World War II for pain control, as well as for other therapeutic purposes. In the 1950s, the medical use of hypnosis had increased, due to its popularity and acceptance during the war. In Britain most GPs and dentists are trained in, and use, hypnotic techniques.

Recently Matt Damon and Britney Spears quit smoking using hypnosis and Kevin Costner eliminated his sea sickness to work on Waterworld. And a recent UK study found it the most effective way to relieve IBS and colitis after a six year study comparing results long term.

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