Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What exactly is Hypnotherapy, how does it work?
Hypnotherapy uses the power of hypnosis to help us bring about lasting changes to our life. We can utilize the phenomenon of the trance for direct access to the deeper intelligence of the spirit. It is a way to stimulate the inner creative mind to provide the energy and insight for change. During hypnotherapy we are working with our conscious and subconscious mind. We temporarily suspend use of our conscious, rational mind to access and work with the subconscious. Here we can get into contact with our true feelings, blocked potential, thought patterns, belief systems and habits.
It is a process of attending to the blocks and misconceptions that are stopping us from realizing our potential wholeness. We can learn to reprogram the self-limiting subconscious patterns.
There are many misconceptions about what hypnosis is and isn't. Generally we could say it is a focused and relaxed state of mind and body. It is one's willingness to be open to positive suggestions and allowing them to dictate your actions. You will be able to bring all of your attention and energy to the issue in hand - to discover the answers within yourself.
The true value of hypnosis is not that of the so called 'trance state' that we often glamorize, but the theraputic work that can be accomplished within that hypnosis.
REPROGRAMMING
Very often we find we have become stuck in old patterns or ways of acting/reacting. We have these old "programs" still entrenched within the subconscious. You have the power to reprogram; taking out the old unwanted programs and replacing it with the new positive life direction or choice. You will therefore need to look within. Hypnosis is a tool to help you go there.
We access the subconscious several times a day, we enter a self induced trance state. It is quite a natural phenomenon, sometimes referred to as "spacing out". Examples: Finding yourself totally engrossed in a book, movie or favorite music, so that you forget yourself. Driving in your car; getting from A to B and not knowing exactly how you finally end up at your destination. Typically you will experience the same level of hypnosis. You will not be "asleep" or unconscious, thereby relinquishing any control.
Under hypnosis, will I ever do something I don't want to?
Remember, the conscious mind is still functioning in the background. It will still perform its censoring if required. i.e. you can accept or reject anything that is said - you are in control.
Nobody will do anything under hypnosis that is against his or her principles or moral standards. Your discrimination will be available if required to function! No deep dark secrets will be revealed unless you want them to be. No power is taken away - quite the reverse. You will become acutely aware of where you have denied yourself the power.
Entering a hypnotic state is a skill that a therapist helps you learn in order to correct a symptom, problem, or to modify a behavior, rather than something that is done to you. Some people share after their first session that they have done this type of thing before on their own. It is a natural place to go when contemplating a problem or going within for inspiration.
Hypnosis is a tool and not a complete answer.
What are some of the applications of Hypnotherapy?
But I'm not sure I can be hypnotized
Everyone can achieve a state of "trance" and as you now know, it can occur quite spontaneously. If you have difficulty with this it is certainly something that can be improved upon in each session. To utilize this natural state to help you to resolving your issue can be most effectively done with the assistance of a hypnotherapist.
Some people are trying too hard, working with their left brain, the intellect and analyzing. If we find ourselves in this predicament we have not let go of the conscious mind. A good hypnotherapist can help this part of you to step aside, and you can then continue to go deeper.
It is true some people are more suggestible than others. But this does in no way impair anybody's ability to be hypnotized, to heal or change the undesired behavior or symptom. Hypnosis could be described as a willingness to accept suggestions and to go within. Sometimes people will resist the hypnotic state by saying they are un-hypnotizable. This resistance is to be honored, as there is equally a part of them that wants to find the anaswers to help them change. Finding a Hypnotherapist who can work with that resistance, the fears and blocking beliefs behind it will bring positive results.
NOTE: It is important to distinguish between a hypnotist and a hypnotherapist. A hypnotherapist is not limited to utilizing hypnosis to facilitate changes in the client's life. The Hypnotherapist will also use other techniques; insight oriented and other behavioral techinques among many.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends upon how long you have had your issue/problem, how motivated you are to see the issue resolved or for change to come about and how well you use the tools of self hypnosis. Certainly after one session a good hypnotherpist will at least have helped you to a much greter awareness of your issue and give you the beginning tools to implement the changes into your daily life. Hypnotherapy can get to core issues in relatively short periods of time - so reducing long term costs and lengthy series of visits.
You are your own best healer, you can go as fast or as slow as you need to. We each have an unique inner process of transformation and self growth. My hope is that I facilitate that for you.
Isn't Hypnosis dangerous?
Going into hypnosis is not dangerous in itself. If that were the case we would have to stop watching t.v., going to the movies, painting, day dreaming, dancing....... Hypnosis is a tool, it is not the tool that is dangerous or not dangerous. A tool is just a tool. It is the intent behind the tool.
Choosing a Hypnotherapist
There are certainly many organizations that hold training programs for people to train as a hypnotherapist. How can the public discern what is good training even if they are told where training was taken? Even a good training school is no guarantee of a good hypnotherapist. Referral is usually the best way. If you don't hear of any good hypnotherapists you could ask the following questions to help you get information.
How many years in full time practice?
Do they attend annual continuing education trainings. Do they integrate this into their practice?
Ask about any free consultations, can you visit their office and talk face to face before you decide?
How has Hypnotherapy helped to change their life?
Bottom line is, would you feel comfortable sharing yourself with this person?
Hypnosis is not an end. It is a means to an end. Many people believe that because they have been hypnotized that their problem will disappear.