Definition of hypnosis

Hypnosis is a means of communication between the conscious and subconscious mind.

The subconscious is where everything we have learned is stored including all our values, beliefs, habits and patterns. 

Hypnosis is the natural process of accessing the subconscious. It is merely a state of physical relaxation and actually heightened mental alertness.

The state of being hypnotized makes it easier to accept and experience suggestions. Hypnosis does not force a person to do anything with these suggestions.

Myths about hypnosis

There are many fears and misunderstandings about the use of hypnosis and the myths and mystery that surround it are completely undeserved.

Hypnosis is not magic. It does not involve people being made to do things against their will.

There is a very big difference between clinical hypnotherapy and “stage” hypnotism. While the former is a therapeutic process for the benefit of the client, the latter is a performance, a show designed purely to entertain the audience.

Although hypnosis is induced by the therapist’s voice it is you – the client - that puts yourself into hypnosis. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis and the hypnotherapist is merely the facilitator.

What does it feel like?

It is often compared to daydreaming, or the feeling of “losing yourself” in a book or movie.

During hypnosis you are likely to experience relaxation, sleepiness, a rigidity or limpness in the muscles of your arms and legs, skin warmth or coldness, sensations of tingling or feelings of electricity, and narrowness of attention.

Someone experiencing hypnosis does not lose control over his or her behavior. Their attention and concentration are actually more focused. There is no selective hearing in hypnosis.

How does it work?

What hypnosis does is merely reinforce the positive beliefs, attitudes, and resources a person has to help them accomplish their goals.

It is similar to going to the gym. Exercise helps condition and build a person’s physical muscles, while hypnosis helps a person develop and condition their “mental muscles” to help them accomplish their goals.

Any suggestion that is out of context, or violates one’s morals, ethics, and values will automatically be rejected.

During the first session various tests may be performed to determine a person’s susceptibility to hypnosis.

After the tests are performed the therapist will work with you to determine the goal for the session. You will be hypnotized during the session. Each session addresses one specific goal and includes training in self-hypnosis.

Your hypnotherapy session will help you to change the desires and thoughts, which have previously kept you locked in undesirable patterns.

The net effect of hypnosis is that you will be able to exercise more control over your desires, your behavior, your mental state and your life.