FAQ
Hypnosis FAQ,
1. WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?
Hypnosis is actually a natural state of mind that we experience many times a day. People, whether they know it or not drift in and out of a trance like state frequently. For example: have you ever caught yourself daydreaming while driving your car, and wonder how did I arrive at my destination so quickly? You have been in a state of hypnosis. You are not asleep while in hypnosis. Sleep is a state of rest. Hypnosis is a state of mindfulness.
2. WHO CAN BE HYPNOTIZED?
Anyone with an open mind, reasonable intelligence, the ability to concentrate, and a willingness to go into a relaxed state of mind.
3. IS HYPNOSIS DANGEROUS?
There has never been a documented case of harm coming to anyone from the therapeutic use of hypnotism. In the mid 1950’s both the AMA and the BMA approved of the use of hypnosis and deemed it “to not cause detrimental harm to the general health” but warned the practice of hypnosis should be used with caution and care for the patient.
4. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE HYPNOTIZED? CAN I BE HYPNOTIZED?
The answer is extremely important because it may determine whether or not you can benefit from hypnosis. Some people give up on hypnosis after a few sessions because they were disappointed in their reactions, believing they are not suitable subjects. Many people believe they will go through something different, new and spectacular in the hypnotic state. They equate hypnosis with being anesthetized or being asleep or unconscious. You will be able to hear, remember, and experience everything that is going on around you. Hypnosis is a very pleasant feeling of complete physical and mental relaxation. It is similar to that moment between knowing you are awake and going into the sleep-state. Often, when people are in hypnosis, you find your mind active, you hear every sound in the room, that you can resist the suggestions if you choose to, you realize that you are not asleep, and you are able to remember everything perfectly, all of these factors lead people to believe that they were not hypnotized, when indeed they were.
5. HOW EXACTLY DOES HYPNOSIS WORK?
Everything you have learned is stored in your subconscious mind, the way you walk or drive your car. Unwanted habits such as, smoking or overeating are stored in your subconscious too. Some learned activities such as playing tennis, biking or playing chess are things you want to keep and perhaps even improve upon, others such as smoking or overeating you may want to limit or get rid of altogether. The process of hypnosis gives the subconscious mind suggestion for change or improvement. Entering a state of deep relaxation and connecting with the subconscious the post hypnotic suggestions are given, of course they are your goals not the hypnotherapist goals. Success depends on the motivation of the client and the commitment to hypnosis a person is willing to make. Some goals are reached immediately, others take more reinforcement, each individual is different.
6. CAN A PERSON BE HYPNOTIZED AGAINST THEIR WILL OR MADE TO DO ANYTHING AGAINST THEIR WILL?
No one is able to be hypnotized against his or her will. If people were, hypnosis would be the most closely guarded secret on the planet. Entering hypnosis is a consent state. The hypnotist assists the subject, who then hypnotizes him/herself.
7. DO PEOPLE HAVE TROUBLE COMING OUT OF HYPNOSIS?
A person may choose to stay in hypnosis after an experienced hypnotist asks them to come out of it. The reason being, it is such a relaxed feeling of enjoyment, they prefer to stay hypnotized a while longer. If the hypnotherapist were to leave, the person would merely drift into a natural sleep to awaken at a more personally convenient time. In self-hypnosis, you have complete and utter control of when you come out of hypnosis and set your own limits. There has never been a documented case of someone being unable to come out of hypnosis.
8. WHAT IS SELF-HYPNOSIS?
Techniques exist by which one can attain a state of self-hypnosis and gain complete relaxation under the most stressful conditions. In this state, the sub-conscious mind is open to therapeutic suggestions.
9. WHAT EXACTLY IS THE SUB-CONSCIOUS MIND?
The conscious mind, the mind that you are conscious of, is your “me.” It is the critical part of your mind. The sub-conscious mind is the one that directs your conduct through the habits and emotional desires acquired from the influences of your environment.
10. HOW DOES SELF-HYPNOSIS DIFFER FROM HYPNOSIS BY A HYPNOTIST?
In self-hypnosis, YOU choose your own time limits, instead of a scheduled appointment with a hypnotist. Using a hypnotist at the beginning of your awareness training is of great benefit. It speeds up your process of self-improvement.
11. WHY DO SOME PEOPLE HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT HYPNOSIS?
Hypnosis is such a misunderstood phenomenon. For centuries, it has been affiliated with spiritualism, witchcraft, and various other “unexplainable” events. Based on “B” movies, cheap novels and exaggerated claims made by undisciplined persons.
12. DOES HYPNOSIS WEAKEN THE WILL? ARE ONLY WEAK MINDED PEOPLE ABLE TO GO INTO HYPNOTIC STATES?
No. Self-hypnosis strengthens the will. Hypnosis works with the will, not against it. In fact, the more intelligent and strong-willed you are, the more effective hypnosis will be for you.
13. WHAT IF I CAN’T BE HYPNOTIZED?
Most people feel or think this very same way. The fear is giving up control. The opposite is actually true. You are exercising a more powerful form of thought-control than at other times by accepting the suggestions given. The only thought to prevent you from going into hypnosis is the thought, “I can’t be hypnotized.”
14. WHAT CAN SELF-HYPNOSIS DO FOR ME?
Many things, Instant learning and photographic memory systems are based on self-hypnosis. Champions in many sports such as Evander Holyfield, Larry Bird, and Tiger Woods, all use self-hypnosis to achieve amazing and consistent results in their fields. You can now learn to overcome unwanted and undesirable habits, such as smoking, overeating, or drinking. You can boost your self-confidence, and realize that success is within easy reach of an active mind, and erasing harmful emotions leads to a happier and healthier life.
15. DO I NEED HYPNOTHERAPY? WILL IT WORK FOR ME?
Hypnosis will work for you. If you have bad habits, stress or want to improve your health and well being then give hypnosis a try.
16. HOW DO I FIND A QUALIFIED HYPNOTHERAPIST?
We recommend our Graduate Referral Program to help you find a quality certified Hypnotherapist to fit your specific needs. Want help overcoming depression, recovering from surgery, improving athletic performance, or simply to stop smoking. Graduate of PASH are advanced in the techniques of Hypnotherapy, and can assist in the treatment of many problems.
The above FAQ is copyrighted by George Bien and the Achievement Center and is reprinted by permission
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We hope this Hypnosis FAQ has been helpful. If you have any questions about hypnosis or our services please feel confident that we are happy to answer your questions.