Frequently Asked Questions
What is being hypnotized like?
People respond to hypnosis in different ways. Some describe their experience as an altered state of consciousness. Others describe hypnosis as a normal state of focused attention, in which they feel very calm and relaxed. Regardless of how and what degree they respond, most people describe the experience as very pleasant. Those who have been hypnotized do not lose control over their behaviour. A person’s ability to experience hypnotic suggestions can be inhibited by fears and concerns arising from some common misconceptions.
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 can become. Self-hypnosis training and reinforcement cd’s for home use also provide additional help.
Do I have to remember things from my past in order to recover from my problem?
Not necessarily; different therapists have varied approaches, but if the cause of your problem is a repressed memory (one that you are unable to remember consciously), then bringing it back into conscious awareness can help you to view the problem from a different perspective and so feel differently about it.
When I am ‘under’ will I be asleep?
You will be aware of everything that is happening and being said the whole time, however you will be so deeply relaxed that you may find yourself drifting into different levels of awareness. Remember, your subconscious mind is active throughout and it is this that your therapist is working with.
Will I remember everything after my hypnotherapy session?
That depends how deep in hypnosis you are, but generally most people do remember either everything or certain parts of the experience. You will find that suggestions which have been given to you in hypnosis will resurface in your conscious, thinking mind after your hypnosis and these will be the thoughts that produce changes in your behaviour or way of thinking and feeling.
Will I give away any secrets while I am hypnotized?
No, you won’t say or do anything at all that you don’t want to. If you were given suggestions that you didn’t morally agree with you would come out of hypnosis.
How do I know I will wake up from hypnosis?
No-one has ever remained in hypnosis indefinitely. Even if something were to happen to the hypnotherapist halfway through the session, you would still ‘come out’ of the trance state once rapport had been broken.
Are there any side effects from hypnosis?
The only side effects are the beneficial ones of feeling more relaxed afterwards and feeling more positive about whatever it was you sought hypnotherapy for. Hypnosis is a perfectly natural state.
How does it feel to be hypnotized?
A. Everyone is different. Some people say that their body feels like a lead weight, others say they feel as though they’re floating away. Most people will agree that it’s a lovely feeling because they are more relaxed that they have ever been before.
Can I be hypnotized against my will?
No, anyone can resist and it won’t work. Hypnosis is cooperation between two people – your therapist will show you the way and you can choose if you want to go there or not.