Hypnosis FAQ
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The answer is “Yes.” Everyone goes in and out of trance every day. because it is a naturally occurring state. The only difference with hypnosis is that we are leading you into that state purposefully, and utilizing it to help you achieve your goals.
You already know how to reach hypnotic states because you have been doing it your entire life whether you knew it or not.
For example, you reach a state of hypnosis when you daydream, remember an event that happened in the past, drive a car, read a book, watch a good movie, listen to music, lie down to rest, etc.
Each time that you have an hypnosis session, you can reach deeper and deeper levels of awareness.
Most of the time, when someone believes they cannot be hypnotized, that belief comes from a lack of knowledge or an unfounded fear. Please read the next sections to address any concern.
Now – some people go into a trance more easily than others, and some can do it more quickly than others. Some people have a ‘gift’ for hypnosis, and some need a little time to learn the skill. Which are you?
Next, we will spend time learning some effective processes that will support you in the changes you will be making.
I will teach you a method of breathing and visualization to bring your mind and body into resonance and also show you a technique to easily access the Theta state of hypnosis.
In addition to hypnosis, there is a process using guided imagery that resolves any hidden conflicts that may be affecting your progress.
There are also breathing techniques and a process called meridian tapping that I may teach you and you can use whenever you choose.
The last hour or so will be spent doing relaxation, induction, and hypnosis.
All my clients experience trance during each session.
We’ll use a variety of hypnotic tools – some of them seem like the hypnosis you might be expecting, other tools might seem different than you expected.
Hypnosis has many levels that range from light to deep. Depth is just a metaphor used when speaking about hypnosis, as in the suggestion to go “deeper and deeper” into hypnosis. Hypnotic states are part of a continuum of regular consciousness, so you may reach many different hypnotic states during your session.
Hypnosis may not feel any different than your normal waking state of awareness.
During hypnosis, your conscious mind may remain focused on my words or it may drift off so you do not track what I am saying.
During Hypnosis we are communicating with your unconscious mind, and that can happen in many different ways. We may present your unconscious with a metaphor or make direct suggestions, or we might lead you through different exercises that allow you to communicate with your unconscious mind very effectively. Your mind is much more receptive in this state. It is an enjoyable experience, and you will leave your session feeling much better than when they arrived. Many people find it inspiring, emotionally fulfilling, and transforming.
There is a small amount of paperwork to do. We are required by the State of Washington to give you a pamphlet detailing both our rights and responsibilities.
Should you have a medical condition, we explain to you that Hypnosis is no substitute for medical care and that Hypnosis is adjunct to symptoms and is used in conjunction with your medical care – not in place of it.
There are many scientifically designed studies that show the effectiveness of Hypnosis. A few of the items covered are; Hypnosis for control of pain, speedy recovery from surgery, hypertension (high blood pressure), skin diseases, warts, reducing blood loss during surgery, immune system responses, hypnosis to quit smoking, and many more. Hypnosis helps us gain control of responses that are normally controlled by unconscious mechanisms. These responses can help increase motivation or decrease the power of addiction. The powers of the conscious mind combined with the powers of the unconscious mind gives you a much greater capacity to accomplish your goals.
Most people only need on average 3 sessions for a specific issue, sometimes less. I recommend you plan on at least 2 sessions, particularly if you have not done hypnotherapy in the past.
Of course, I love it when just one session is all it takes to solve your problem completely, but sometimes there are more complex factors involved and it takes more sessions to address what comes up for each individual.
When the challenge is really entrenched, which can happen for a variety of reasons that may be known or unknown, the subconscious seems to need more time to begin making changes.
Some people like the process so much they choose to continue and work on other things, or simply use regular hypnosis sessions as an ongoing health and wellness program.
You may think that Hypnosis might not work for you, because you have a very unique problem. Don’t worry, because the process of Hypnosis can be adapted to your specific needs.
Although there is a comprehensive list of what hypnosis is good for, most common problems can be successfully addressed with hypnotherapy.
If you don’t find your situation addressed here feel free to call or email to talk it over with us.
The hypnotist does not take over control of the subject’s mind – it is more of a collaboration. Think of the hypnotist as a guide…the hired help, if you will. If you were going hiking in unfamiliar territory, you might hire someone who could help you get where you want to go in the quickest way, or perhaps along the most scenic route. Assuming you trusted that guide, you’d go the way they suggest, in order to get what YOU want, and get your money’s worth…after all, you are paying them for their expertise and guidance.
My understanding is that you may have a better chance of being reimbursed by your insurance provider if you have a Doctor’s referral with a diagnosis code and see a Hypnotherapist that is also a registered Counselor (which I am not). I cannot guarantee reimbursement, so please check with your insurance provider ahead of time.
Study after study has shown that people in a trance state will not act at odds with their moral code. the job of an hypnotherapist is to ensure that every suggestion is congruent with what you want for yourself. That means you can accept those suggestions easily and comfortably so you can begin making positive changes in your life and get results better than you ever expected.