FAQ
Myth: Hypnosis is magical, mystical & dangerous.
Fact: Hypnosis is a completely safe, ordinary, natural state of mind. It is simply physical, mental and emotional relaxation, along with a heightened state of awareness. It is a state of consciousness in which the body is relaxed and the brain slows down to alpha waves, allowing the subconscious mind to open for suggestive input. Persons can enter this stage doing an activity that focuses their attention. So,without knowing it, you may be entering hypnosis several times per day!
Myth: Hypnosis is mind control, I could do something against my will.
Fact: Hypnosis is a skill – learning to gain more control over your self. People visit hypnotherapists or utilize self-hypnosis because they want help to gain more control over their lives, not less. When you are hypnotized, you are aware of all suggestions given to you and you will not do anything against your moral or ethical principles. No one can make you do anything you do not want to do, but a good Hypnotherapist can help you to accomplish that which you desire. Your subconscious mind is always monitoring, and looking out for you, and it won’t allow you to do anything that goes against you. By law, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis — you are guided to do the things you are willing to do.
A Stage Hypnotist knows how to recognize those people who are very open to his suggestions, and asks for volunteers he already knows will be likely to do silly things. He then weeds out those people who are not very suggestible, until he is left with only those who are open to participate in the fun. The rest are sent back to their seats to watch the show.
Myth: I can’t be hypnotized.
Fact: Everyone can be hypnotized. People actually move in and out of the alpha state several times a day. Although they may not have called it hypnosis. Daydreaming, reading, driving are all examples of every day tasks when we may enter an altered state of awareness. Have you ever had the experience of and realized that you passed your exit several miles back? Or have you ever been so caught up in a TV program, a book, a film or computer game that you’ve lost track of time, or not realized that someone has been talking to you? Hypnosis is just another example of an altered state of awareness. It can be utilized for self-change. Everyone can be hypnotized, but only IF they WANT to. Anyone who can follow directions can be hypnotized.
Myth: I won’t remember everything that happens in Hypnosis?
Fact: You will remember everything that happens in hypnosis if that is your desire.
Myth: I will feel hypnotized/different/strange.
Fact: This change of consciousness is extremely comfortable and relaxing, just like those moments before you fall asleep and as you start to wake up in the morning. You’ll feel very relaxed, yet your mind will still be highly focused and aware. This in itself is very beneficial, particularly for those suffering with stress and anxiety issues, for it relaxes, refreshes and invigorates the mind and body. Sometimes people come out of trance unsure whether they were actually hypnotized or not, as it is such a familiar feeling. However, the extraordinary quality of relaxation you experience with the hypnotic trance is usually very different.
Myth: The results of hypnosis are one time or temporary.
Fact: Hypnotherapy is an effective and long lasting means for making changes.
Myth: Hypnosis is a parlor trick that belongs to the lunatic fringe.
Fact: Hypnosis has been used to help so many people with so many matters, that it is sad to notice that some people still associate hypnosis with stage show antics. They miss the TRUTH about hypnosis. Eleanor S. Field, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Tarzana, California, says that just one hypnosis session in many cases leads to breakthroughs that could take a year in traditional therapy. Hypnosis is truly the “people’s therapy” and has proven effective in a variety of areas.
Myth: What If You Can’t Bring Me Out of It?
Fact: There is no danger of a person failing to come out of the hypnotic state. In fact it would be impossible to remain hypnotized. Some people ask to stay in hypnosis a little longer because it feels so good and it’s the most relaxed they’ve been in their lives!
Myth: I am a Christian. Hypnosis might be against my religion.
Fact: There is nothing about hypnosis that objectionable to persons of faith. In fact, there are clergy who are trained in using hypnosis.
