Hypnosis is best described as a very deep state of relaxation. It is a very normal state of mind. It involves learning how to use your mind and thoughts in order to manage emotional distress (e.g., anxiety, stress), unpleasant physical symptoms (e.g. pain, nausea), or to help you change certain habits or behaviors (e.g. smoking, overeating).
Can Hypnosis be done Virtually? Hypnosis can be done virtually with a good internet connection or you can order an "Especially Made For You" one.
What Happens in Hypnosis?
I use hypnosis to enable the client to achieve a state of mental, physical and emotional relaxation. When in hypnosis, the conscious mind (that busy, critical, analytical part of the mind) takes a rest. Hypnosis allows people to tap into the storehouse of information that lies in the subconscious (a.k.a. unconscious) mind and make positive changes to thought patterns, habits or the effects of traumatic incidents that are having a negative impact either mentally or physically.
The first session usually gathering information, assessment and evaluation meeting. In this session, I get to know you and define your goals. If there is time, we will practice how to relax and be mindful. The second and third will be all about relaxation and hypnosis. Here is what takes place:
The first phase is called an induction. During this phase, I may help you to relax, or ask you to imagine a peaceful scene and will help you to become more focused and concentrated on what you need to accomplish during your hypnosis session.
The second phase is called an application phase. During this phase, I will make suggestions to you. For example, if you are experiencing anxiety, I may suggest that during and/or following hypnosis, you will be calmer or less bothered by feelings of anxiety. If you are experiencing pain, I may suggest following hypnosis, you will no longer experience pain, or that you will be better able to manage any pain you do experience. The suggestions are the key ingredients of hypnosis because they are targeted to treat your specific symptoms or difficulties.
Then I will awaken you from your relaxed state feeling refreshed, energized and ready to take on your day.
What does Hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis can be likened the feelings we experience just before waking completely from sleep or just as we drift off to sleep. Some people say it feels like daydreaming. When in hypnosis, people experience a state of complete mental, physical and emotional relaxation. In itself, this is a very healing state. Dr. Milton Erickson, a leading American Hypnotherapist, described the process of clinical hypnosis as "a free period in which individuality can flourish."
In this state you will not be asked to do anything against your will. People will not do or say anything under hypnosis that they would not do normally. You are also totally conscious, however your conscious mind takes a rest. During this rest it allows the hypnotherapist to tap into the storehouse of information that lies in the subconscious and makes positive changes to thought patterns, habits or the effects of traumatic incidents that are having a negative impact. either mentally or physically.
Everyone can be hypnotized if you follow my instructions and have a reasonable attention span. You are not asleep only relaxed and can stop at any time you choose. You will hear everything I say and suggest.
Your personality will not change. Hypnosis will not put something into you that was not there in the first place. It just helps you to uncover your strong and good qualities, which you may not even have known you have.
How many sessions will it take?
This is hard to answer as it depends on what you are asking to change. Everyone is different. However, it usually takes between 3-5 sessions to change a condition or behavior. If you come in with a multitude of changes, it may take more sessions.
Can I learn self-hypnosis?
I can teach you to use self-hypnosis thereby giving you a life long skill to change behaviors, intrusive thoughts and emotions that not longer serve you.
Common Misconceptions and the Actual Facts about Hypnosis: Misconception 1: The person being hypnotized will be under the control of the hypnotherapist, and can be made to do or say anything the hypnotist wants. Fact 1: THIS IS NOT TRUE. No matter how deeply hypnotized you become, you will remain in control throughout the session. You cannot be made to do anything you do not want to do, or anything that you are uncomfortable doing. Misconception 2: Hypnosis is something that is done to people, rather than something that they can do for themselves. Fact 2: THIS IS NOT TRUE. Hypnosis is a skill you can learn. It is a tool you can use to help yourself feel better. Misconception 3: People become trapped in hypnosis and cannot "come out" of it when they want. Fact 3: THIS IS NOT TRUE. People can end hypnosis whenever they want. Misconception 4: People have to be very "hypnotizable" or "suggestible" or "gullible" for hypnosis to work. Fact 4: THIS IS NOT TRUE. Research has indicated that the vast majority of people can benefit from hypnosis. Furthermore, being hypnotizable or choosing to be responsive to suggestions means only that you have the ability to use hypnosis effectively. It is not at all related to being gullible or weak-willed. Misconception 5: During hypnosis, people are unconscious. Fact 5: THIS IS NOT TRUE. During hypnosis, people are not asleep or unconscious. Although they may feel very relaxed, the are active participants in the hypnosis session.
For more confirmed research on the benefits of hypnosis, please go to scholar.google.com and type in hypnosis.
Below are the many areas hypnosis can help. Smoking Cessation Pain Control Intimacy Struggles Over Eating Anger Grief Exam Nerves Insomnia Anxieties Panic Attacks Phobias Guilt Depression Assertiveness Blood pressure Relationships Hostility Resentments Worry
Hypnotherapy Can Improve: Exam Performance Memory Study Recall Sports Focus Confidence Public Speaking Personal Growth Pain Control Performance Assertiveness Relaxation Releasing the Past Communication Counseling Goal Setting Personal Power