Frequently Asked Questions:
Does hypnosis really work?
Yes, hypnosis really works, but some people are more susceptible than others. Additionally, different types of inductions work better than others for certain personality types. If you are very analytical and find it difficult to be guided into a state of trance via progressive relaxation, you might require a confusion induction or a rapid induction, for example. It also might take a number of listens before you go into a deep state of trance, although a deep state of trance is not necessary in order for most types of hypnotherapy sessions to work. Remember to be without expectations; hypnosis might not feel like you thought it would, and you might not even know that you have been hypnotized once you are.
Can everyone be hypnotized?
Before answering this question, I would like to note that being hypnotized is different than being in a state of hypnosis. Everybody goes in and out of states of hypnosis each and every day; when they are driving, watching television, or simply daydreaming. The question here, however, is whether or not every individual is able to be hypnotized by another person.
You will see different opinions about this in the hypnosis community, but it is my belief that everyone has the potential to be hypnotized by another person. The subject, or person being hypnotized, needs to allow himself to be guided into a state of hypnosis. In order to be hypnotized, the subject generally needs to want to be hypnotized. He also needs to be guided by a hypnotist with whom he has good rapport, and the proper technique for his personality type must be used.
What does a typical hypnosis session involve?
A typical hypnosis session involves four steps: an induction, a deepening process, the therapy itself, and a count out. During the induction, you will be asked to listen to my voice, and to follow some instructions. The induction is where you go into a trance state. The deepening part is just what it sounds like; it involves taking you into an even deeper state of trance, so that you are more highly suggestible. The therapy part depends on what you are undergoing hypnosis for; what you would like to change about yourself or your life. It can be as simple as me giving you some straightforward suggestions, to something more complex, such as age-regression, memory retrieval, resolving emotional conflicts from the past, and thought reprogramming. Finally, there is the count out, which brings you back to a state of alertness and balance.
Am I awake during a hypnosis session?
Yes, you will generally be awake during a hypnosis session; you will just be in a very relaxed state. Although there are differing opinions in the hypnotherapy community, it is my opinion that the most effective results come from remaining awake during a hypnosis session, because when we are asleep we do a lot of venting. If we are venting, things are going out, and the mind is not very receptive to incoming information. However, it is perfectly okay if you would like to listen to my recorded hypnosis sessions while drifting off to sleep as well as when you are awake. Some people claim to feel they benefit from listening while they sleep. During phone sessions, we will be interacting while you are hypnotized, and if it seems you are asleep I will bring you back to a state of being awake yet still suggestible.
Can hypnosis make me do anything against my will?
No, hypnosis cannot make you do something against your moral code; that is just one of the fictional elements that the media brings to hypnosis- -it is just a myth. Many hypnotists will tell you that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, and I agree. I am simply making the process easier for you, by acting as a guide. You will have to work with me, by allowing yourself to relax, and by accepting my suggestions. You will have to want the positive changes to occur. If a hypnotist makes a suggestion that you do not agree with, your mind (conscious, subconscious, or both) will dismiss it.
How many listens/how long does it take before I see results?
This varies from person to person, and depends on a number of factors. Some of these factors are:
1) The level of rapport between the hypnotist and subject
2) How suggestible the subject is
3) How much the subject wants the change(s) to occur
Generally, it takes four to six sessions (at least one per week) before significant results are seen, but the higher your motivation for change, the less sessions you will need. After the initial sessions, it might be a good idea for maintenance sessions (once per month) until you feel like you have the situation fully under control.
What if it doesn’t work?
There is a chance that hypnosis sessions will not work on an individual at a given time in his or her life. It is possible that the individual is not completely ready for the change to occur quite yet. I suggest really making sure you want to improve your life by making specific positive changes before starting hypnotherapy. If you come to that conclusion first, you will be more receptive to the whole process.
I offer no guarantee; if you undergo hypnotherapy and the changes you wanted to make have not occurred, take the experience with you as something you learned from, and once you feel more motivated to change, return to the process again. If you have a recorded audio session, you can keep listening whenever you like, and the suggestions might kick in when you least expect it.