Hypnosis FAQs

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind characterized by an extraordinary state of relaxation (physically, mentally, and emotionally), by a heightened awareness and focus, and by an open responsiveness to suggestion. Hypnosis is a perfectly normal, natural state of mind that everyone is in every day of their lives. When you become engrossed in a novel or a daydream (or even a television show), you are in this same state of mind. Your awareness is highly focused to the exclusion of all else. This relaxed, highly focused state of mind generates alpha brainwaves. When you fall asleep at night, alpha is the dominant brainwave state you are in right before you fall asleep. Alpha is also the state of mind most associated with hypnosis.

When you relax into an alpha state of mind, the subconscious mind comes more to the forefront and the conscious mind takes a backseat. This is what makes hypnosis so successful. For the subconscious mind is open to suggestion. Where the conscious mind is the critical, analytical part of the mind, the subconscious mind is highly suggestible. The subconscious never needs sleep and records everything the five senses has awareness of. It stores all memories and records all your thoughts and feelings (from which your belief systems and patterns of behavior arise). Your subconscious carries out your habituated patterns of behavior as well as carrying out all the involuntary functions of the body. So when the subconscious comes to the forefront of the mind during hypnosis, old belief systems and patterns of behavior can be changed and replaced by new, more beneficial belief systems.

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is the practice of using hypnosis as a therapeutic tool. Hypnotherapy deals with problems at the subconscious level when a client or subject is unable to solve a problem at the conscious level. Hypnotherapy can be used to treat addictions; overcome phobias; relieve stress; and can help clients to achieve positive attitudes about themselves.

Who can be hypnotized?

The vast majority of people can be hypnotized as long as they are willing. Since hypnosis is a natural state of mind which people are in every day, anyone of normal intelligence who chooses to be hypnotized can be hypnotized. There may be a few exceptions such as people on certain medications or people with neurological problems.

How does someone become hypnotized?

The most common process to induce a state of hypnosis is through the use of an induction. Inductions generally use techniques such as suggestions to breath deeply; to close the eyes; to relax the body; and guided mental imagery and exercises to induce a pleasant, highly relaxed state. For some, all it takes is closing the eyes and a couple deep breaths and they’re there. While others may need additional deepeners (techniques designed to take someone into deeper, more relaxed states of mind) to reach a hypnotic state.

What does it feel like to become hypnotized?

Well, it feels wonderful, of course. It is like being in a pleasant daydreaming state. Or like that wonderful deep relaxation you feel right before dropping off to sleep. And since the conscious mind is in the background resting a bit while you’re doing hypnosis, you can often feel refreshed and revitalized after a session.

Will I lose control under hypnosis?

No. Your conscious mind is present and you can come out of a trance anytime you choose. Your subconscious mind is also very protective of you and would not accept any suggestions that would violate your moral or ethical codes.

Will I lose consciousness or get stuck?

Nope. You will only lose consciousness if you fall asleep. And then you would simply wake up like you would after a nap. No one has ever gotten “stuck” in hypnosis.

Can a hypnotist make me do something against my will?

No. First off, you are conscious during hypnosis and could stop a session anytime you wanted to stop. Also, your subconscious mind is very protective of you and would not accept any suggestions that would be harmful to you in any way. Again, your subconscious mind would not accept suggestions that would violate your moral or ethical codes.

Do I have to believe in hypnosis in order for it to work for me?

Not really. But you do have to be willing to give it a try in order for it to work. Wonderful results have been achieved by people who didn’t believe in hypnosis. And it’s not unusual for people to believe that they weren’t actually hypnotized when they were.

Will I remember what went on in a hypnosis session?

Yes. You can remember all details of a session, and certainly everything you need to remember. However, because you are in a drowsy state, your memory of some details may fade rather quickly as often happens with dreams. If you want to remember everything, you can either tape the session or write everything down immediately after the session.

Do I have to go into a “deep state” of hypnosis for changes to be effective?

Only a light to medium hypnosis state is needed for hypnosis to be effective. Good results can occur with a light state. The most important factor in an effective hypnosis session is the level of desire a client has. If a person’s desire is strong and they have a willingness to enter into a relaxed hypnotic state, chances for success are very good.

How can I tell if I’m hypnotized?

Well, there are several “signs” that can tell you if you are in a state of hypnosis. Obviously, a subject will feel very relaxed. Also, once the eyes are closed and a client has begun to enter a hypnotic state, it’s not unusual for the eyelids to flutter slightly. The eyelids can feel quite heavy, and the subject feels no need or desire to open their eyes.. The eyes may water and be red when someone comes out of hypnosis. It’s also fairly common for a subject to sigh or to swallow during a session (I often do that myself when practicing self-hypnosis). There is also a state or feeling of well-being during hypnosis. Tingling or numbness may occur. Everyone is different, but these are some of the more common signs of a hypnotic state.

Is hypnosis safe?

Yes. Remember, hypnosis is a natural state of mind, and natural states of mind are not dangerous. Of course, when you practice self-hypnosis or listen to a hypnosis CD or tape, don’t do so while you’re driving a car or taking a bath or operating machinery. Always use common sense.

Will medication influence my ability to be hypnotized?

Yes, it can. It will depend on the specific medication you are taking. If you are currently under medication or have a medical condition, always consult your doctor to find out if hypnosis is appropriate for you given your medical circumstances.

What can hypnosis be used for and how can it benefit me?

Hypnosis can be used for a variety of purposes. Relieving stress; self-improvement; treating addictions; dealing with fears/phobias; improving sports performance; changing behavioral patterns; spiritual development; and weight control are some of the areas in which hypnosis can be beneficial. Essentially, the sky is the limit.

What is aversion therapy?

Aversion therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses revulsion as a motivational tool for changing a behavioral pattern. An example would be a therapist asking a patient who is trying to quit smoking to imagine what it would be like to have throat cancer.

What is the subconscious?

The subconscious is that part of the mind that lies just below the level of the conscious mind. While the conscious mind is the reasoning, intellectual aspect of our mind, the subconscious is the non-critical aspect of our mind (no judgment goes on here–the subconscious accepts everything that is presented to it). It is the home of our imagination and emotions. It’s where our intuition arises from. The subconscious records everything we experience through our five senses and stores all the information. All our thoughts, feelings, and belief systems are stored in our subconscious and brought to our conscious awareness at relevant times. The subconscious breathes us, circulates blood through our circulatory system, and is responsible for all the involuntary functions of the body. It also carries out all of our habituated behaviors. This is why it is so critical to hypnosis. When a person is deeply relaxed, the subconscious mind comes to the forefront and patterns of behavior can be changed; old memories can be accessed and processed; belief systems can be changed and new beliefs established. Convincing the subconscious is the key to making powerful changes in our lives. It is the key to hypnosis.

How is hypnosis different from creative visualization and guided meditations?

Not a whole lot. In some instances, there may be some differences in techniques. But the goal is always the same–to become relaxed and to focus the mind. Visualizations and guided imagery have long been techniques used in the art of hypnosis. This is because the subconscious mind relates best to symbols and imagery.

How quickly can I expect results from hypnosis or hypnotherapy?

How strong is your desire and commitment to make changes? The stronger your desire and commitment, the sooner you are likely to get results. There are other factors of course. Some problems are easier solved than others. Some people will quit smoking the first time they have a session, some will take longer (four or five sessions). Phobias can often be dealt with in just a few sessions. But problems in which core issues need to be dealt with obviously would take longer.