What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural state of consciousness which you probably experience many times a day.
It is a state of focused concentration that occurs when the mind concentrates on something other than your immediate surroundings.
It can happen when you are reading a book, watching TV, listening to music, driving a car while thinking about something else,
or daydreaming.
Hypnotherapy is the application of techniques to help the subconscious discover and release causes of problems.
In hypnotherapy a trance state is induced and visualization used to relax, guide you to recognize your positive
attributes/abilities, and enable you to see new solutions and make positive changes that you desire.
In this trance state, the power is in the mind of the person being hypnotized while the hypnotherapist
acts as a guide who facilitates the hypnotic process.
How does hypnosis differ from meditation?
Hypnosis is like guided meditation with a goal.
Can I be hypnotized?
The answer is almost certainly "yes". Almost everyone can be hypnotized to some level. All it takes is a willingness to be hypnotized in order to accomplish this natural state of consciousness.
Who can benefit from hypnosis?
Any person who desires positive change in their life and is willing to take the necessary action to achieve their goal can benefit from hypnosis. Hypnosis is not a magic "zapping"-it is an interactive experience in which the client takes an active role both in sessions and by using self-hypnosis to achieve their goal.
What does it feel like to be hypnotized?
The feelings you experience during hypnosis may be similar to dozing off the sleep, being very peaceful and calm, however it is not sleep as your subconscious mind can hear and monitor what is going on. You may hear every word said, every word spoken. You may drift in and out of focused attention. Or, you may even drift off-similar to sleep, but not sleep. Your mind will remain alert. In the event of an emergency you would come fully into consciousness. You can't get "stuck" in hypnosis.
What are the benefits of hypnosis?
Have you ever tried to change a habit, only to find your subconscious resisting? Hypnosis is a means of incorporating conscious decisions into the subconscious for lasting success. Using one's own inner resources, most clients feel an increase in self esteem and confidence as well as a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. In addition, hypnosis is an enjoyable experience and most clients report feeling relaxed and energized as a result of our sessions together.
What issues respond well to hypnosis?
Hypnotherapy can be used to:
- Attain optimum weight and fitness
- Reduce stress and deeply relax
- Improve self confidence and motivation
- Increase creativity
- Create more success and happiness
- Access creativity and imagination
- Enhance memory and study skills
- Improve athletic skills (great for golfers!)
- Sleep more soundly
- Overcome fears and phobias
- Eliminate bad habits
- Become a better speaker
- Quit smoking
- Promote healing and good health
- Comfortable, relaxed natural childbirth with HypnoBirthing®
- And much, much more
Can hypnosis be used to reduce pain?
Pain is a warning that something is wrong with the body, and the cause should be diagnosed by someone qualified to do so. Hypnotherapy for pain management should only be used upon appropriate referral from your health care professional. Hypnosis can be very effective in pain management. According to a 20 studies on hypnosis and surgical pain, researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital found that adding hypnosis to standard post-surgical care sped recovery almost 90% of the time, in terms of levels of pain, anxiety and the need for painkillers.
Does a hypnotized client give up control?
The hypnotized client remains in control at all times. He/She chooses to accept only the suggestions that will be most helpful in attaining his/her goal.
Many people have seen stage shows on TV or in movies where people on stage are asked to perform acts that are used to entertain an audience. Since the purpose is to entertain, the subjects are carefully selected and screened before and during the stage demonstration to ensure the success of the show. Those chosen always wish to follow the suggestions of the stage hypnotist; those who do not wish to do so are dismissed. I can say from personal experience-having participated in a stage show-that when asked to do something I did not wish to do, I was fully capable of refusing to do it.
How does hypnosis work?
What is experienced in the body is determined in the mind. Hypnosis is the bypass of the conscious (analytical)
factor of the mind allowing direct communication with the subconscious mind where creative problem solving and lasting
change take place.
Hypnosis is not a magical cure-all, nor is it a substitute for medical or psychiatric care, but is effective for
hundreds of issues from weight loss, to insomnia, eliminating fears/phobias, stress management, smoke cessation,
increasing study and academic skills, managing pain, eliminating unwanted habits, increasing creativity,
creating success, and much, much more.
What is self-hypnosis and why do I need to practice it?
Self-hypnosis is a practice of using deep breathing and imagery to relax your body and then visualizing
your goal or using affirmations to reinforce the outcome you desire.
Even if you have immediate results from our session, reinforcing the new behavior with self
hypnosis ensures permanent change. Self-hypnosis is also a wonderful means of tapping into the power of
the mind to achieve self-mastery in other areas of your life. You will also find that self-hypnosis enables
you to use your inner wisdom and strength and expands your potential in wonderful ways.
What should I look for in a hypnotherapist?
Look for a hypnotherapist who has received training from a state-licensed school and is a member in good standing of a professional hypnotist organization. Currently there are no legislative requirements for training in illinois so anyone can call themself a hypnotherapist in illinois. Ask about qualifications and additional coursework, number of years in practice, and familiarity with your issue. Another important criterion is that you feel comfortable and have a good rapport with your hypnotherapist.
How many sessions do I need?
This will vary quite a bit. I recommend a commitment of three sessions for an issue. Some people experience life-changing results in one session and that is all they need. Others will require more sessions.
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