Understanding Hypnosis
One of the primary missions of a hypnotist is to educate clients about hypnosis and to dispel their many misconceptions. Understanding the nature of hypnosis is essential to enable the trust and cooperation required between the client and hypnotist for effective therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What exactly is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is like aspirin: A lot of people use it but have no idea what it is or how it works.
Hypnosis has a myriad of definitions depending on the book and practitioner cited. However, all agree that hypnosis does exist and that something happens as a result of it.
Hypnosis is a process that produces:
• relaxation
• the distraction of the conscious mind
• a heightened suggestibility
• an increased awareness
all of which allow access to the subconscious mind through the imagination.
Who can be hypnotized?
Most people can be hypnotized. If you have the desire, if you can concentrate and use your imagination you can be hypnotized. There are levels of trance. Research indicates that as much as a quarter or more of the population can go into a deep enough trance that they can even bypass their awareness of pain sensation. Many large hospitals today are allowing hypnotists to come into the operating room with patients. For most of the rest of the population, the depth of trance can vary from light to moderate, which is usually enough to allow a change in negative behavior.
What is a trance?
It might surprise you that you have already experienced hypnotic trances. Think of the feeling you had when listening to music that caused you to forget your surroundings and lose track of time. Have you ever been driving and missed your exit or couldn't really remember how you arrived at your destination? You were in a hypnotic or trance state.
A trance is an enjoyable state of mind, similar to daydreaming, in that you become very receptive to proper suggestion.
Will I lose control while in a trance?
No. You cannot be hypnotized against your will. You will always remain in control and be able to awaken yourself at any time. You also retain the power to reject any unsuitable suggestion.
Is hypnosis the same as sleep?
No. In hypnosis you will not be asleep or unconscious. You will always be aware of your surroundings, but they will not distract you.
Can I be sure that I will come out of the trance?
Yes. You cannot remain in hypnosis. If you are left alone, you will either come out of the hypnotic state in just a few moments or you could fall asleep.
Will I reveal secrets?
No. The illusion that hypnosis is a relationship of "power" between the subject and hypnotherapist is often very deep in the public consciousness. Many still think that if they are hypnotized they have no choice but to obey the commands given them. Yet, in truth, the hypnotist-subject relationship is anything but a power relationship. The only "power" lies in the mind of the subject because in hypnosis one has greater awareness than when one is fully awake and they completely retain their powers of selectivity. Your secrets are secure.
Can I be made to "quack like a duck" or "bark like a dog?"
No!! (Unless, of course, for some reason you want to quack or bark!) A person cannot be made to do anything that they are morally or personally opposed. You are always in control.
Is it true that only gullible, "weak-minded" or people of low intelligence can be hypnotized?
No. Incredibly there exists a pervasive belief that this is true when actually quite the opposite is the case. People of above-average intelligence who are capable of concentrating and those who have active, vivid imaginations make the best subjects.
There are many resources for you to learn more about hypnosis and hypnotherapy.
** Read article from Southampton Press **
Hypnosis offers a Helping Hand
