What is Hypnosis and how does it work?
Hypnosis is a natural, yet altered, state of mind that involves comfortable relaxation, a redirection of attention, and active sensory imagination. The benefit of trance lies in it’s ability to relax the minds critical examiner (or that little voice that won’t be quiet) of incoming ideas so that communication between the conscious and subconscious can occur – thereby revealing the individuals own inner truth to themselves. Although the experience can be likened to being awake while you sleep, it can also be likened to rapid attainment of a meditative state where access to the subconscious mind is obtained.
Typically, as Westerners, we find challenge in sitting still and quieting the mind. The hypnotic state of trance allows us rapid access to that part of the mind typically not so vocally audible by suspending our critical judgment temporarily within a special state of resting alertness. While that persons focus of attention is redirected, the hypnotherapist can guide the client to access their own answers from that “all-knowing” part within. So, in the state of hypnosis, the critical, or judgmental, part of your mind is "asleep," while the fully-aware subconscious mind, often called your "creative intelligence," is highly receptive and responsive to all beneficial suggestions giving the client more flexible control over his/her awareness, attention and thinking processes.
In addition to delivering positive suggestions and formulated techniques in visualization, the hypnotherapist can enable and empower the individual to transform their lives towards health, peace, comfort, vitality and happiness. Thus, your creative intelligence develops an understanding and reframed perspective on the particular issue, and integrates the new wisdom into your every day life.
The kind of hypnosis used here is also more of a psychospiritual nature in that the container from which it comes takes into account that we are spirit expressing itself as a body/mind. In this way, you will expand your world view and open your mind to take on more perspectives and create a greater degree of balance, love and joy in your life. Often it is suggested to clients that they take up a meditative practice and a conscious embodiment practice like yoga or qi gone, tai chi, dance or any other phsycial practice that can be mindfully practiced.
What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?
Clinical Hypnotherapy is the application of hypnotic techniques specifically for therapeutic healing purposes. We all have an innate ability to control our pain – hypnotherapy is a path to that control. For example, it can be used in the management and reduction of chronic pain, migraines, IBS symptoms, period and labor pain, etc, etc. Clinical Hypnotherapy also address accelerated healing, surgery preparation and dental work, emotional anxiety and mental anguish from stress, low-motivation, childhood trauma, procrastination, depression, etc. Clinical Hypnotherapy is simply a way of harnessing and utilizing the amazing, limitless power of our subconscious minds in every aspect of our lives. It’s all about mentally shifting out of a state of discomfort and into a state of comfort.
Can anyone be hypnotized?
Yes. Only if they WANT to be. Anyone that sincerely desires to achieve their goals and wants to be hypnotized, can be hypnotized. Some people can immediately go into a deep state of hypnosis, while others may take longer to establish a light to medium trance. However, deep trance is not necessary for positive results.
Won’t I lose control?
This is one of the greatest myths about hypnosis – that while in hypnosis the client will say or do whatever the hypnotist tells them to say or do. This is not in the slightest bit true. In hypnosis, you cannot be coerced, manipulated, or programmed to do anything you do not truly want to say or do. Hypnosis can only enhance and magnify your ability to say and do those things you truly want to say and do.
Will I be forced to reveal information secret to me?
Hypnosis is not a truth serum. You cannot be coerced into saying or doing anything that is not within your own morals or beliefs. You retain control at all times.
But what about Stage Hypnosis?
In stage hypnotism performances, the volunteers appear to lose control. It must be remembered that they did volunteer, and are willing participants looking for “license” to act out in such outlandish ways. Typically, these people already have exhibitionist qualities. They follow the hypnotist's suggestions, even if they do look ridiculous, because they want to be part of the performance and have subconsciously agreed to do whatever they're told. But they remain in control the entire time. Further, Stage Hypnotists develop a skill in selecting those volunteers naturally more extroverted and uninhibited because they make for a better show.
Will I become a Zombie in Hypnosis?
Another big misconception is that in hypnosis, you are an unaware, unconscious “zombie”, oblivious of ones surroundings. This is also not true. In hypnosis, you hear every single word. You are aware of what the hypnotherapist is saying and choose to follow each proposed suggestion because you know they are toward the attainment of your goals.
How will I feel?
Most people find the hypnotic state to be peaceful, relaxing and comfortable, yet uplifting. But, everyone has a different experience in this middle ground between wakefulness and sleep. Some people feel a sense of heaviness in the limbs, while others may experience a light-as-a-feather, floating sensation. Clients report varying results including lightened stress load, rapid pain relief, emotional release, profound inner comfort, greater control, inner peace and confidence, increased self love, greater focus, etc, etc, the list goes on. What is it in your life that you want to change or improve, let go of or obtain? Call now to find out how I can help you embrace the greater meaning of your life. I offer everyone a free 20-minute consultation.
How long is a hypnotherapy session?
The average session will take 1 - 2 hours, within which you will learn of the interrelationship between mind and body through hypnosis. You will learn how to harness the power of your own subconscious mind so that you achieve your desired goals. You will also learn how to maintain that success on your own through self-hypnosis, thus helping you transform your experience of life.
I prefer to focus on my client and not the clock, and would prefer my client to not be worried about the money time is costing, and so, I charge by the session, not the hour. Most issues require a minimum of 3 sessions for maximum efficiency and benefit. Your commitment to a 3-session package demonstrates to me your commitment to your health and wellbeing.
Your commitment and desire to create positive and permanent change in your life is prerequisite to our working together. I only work with clients who are truly willing to change, which means they are willing to do things differently. Therefore, in most circumstances relating to the above issues, a commitment to about 3 sessions will be required. Hypnosis has a compounding effect so while some people come out of a first session with a huge and transforming experience, others take a little longer. Its very much like learning to play the piano or to push weights at the gym... one can't expect to know how to play proficiently or to suddenly have muscles they didn't have beforehand. The mind muscle needs exercise and repitition to changes its ways.
How effective is it?
Statistics, on average, report 600 sessions of Psychotherapy help 38% of people to reach their goals. 22 sessions of Behavior Modification lead to 72% of clients reaching their goals. Clients of qualified hypnotherapist require an average of only 6 sessions before 93% reach their goals. Your effectiveness is predominantly dependant upon your commitment and desire to obtain your goals and achieve your life purpose. My commitment to you is to the same. I will help you to see that all you need is the faith to know that once you step forward there will be a platform upon which to stand and a path upon which to walk or you will learn how to fly.
*Hypnotherapy is a highly effective adjuvant and complementary approach to medical and psychological health practices. Some hypnotherapeutic work may require approval from a licensed physician or psychologist. Hypnotherapy is never intended to replace medical treatment or severe psychological treatment. It can be regarded, by its emphasis on the use of internal resources for therapy, as a non-medical therapy which accomplishes its results without direct external intervention
