Hypnosis FAQ
What
is hypnosis?
During hypnosis, the body and conscious mind are in a relaxed, natural state,
while the subconscious mind remains awake and receptive to suggestion. Hypnosis
is an education-communication process to a person's mind that allows his/her conscious
and subconscious minds to believe the same message.
How does the subconscious 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, rather than suffer a lifetime of emotional accidents
the conscious mind is unable to change.
Can any person be hypnotized?
People of average intelligence (unless there is some form of organic brain damage)
can be hypnotized in most cases if they are willing and do not resist. The depth
of hypnosis varies with a person's ability to respond. If you are not a naturally
responsive subject, you can improve your receptivity to hypnosis with practice.
Is hypnosis medically approved?
Yes. The American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association
have approved hypnotherapy for use by professionally responsible individuals.
The British Medical Association also adopted hypnosis as a viable therapeutic
tool in 1958. (The same year as the AMA.)
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 more permanent the results
become. Self-hypnosis training and reinforcement tapes for home use also provide
additional help.
How powerful is a hypnotist?
Hypnosis is a consent situation in which 10 percent of the effort is the hypnotist's
and the remaining 90 percent is the responsibility of the client.
In what areas would hypnotherapy be helpful?
Hypnotherapy is helpful in a variety of areas including:
| Stress | Health | Smoking |
| Sports | Allergies | Insomnia |
| Stuttering | Nail biting | Motivation |
| Pain management | Fears/phobias | Addictions |
| Public speaking | Weight control | Visualization |
| Relaxation | Medical procedures | Performance enhancement |