What is Hypnotherapy?

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Hypnotherapy is the process of relaxing the client to open the subconscious mind in a reflective process to create positive change in your life. Each practitioner of hypnotherapy will have their own unique style but have a few things in common:  ~the client has a strong desire to change,~the client will experience a state of deeply relaxed focus and concentration, and ~language and guided visualization in relationship to the clients emotions and desires.

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What is Hypnosis?

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Hypnosis is simply a state of relaxed concentration. It is a natural state. We all enter this state a couple of times a day, upon falling asleep and upon waking, its the state between dreaming and awake, when you feel slightly fuzzy without thoughts..

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There are many other times that people enter a natural dreamlike state of trance. Driving, watching a movie, watching the news (I always advise my clients not to watch the news at night as their subconscious is wide open and the negative, fear based messages are jumping right in!), working on a favorite hobby or listening to music (we have to be very conscious about what stimulus we choose to let in) in the "flow" state. These are all "altered states of consciousness," and all are various levels of trance. This stateof mind is normal and completely natural.

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Many people will believe that, because they "seem" wide awake during a session and can remember everything that they were not actually hypnotized.  This is not true, hypnosis is a state of focused concentration, in fact you will be in a "hyper-conscious" state of awareness and will remember everything.  

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There is a lot of mis-information out there so be sure to ask questions before making a decision not to use hypnosis.

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What can't be treated with hypnotherapy?

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"Serious psychiatric or mental health problems are referred to a qualified psychotherapist or psychiatrist. Medical problems with the physical body must always be treated by a physician, who can, at his or her discretion, prescribe hypnotherapy for pain control, hypnoanesthesia or relaxation.
Drug addiction, family dynamics disorders, clinical depression and other such problems need to be treated by doctors and psychiatrists, who can, at their discretion, prescribe hypnotherapy as a supplementary treatment." ~American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists

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Will I bark like a dog or cluck like a chicken?

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Not unless you want to!  The hypnotherapist cannot make a client do anything they don't want to do, all hypnosis is self hypnosis and anytime this happens in a stage setting is because the participants were completely willing.  This is why it's very important that, once you choose hypnosis as your healing methodology, you are completely ready and willing to make this change.  Often times I will hear people say, "I tried hypnosis but it didn't work for me," the reason it didn't work is because the client was not ready or willing to make the change.  This happens when other people want you to change but you really don't have the desire in yourself..  

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Will I lose control?

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This is another myth. You always have control, and you can always hear what's going on. Hypnosis is nothing but a state of focused concentration. It is a natural state that you enter into at any given point during the day. Anytime you feel uncomfortable during a session you can just count yourself up from 1-5 and you will come back into the room and remember absolutely everything.

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My friend tried hypnosis to lose weight and it didn't work.

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When someone truly desires to change than they will.  Often we decide we want to do something because other people have told us "its bad for me," "we shouldn't be doing it.." But, unless we reconcile this within ourselves and really desire this change than self sabotage will take over everytime.  All hypnosis is self hypnosis, the therapist has no control over anything other than what the client wants.  This is also the self victimization response and gives the power away completely to the therapist..

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Also, many people choose to order a recording online, this is much less effective than doing an in-person session because the therapist will use your own language and get very specific about your personal desires, we will feedback your truth and use your language so your subconscious will integrate the suggestions easier.

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How do I choose a good hypnotherapist?

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It's very important to follow your inner guidance on this one, check their energy over the phone and through emails.  If something feels "off" to you, listen to it, this is your inner guidance telling you to pay attention.  If you have questions request a phone consulation and ask them whatever you want to in order to feel good about seeing them.  Find a therapist who is warm, friendly and open.  The bottom line is, you need to feel comfortable and safe so make sure to trust your gut on this one..  Feel free to ask about the therapists qualifications and if they belong to any professional organizations.  You can also ask for references and ask how long they've been in business.  If they don't have any testimonials make sure to ask about it.. 

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What are the benefits of self-hypnosis?

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Self-hypnosis is a powerful skill to learn to help you cope with any modern day stressors. It can help you with relaxation, motivation, self improvement, fears, phobias, etc..

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How is hypnotherapy different than affirmations?

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Hypnotherapy is more effective than affirmations in that the method speaks directly to the subconscious mind when you are in a hypnotic state.  Affirmations only speak "to" the subconscious but are not imprinted without constant/consistent repetition.  A post hypnotic suggestion is more direct and highly specific.  Both are delivered in a positive manner but hypnosis is more immediate than affirmations.  If you meet a hypnotherapist that uses negative suggestions ("Smoking makes you sick..") please find another therapist!

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Is Hypnosis dangerous?

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No, hypnosis is not dangerous despite what you may have seen or heard in the movies.  Remember, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  The therapist has no control over your mind or your thoughts and if you don't feel comfortable you can always count yourself up from 1-5.  You will always remember the entire session and you will always wake up from every session.  

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Hypnosis is a safe and very beneficial modality for healing but make sure you find a therapist who is well trained, trustworthy and professional so you feel completely safe. Hypnosis is not a cure for mental illness, suicidal thoughts, depression or psychosis.  Always seek a trained professional, psychiatrist or psychologist, if you suffer from any of these conditions.

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