Questions and Answers...

What is Hypnosis?
Simply, it is a naturally occurring state we've all experienced. Have you ever read a novel or watched a movie and been so engrossed that you don't even observe when a person walks in the room? Or have you ever driven from point A to B and not remember the last 4 or 5 blocks you've traveled? These are just a few of the examples of a hypnotic state where one's conscious mind is barically shut down and the subconscious mind is open. It can be viewed as visual imagery with suggestions introduced.

What is the difference between our conscious and our subconscious mind?
In general, our conscious mind uses logic, reason, makes judgments. Our subconscious mind does not analyze, as does the conscious mind. It accepts all messages in a literal sense and stores memory.

Is hypnosis mind control?
No, no one can be induced to do anything that goes against their will or that they find objectionable. As a matter of fact, if one chooses not to be hypnotized they won't be hypnotized.

Is hypnosis sleep?
No, people that are hypnotized are aware of what is going on around them. They are capable of communication verbally or by giving a signal (e.g. nodding one's head).

Will I remember what happened during hypnosis?
Yes, you will remember everything unless you are asked or told not to remember what transpired. But even then one has a choice of accepting or rejecting the suggestions.

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis addresses the symptoms while hypnotherapy addresses not only the symptom but the cause as well.

What is an example of unconscious hypnotism?
We may program ourselves constantly to fail. I can't quit... It's hopeless... I'm helpless... I might as well eat it, I'll gain weight just looking at it... I'll never succeed, etc.

Does one have to be motivated for change?
In some circumstance people can be motivated while in hypnosis but if you don't want to change you won't change. If we program ourselves for 28 days in succession it becomes a habit or a pattern. Tell ourselves we'll succeed and we will. If we think, feel or behave in a negative manner, we'll get negative results. So the opposite must also be true.

What is your success rate? If we think about this question all the way through it can be 100%. What does someone else's successes or failures have to do with your success or failure? If I said, for instance 65% succeed, that would automatically allow you to think well, 35% fail, I've always failed before so I'll probably be in the 35%. It gives people an excuse not to succeed. So success is 100% if you want it to be.

What will I feel while hypnotized? First let me reassure you, you won't feel anything out of the ordinary. You'll feel relaxed, though one doesn't have to be relaxed to be in a hypnotic state. (Do you recall driving from point A to point B without remembering?) Some say their arms and/or legs feel heavy. When finished you'll feel refreshed, refurbished and just good – like you've experienced an hour or two hour nap.

So again, what is hypnosis? It is a state of intense concentration in which the mind becomes detached from everyday cares and concerns. The subconscious part of the mind is best able to respond creatively to suggestions. It can focus on issues you want to address or change without interference from other stimuli.

How does the subconscious mind accept hypnotic suggestions? Hypnotic suggestions bypass the intellectual mind, called the “conscious”, and zero in on the subconscious. When given a new suggestion that is within the bounds of a person's belief system and moral orientation, the subconscious mind accepts it literally as a new reality.

How does hypnosis help people? The ability to reprogram emotional attitudes and reactions is a latent talent within every human being Hypnosis is the most functional and reasonable way to train life-long attitudes.

Is hypnosis medically approved? Yes. The American Medical Association, the British Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association have all approved hypnosis as a viable therapeutic tool.

Is hypnosis dangerous? No. The induction of hypnosis is never dangerous to the subject, although personal disappointments may arise because of unrealistic expectations or preconceived information.

Are the results of hypnosis permanent? Suggestions, stay with some individuals indefinitely, others need reinforcement. The effects of hypnosis are cumulative. The more the techniques are practiced and post-hypnotic suggestions are brought into play, the permanent the results become.