08/13/2014
10 Frequently Asked Hypnosis Questions
I am asked a lot of questions about hypnosis so I have chosen the ten that I hear most frequently and provided the answers that, in my opinion, give useful, down-to-Earth answers. Hypnotherapy is one of the fastest growing therapeutic modalities available today and yet, the general public still harbors fears and misgivings based on Hollywood misinformation. If you are considering hypnosis to help you work through some difficult issues in your life, I would urge you to do your own research and decide whether the marvelous potential for positive change that hypnosis can provide is for you.
#1. What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a pleasant state of deep relaxation somewhere between attentive concentration and daydreaming. During hypnosis, the senses are more acute, the mind’s ability to absorb information is increased and the imagination is enhanced. In this highly relaxed and focused state, which is only possible with the person’s full permission and cooperation, the doorway or filter between the conscious, reasoning mind and the subconscious, imaginative mind opens to allow positive suggestions to be received and accepted.
#2. Is Hypnosis Sleep?
No. During hypnosis a person is not asleep. A person who is hypnotized is aware of everything that is going on around them at all times. Sleep renders the five senses nearly inactive, whereas hypnosis often heightens these senses. If one was truly asleep during hypnosis, the benefits of positive suggestions would not be heard or accepted by the subconscious mind.
#3. Can I Be Hypnotized Against My Will?
No. And absolutely NO. Hypnosis is a cooperative endeavor between the client and the hypnotist and is only possible with the client’s full permission and willingness. Contrary to TV shows like The Mentalist, you can not be hypnotized unknowingly or against your will.
#4. Will I Lose Control During Hypnosis?
This is a big concern with many people and the answer is No. Hypnosis is not mind control, in fact, the deeply relaxed state an individual enjoys during hypnosis focuses a person’s concentration, increasing the control that one has over their own mind, allowing for positive change. During hypnosis a person is completely aware of everything going on around them and can immediately end the session just by deciding to open their eyes.
#5. Can I Be Coerced Into Doing Anything Illegal, Unethical, or Immoral While Hypnotized?
The answer to that question depends on whether you would do anything Illegal, unethical or immoral while NOT hypnotized. Hypnosis can not make you do or say anything that you would not normally do or say. This is another myth propagated by the popular media.
#6. How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including what you are looking to change and how motivated you are for that change. As in any therapy, it is impossible to give guarantees, however, I have found that my clients usually see positive change after the very first session. Two to five sessions is usually the norm.
#7. Can Anyone Be Hypnotized?
In my experience, anyone who is willing and cooperative can be hypnotized. Again, hypnosis can only work if the person is willing. If you go to a hypnotist in order to prove that you can not be hypnotized you will very likely be successful in eluding the pleasant and relaxed state of hypnosis. If you can concentrate and focus your attention, you can be hypnotized. Incidentally, I have had people tell me that they could not be hypnotized and yet, when they gave me permission to try, they did experience hypnosis…and some of them very deeply.
#8. Can A Person Get Stuck In Hypnosis?
No. Hypnosis is a voluntary state and because the person being hypnotized is aware of what is going on around them at all times, it is impossible to get stuck in a hypnotized state. Think of it this way. Can you get stuck in a daydream or while lost in a wonderful book or an engaging movie?
#9. Does A Person’s Intelligence Affect Whether Or Not They Can Be Hypnotized?
No. A person’s intelligence is not a factor in whether or not they can be hypnotized. Either a very intelligent or a less intelligent person can resist being hypnotized and as a result, they will be a poor hypnotic subject. The opposite is also true. If a very intelligent or a less intelligent person is cooperative, they will both make good hypnotic subjects.
#10. How Expensive Is Hypnosis?
The question you should ask yourself here is how expensive is continuing on the path that you have been trudging along? I often use the analogy of a tattoo. (In this day and age, when more people have tattoos than not, I think it’s a pretty good analogy.) A respected tattoo artist will charge you about $100.00 an hour and the average tattoo will take from one to six hours. I am not knocking tattoos, but how much more valuable is the ability to modify a harmful behavior or belief, which can bring positive change to your entire life, than to modify a several square-inch patch of skin?
