What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural, altered-awareness state experienced as trance. Hypnosis can be induced through the interaction of
one individual speaking to another, or an entire group as in group hypnosis; and we can learn to self-induce as in self-hypnosis.
Few procedures are less understood, or more plagued by misconceptions and misunderstandings. Hypnosis has long been associated
with the strange and mysterious. But hypnosis isn't the least bit mysterious or supernatural. The truth is.. you have been
in a hypnotic state many thousands of times while driving, reading, watching television, listening to a speaker or to music
and while daydreaming. You didn't notice it because it seemed such a natural state of mind. And hypnosis is a natural state
of mind for all human beings.
What is hypnosis used for?
Hypnosis and it's myriad of uses is rapidly emerging as a highly effective science in solving problems and programming
the mind. Hypnosis can be classified as either therapeutic or non-therapeutic. In Florida, only a licensed healthcare professionals
may conduct therapeutic hypnosis. Hypnosis is a valuable adjunct to standard medical care, psychotherapy and psychiatry. Yet
it is probably the lowest risk procedure available from the standpoint of contraindications. Among other things, hypnosis
is a valuable tool in stress management. It can help develop emotional strength, and can be a powerful aid in behavior modification.
NOTE: It's All Perfect practices NON-THERAPEUTIC hypnosis. Any hypnosis relating to therapeutic healing must be conducted
under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional and must be coordinated with your Doctor prior to the session
required.
Is hypnosis in your office like stage hypnosis?
Hypnosis in an office is used as a healing tool, behaviorial modification or investigative process. The client's welfare
is the sole focus of the procedure and the work is geared towards helping the client. Stage hypnosis is a show where people
perform acts that are used to entertain an audience. Since the purpose is usually to hold the audience’s interest and
to entertain them, the subjects are carefully selected and screened before the stage demonstration begins to ensure the success
of the show.
What is a trance?
A trance is a natural state that can occur whenever your attention is narrowly focused and relatively free of distractions.
Your attention may be focused either internally (on internal self-talk, visual images, or both) or externally (on a task,
a book, a movie, etc.). The focus of attention is so narrow that other stimuli in the environment are ignored or blocked out
of conscious awareness for a time. During trance, habitual behaviors may be performed without conscious awareness (i.e., behavior
performed without mental effort). Examples of common trance states are daydreaming, meditation, or being involved in a really
good book or movie.
Will I remember anything after the session is over?
You will remember everything unless you fall asleep during the process and if so you will typically drift in and out of
conscious awareness and will remember only parts of the session.
What happens after the session is over?
Very often, after the session is over and in the days to come, images or memories will surface spontaneously to your awareness.
Make a note of these and be sure to share them with your hypnotherapist.
Can I be stuck in hypnosis?
Everyone comes out of hypnosis. Remember that you went into hypnosis willingly. So, just as you decided to go into hypnosis,
by the same token, you will decide to come out of it. Occasionally, a client enjoys the experience so much that they resist
coming out. It is the continuous dialog of the of the hypnotist that keeps the person under hypnosis. With the realization
that the hypnotist’s voice is no longer heard, the client will return to full consciousness.
How will I feel when I'm hypnotized? Will I be sleeping or unconscious?
The word hypnosis is derived from the Greek word for sleep. While hypnosis is very relaxing, you may lose awareness during
hypnosis. When dialogue is incorporated into your session, you will remain relaxed yet awake. During hypnosis you are even
more aware of what is going on around you than you would ordinarily be but you can be selective about it (which you can't
do in the waking state).
Can everyone be hypnotized?
Everyone can be hypnotized provided that they want to be and with the right hypotist. Some clients cannot relax fully in
a strange environment, but are able to relax easier at home with the recorded cd.
Hypnosis is not something one person "does" to another. We are all born with the ability to enter and utilize trance. The
depth of its use, deliberate or unwittingly, varies from person to person. Your development of this skill can be enhanced
with the guidance of an experienced hypnotist.
I'm very intelligent, can I be hypnotized?
The ability to concentrate or focus is essential for hypnosis. People with a wide range of intellectual giftedness or limitations
can be hypnotized. Almost anyone can be hypnotized, even children as young as three to the very elderly. The ability to enter
hypnosis frequently depends on the training and expertise of the hypnotist.
What if I can not go deeply enough?
Of the six levels of trance measured by the Aarons Depth test, most typical goals can be accomplished in the lightest three
stages. Most people can achieve a trance deep enough to allow for the process. Practicing self hypnosis can help you achieve
greater depths of trance.
Can experiences be fabricated while under hypnosis?
Hypnosis is not a truth serum. There is no guarantee that all information obtained under hypnosis is accurate. Some people
under hypnosis have been known to fabricate and lie. As a matter of fact, one can even lie after an injection of truth serum.
The serum is a chemical administered to reduce inhibitions so that the subject reveals freely solicited information. However,
if there is some deep information that the person chooses not to divulge or if it is information that is not consciously known,
frequently, the subject will not reveal it. Hypnosis can bring back information that has been repressed or forgotten.
Can I be sure that the memories I reveal are real?
There is no totally reliable way (including hypnosis) to accurately recall disturbing memories.
Is it possible to make me do or think negative things?
There is no doubt that people can be manipulated into doing things against their will and even against their systems of
value and belief. Although techniques of brainwashing exist, they are not in the realm of professional hypnosis and the ethics
as practiced in clinical situations.
How is hypnosis different from sleep, meditation or guided imagery?
Hypnosis is best described as an altered state of consciousness, a changed or focused state of awareness, concentration
and perception. During the experience of hypnosis, the person remains in complete control and should they ever feel uncomfortable
because of the experience, they can always reopen their eyes and terminate the experience. Everyone at some point or another
has experienced hypnosis. In a typical hypnosis session, a goal is obvious to the focus of the suggestions made.
Although some hypnotists use the word sleep as a suggestion to enter deep relaxation, hypnosis is not sleep. Sleep is defined
as a "natural periodic suspension of consciousness during which the powers of the body are restored." During sleep, the individual
is not aware of what is happening.
What is meditation?
Meditation involves focusing one’s thoughts, engaging oneself in inner contemplation or reflection. Meditation techniques
vary, but what most of them have in common is the relief of suffering and the promotion of healing.
There are four kinds of meditation. One is based on body control in order to unite body and mind as in Yoga. Another is
based on control of the mind and requires concentration, contemplation and visualization. Concentration is accomplished by
focusing on an object. Contemplation is achieved through continuous repetition of a word or a syllable, as in (mantra). A
third approach is based on letting go of the body, using techniques to achieve relaxation of muscle tensions. The fourth focuses
on letting go of the mind. The mind remains open to whatever enters it thus obtaining insight.
There is a fine line between meditation and hypnosis. Meditation and self-hypnosis can be induced in similar ways. Both
techniques may begin by the person being asked to stare at a certain point, breathe in a prescribed way or listen to chants
or rhythms.
What is Guided Imagery?
Guided Imagery is the use of mental images to bring about changes usually related to health problems.
All the above techniques share relaxation as part of the procedure, but that is where the similarities end.
Can I bring someone with me to my session?
Yes, you can bring anyone with you if you need the reassurance and if that makes you comfortable. However, if your hypnotherapist
suggests that it is best for you to be alone, you must respect his/her recommendation and have him/her clarify that decision.
Is hypnosis safe?
Yes, hypnosis is safe when a competent and qualified hypnotist practices it.
