FAQs
Can anyone be hypnotized?
Although some researchers and clinicians claim that some people are not able to be hypnotized, everyone has the ability to be hypnotized because it’s a natural, normal state that each of us enter at least twice each day – upon awakening and falling asleep. We also enter a hypnotic state whenever we get totally engrossed in a movie or TV show. When the actors become the characters they portray in our minds, we are hypnotized. Also, whenever we are driving and daydreaming enough to miss a turn or freeway exit we know to take, we probably were experiencing a light state of hypnosis.
People may have this misconception because of an unsuccessful experience they've had with a hypnotist. People are responsive to different approaches, and if a particular approach has not been successful in the past, it's a matter of finding the way that works best for them. IMDHA Certified Hypnotherapists/Hypnotists have several techniques that they can use, and are trained to find a method that will work best for you.
How can a treatment aimed at your mind affect your body?
Our bodies respond physically through our thoughts. For example, think of a time when you were watching a scary movie; your body may have experienced an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, sweating, “butterflies” in the stomach, your hand making a fist, shaking, and from what? Just a thought!
Now imagine what happens when we think a pleasurable thought, we can experience reduced heart rate, smiling, deeper breathing, relaxation of muscles, more focus and the ability to make better decisions. These are autonomic nervous system responses that are involuntary, but they can be utilized to promote health and wellness. When hypnotized, you are very open to suggestions that can enhance positive and diminish negative physical reactions.
Will I be asleep or unconscious during hypnosis?
The word hypnosis comes from the ancient Greek word ‘hypnos’ meaning sleep, but you are not actually in a sleep state. Although the sensation may seem similar since you are very relaxed and have your eyes closed. In trance you are in a relaxed state, but with heightened awareness. If you were to fall asleep during a session you would return to normal consciousness when asked to, or simply awaken after a short nap. You would feel refreshed and relaxed.
Are you sure I was hypnotized? I heard every word you said!
Some people, after a session of hypnosis, don’t believe that they were hypnotized at all. There are differences between the brain waves of people who are asleep and those who are in hypnosis. During clinical hypnosis, you are very aware and sometimes talk with the hypnotist, and can both answer and ask questions, and hear everything that is said very clearly.
Will I lose control of myself?
When under clinical hypnosis I cannot make you do anything you don’t want to do. Hypnosis allows you to be more focused and less distracted. In this way, you will better achieve your goals, and actually achieve more control of your personal health and well-being. The ‘control’ misconception appears to originate from stage hypnosis which actually involves people doing what they want to be doing in a social setting to be entertaining.
What are the benefits?
• Feel worthwhile, self-confident and zestful.
• Gain a happier home life; become a better husband, wife, parent, or friend.
• Acquire the ability to completely relax in any situation.
• Make better decisions.
• Improve concentration.
• Overcome procrastination.
• Increase the quality of your emotional expression.
• Reduce conflict and stress.
• Promote health and well-being.
• Regain your natural ability to sleep easily.
• Sell yourself, your ideas, and your services with confidence and enthusiasm.
• Increase your income.
• Attract and maintain worthwhile friendships.
• Discover your negative mental patterns and how they affect you.
• Free yourself from hostility, resentment or fear of rejection.
• Select your goals in life and chart your course for their realization.
• Program your mind with positive mental concepts and success attitudes.
• Develop the ability to construct mental images easily.
