FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Does a Hypnotist Do? A Hypnotist uses the methods and techniques of hypnosis and similar tecniques such as guided imagery and visualization in order to achieve a desired goal.
Hypnosis is an intently focused, state of consciousness through which one can influence perception, physiological body functioning, emotions and behavior patterns. Various levels of hypnosis or altered awareness
occur naturally during everyday life.
Why Use Hypnosis?
The purpose of using hypnosis is as an effective tool to help you gain more control over your behavior, emotions or physical well-being. It's not clear how these techniques work but
some scientists believe hypnosis affects how your brain communicates with your body through nerve impulses, hormones and body chemicals, such as neuropeptides.
When you're hypnotized, you can quiet the mind and achieve deep relaxation allowing you to concentrate intensely on a specific desired result.
MYTHS About Hypnosis
If you've ever seen hypnotism used as entertainment in a stage act, you've probably witnessed several of the myths about hypnosis in action.
Legitimate clinical hypnosis practiced by a qualified professional is not the same process as that performed on stage.
Myth: When you're under hypnosis, you surrender your free will.
Reality: An altered state of consciousness is completely different from a loss of consciousness. Hypnosis is a actually more like a heightened state of concentration and focused attention.
An artist or musician might experience it when they are in deep concentration or many athletes describe it as being "in the zone." The only real difference is that
what we call hypnosis utilizes conscious sugggestions to shift the focus of awareness rather than the shift occuring spontaneously.
Myth: When you're under hypnosis, you lose consciousness and the hypnotherapist or hypnotist controls you.
Reality: A hypnotist only serves as a knowledgeable guide or facilitator to help you achieve goals that you desire.
You don't lose your personality, your free will or your personal strength.
Myth: You can be put under hypnosis without your consent.
Reality: Successful hypnosis depends on your willingness to experience it. Even with voluntary participation, not everyone can be led into a hypnotic state. Desire is key!
Risks of Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis has been acknowledged by the American Medical Association (AMA) since 1954! It is not a replacement for proper medical care by a licensed physician or psychologist. However, hypnosis,
conducted under the care of a trained expert is considered safe as a complementary healing art and and has often been used as one of many alternative medicine modalities incorporated into a holistic healing approach.
Hypnosis is one of several relaxation methods for addressing chronic pain that has been approved by an independent panel convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Moreover, the NIH has stated that hypnosis and guided imagery, two of the most well-studied complementary modalities, are "used increasingly to improve patients' experiences and healthcare outcomes."
