Is hypnosis like stage hypnosis?
No, hypnosis is NOT like stage hypnosis. While stage hypnosis does exist, it is different than hypnoTHERAPY. Hypnotherapy helps you create the changes that you want, understand the blocks that have been created, and is a tool in you creating the change you want in your life.
What can hypnotherapy DO and NOT do?
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Hypnotherapy is a therapy that DOES require (typically*) more than one session
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It is a tool to help you change; it does NOT make you change something without some work on your part. There is work that you too must do to help yourself.
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There can be a resistance to entering the hypnotic state.
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Everyone is hypnotized differently. What works for one person does not work for another.
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You could not be hypnotized if you didn’t want to be.
* some sessions such as smoking and nail biting can be done in one session. Some clients will feel a great deal of relief after one session, but it is usually required to do more.
What are the side effects of hypnosis?
Typically, the side effects of hypnosis are a state of relaxation and overall well being. Clients have explained coming out of hypnosis like waking up from a long nap, feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. The immediate side effects of hypnosis upon coming out of the hypnotic state can include being thirsty.
Am I being controlled while in hypnosis?
You are never in a state of being controlled. While in the hypnotic state you are 100% in control of your thoughts and feelings at all times. Even though some of the deeper depths of hypnosis can result in some amnesia after the session, during the session you are completely aware of what is going on at all times. Typically the deeper depths (or somnambulistic depths) are used for things like dental surgery.
How does hypnosis work?
When something happens to us, we remember it and learn a particular behavior in response to what happened. Each time something similar happens, our physical and emotional reactions attached to the memory are repeated. In some cases these reactions are unhealthy. A trained therapist can guide the client to separate the memory from the learned behavior and replace unhealthy behaviors with new, healthier ones.
During hypnosis, the body relaxes and thoughts become more focused. In this relaxed state, the client will feel at ease physically yet fully awake mentally and may be highly responsive to suggestion. The conscious mind becomes less alert and the subconscious mind becomes more focused.
Will I remember the session?
The three depths of hypnosis have varying levels of amnesia associated with them. While you may not remember all the details coming out of the hypnotic sleep you are ALWAYS aware of what is going on during the session. Recording of the sessions is available upon request. Clients sometimes come out thinking they may have fallen asleep, thereby attributing the slight amnesia to that feeling. However, they were aware of everything that was happening at the time they thought they were asleep.
How many sessions do I need?
I always like to state to clients that hypnotherapy is not a magic button, and is in fact a therapy that typically does require more than one session to uncover and create the various desired shifts in behaviors. While each person is different in the required amount of sessions, I strongly recommend a minimum of two visits. Creating shifts in behavior patterns and gaining an awareness of how to produce desired change(s) are the focal points of the first session. It is very effective in gathering and garnering momentum while the second session aims to reinforce and further build our foundation as a paradigm shift begins to take place. From there, we refine and tailor our work to address specific issues that may arise or to simply bolster what we have already learned. The success of hypnosis is a self driven process that requires work from both the client and myself.
It is not uncommon that after one session a client will feel great. For others, there can be an apprehension to enter into a hypnotic state so some gentle guiding and a basic of understanding that a hypnotic state is nothing more than a deep state of relaxation is necessary before some feel comfortable letting go. I do my best to let you know exactly what will transpire as well as what to expect along the way.
Does hypnosis always work?
There are no guarantees with hypnosis. However, with a strong will to create the changes you want, a willingness to participate, and openness to hypnosis as an alternative form of therapy, changes can happen rather quickly compared to other forms of psychotherapy.