- What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness characterized by deep relaxation that the average individual reaches daily as in highway driving, daydreaming or being really absorbed in a film or book. Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for transformation wherein the suggestions of the qualified hypnotherapist are directed to the unconscious mind of the client for the purpose of creating new awareness and positive change. The suggestions are tailored to the specific needs of the client and are generated after a thorough interview.
- Do people do things under hypnosis that are against their morals or values?
No. Hypnosis does not detach or eliminate the ego. If a client were given a suggestion he or she did not agree with, they would simply refuse or bring themselves out of hypnosis and back to normal awareness.
- Can everyone be hypnotized?
Yes, as long as they have the ability to concentrate or relax. There is a positive correlation between the ability to concentrate and the depth of hypnosis achieved. The only requirement for therapeutic results is that the client has a desire to change.
- Can a person's memory be erased through hypnosis?
No. If a client undergoing hypnosis wants to remember, than he or she will. In some cases, amnesia can be produced with a post-hypnotic suggestion, but it wears off as quickly as the client wishes. It's more common to use hypnosis to retrieve old memories. The value in retrieving a memory is that a qualified hypnotherapist can help a person to transform a memory that may be causing problems. The mind contains many old unconscious memories that are generally responsible for our decisions, attitudes, feelings and behaviors of today.
- Do people under hypnosis go to sleep or become unconscious?
No. Hypnosis feels very relaxing but is actually a state of heightened awareness. A client remains aware of everything that is occurring in the immediate environment as well as that which is happening in the inner mind. Hypnosis is a state of consciousness somewhere between being awake and asleep. Some people may drop out of hypnosis by falling into a natural sleep.
- What can be treated with hypnosis?
A qualified hypnotherapist has the training to help alleviate or transform many symptoms and problems. Specific applications include, but are not limited to: anxiety, stress, phobias, repetitive or obsessive habits or thoughts, weight or eating disorders, trauma, fears, self-esteem, motivation, increased creativity, grief counseling and pain management.
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