About Hypnosis

Contrary to popular belief, all hypnosis is actually self hypnosis. A hypnotherapist gives instructions and suggestions to the client that will--if followed and accepted--lead them to a inwardly directed, focused state of attention. In order to be receptive to hypnosis, a client should feel comfortable with the hypnotherapist, and they should have built some positive rapport during the discussion. Remember, hypnosis is natural, and if you can follow instructions, you can go into hypnosis. Often someone who is labeled as “not susceptible to hypnosis” is simply not in rapport with the hypnotist or hypnotherapist.

A hypnotic induction (the process of going into hypnosis) can start with staring at an object, counting, progressive relaxation, or confusion techniques (used to get the conscious brain tired out). These and other methods can be used on their own or in combination. The goal of the induction is (?)

When hypnosis has been achieved, many people will feel relaxed, but alert. It is not uncommon for someone to emerge from hypnosis for the first time and have doubt that they were truly hypnotized. This is due to the fact that a hypnotic state is a natural inner state that we go in and out of on a daily basis. When asked what they can recall from the session, often a client will only be able to repeat part of what actually happened. (Sometimes a client can't recall anything that happened, which we call post-hypnotic amnesia.) It's also common for a person in hypnosis to experience time distortion, so the client may feel that they were only in hypnosis for 5 or 10 minutes, when really the session was 45 from start to finish.

The inner state of hypnosis is associated with some physical changes, such as red or wet eyes, fluttering eyelids, loose facial and other muscles, slight twitching (like happens when you are falling asleep), etc.

Client-Centered Hypnotherapy

Once a state of hypnosis has been achieved, it's time to address whatever the client has come to do. An important principle that makes hypnotherapy so powerful, fast, and safe is that it is “client-centered,” meaning it presumes that the client comes with all the answers already. The hypnotherapist does not diagnose or pre-judge the cause of the challenge.

One way to explain what happens between a well-trained hypnotherapist and client is that the hypnotherapist represents the client's goals to the client him/herself. When this happens in hypnosis--when the sub-conscious is accessible without the critical thinking function interfering--often the limiting perceptions that have been accepted as “reality” are uncovered, which allows a beautiful opportunity to reframe those old beliefs or memories into something that is more positive. Often those beliefs were formed when we were children and didn't understand many things. This is a chance to update those immature beliefs with the wisdom we now have.

Many Hypnotherapeutic Approaches

There are many approaches (regression therapy, imagery, parts therapy, dream work, positive suggestion, post hypnotic suggestion to name a few) that a hypnotherapist can use to help a client. Certain situations and certain clients (and hypnotherapists!) lend themselves well to certain techniques. Often a mixture of many approaches is used.

Sometimes a session may touch deep memories that bring a deep release of emotion. Whether or not they are emotional, sessions can often be experienced as enjoyable. They offer a client a unique opportunity to journey inward and become acquainted with the marvels of their internal realities.

There is no pre-set number of sessions required for results, although I ask my clients to commit to at least 3 sessions. Sometimes more are required, but, in general, hypnotherapy--because it deals with the sub-conscious--is a very fast way to make lasting change.