WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?

Most of society may have certain fears of hypnosis. These fears are mostly based on what we see on TV, movies, stage performers or even just being misinformed. Hypnosis isn't a state of mind control nor the practice of dark magic. We are all in hypnosis numerous times every day. 30 minutes before we go to bed and 30 minutes when we wake up. When we watch a movie and feel like we are actually there. When we are driving and we are so focused on our thoughts that we pass our exit. These are all forms of hypnosis. 

Hypnosis is a state of human consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness with an enhanced capacity to respond to suggestion. The term may also refer to an art, skill, or act of inducing hypnosis. During hypnosis, a person is said to have heightened focus and concentration. The person can concentrate intensely on a specific thought or memory, while blocking out sources of distraction. Hypnotized subjects are said to show an increased response to suggestions. Hypnosis is usually induced by a procedure known as a hypnotic induction involving a series of preliminary instructions and suggestion. The use of hypnotism for therapeutic purposes is referred to as "hypnotherapy". Another way one can define Hypnosis is, an overload of message units which disorganizes the critical mind and triggers the fight or flight responses creating hyper suggestibility which then allows access to the subconscious mind.

How does Hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy is the process of using the power of suggestion in hypnosis to create a state of suggestibility in the subconscious mind. Suggestibility simply means open to suggestion. Hypnotic suggestions are used during hypnosis to create the desired changes in your life. A hypnotherapy session is typically an hour in duration with 40 to 50 minutes spent discussing the issue or challenge as well as goals to be achieved in hypnotherapy. The hypnosis part of the session is usually 10 to 20 minutes.

Is Hypnosis Real?

Yes, hypnosis is real and scientifically validated. Hypnotic suggestions can be used to alter the sensations and perceptions of hypnotic subjects. Studies in which brain activity is measured show that the way the brain processes information can be altered with hypnosis.

Can Anyone be Hypnotized?

Yes, anyone can be hypnotized if they are of average intelligence and have the ability to focus. All that is required is a willingness to be guided into hypnosis.

Some people are more easily hypnotized than others. Researchers have developed a hypnotic susceptibility scale to measure susceptibility to hypnosis. On this scale, people are classified as ‘highs’, ‘mediums’, or ‘lows’. The majority of people, (about 80%) are in the ‘medium’ group. They are able to experience many of the effects of hypnotic suggestion, and are likely to benefit from its use. About 10% of the population is considered very hypnotizable and roughly 10% are classified as ‘low’ – which means that they don’t respond strongly to hypnosis. However this low ability to respond to hypnosis can be increased by a skilled hypnotherapist.

What does Hypnosis Feel like?

The experience or “feeling” of hypnosis is different for everybody. Most people associate a feeling of relaxation with hypnosis because most hypnotherapists use relaxation techniques in therapy. Physically, people will have different responses to relaxation instructions – some feel heaviness in the body, others, a feeling of lightness or floating. Mentally, responses vary from a feeling of extreme focus or awareness to a profound sense of calm.