What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is the process of relaxing the client to open the subconscious mind in a reflective process to create positive change in your life. Each practitioner of hypnotherapy will have their own unique style but have a few things in common: ~the client has a strong desire to change, ~the client will experience a state of deeply relaxed focus and concentration, and ~language and guided visualization in relationship to the clients emotions and desires.
What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?
Clinical hypnosis is an altered state of awareness, perception or consciousness that is used, by licensed and trained doctors or masters prepared individuals, for treating a psychological or physical problem. It is a highly relaxed state.
Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention. It is like using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the sun and make them more powerful. Similarly, when our minds are concentrated and focused, we are able to use our minds more powerfully. Because hypnosis allows people to use more of their potential, learning self-hypnosis is the ultimate act of self-control.
While there is general agreement that certain effects of hypnosis exist, there are differences of opinion within the research and clinical communities about how hypnosis works. Some researchers believe that hypnosis can be used by individuals to the degree they possess a hypnotic trait, much as they have traits associated with height, body size, hair color, etc. Other professionals who study and use hypnosis believe there are strong cognitive and interpersonal components that affect an individual’s response to hypnotic environments and suggestions.
Recent research supports the view that hypnotic communication and suggestions effectively changes aspects of the persons physiological and neurological functions.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is simply a state of relaxed concentration. It is a natural state. We all enter this state a couple of times a day, upon falling asleep and upon waking, its the state between dreaming and awake, when you feel slightly fuzzy without thoughts..
There are many other times that people enter a natural dreamlike state of trance. Driving, watching a movie, watching the news (I always advise my clients not to watch the news at night as their subconscious is wide open and the negative, fear based messages are jumping right in!), working on a favorite hobby or listening to music (we have to be very conscious about what stimulus we choose to let in) in the “flow” state. These are all “altered states of consciousness,” and all are various levels of trance. This state of mind is normal and completely natural.
Many people will believe that, because they “seem” wide awake during a session and can remember everything that they were not actually hypnotized. This is not true, hypnosis is a state of focused concentration, in fact you will be in a “hyper-conscious” state of awareness and will remember everything.
There is a lot of misinformation out there so be sure to ask questions before making a decision not to use hypnosis.
What can't be treated with Hypnotherapy?
Serious psychiatric or mental health problems are referred to a qualified psychotherapist or psychiatrist. Medical problems with the physical body must always be treated by a physician, who can, at his or her discretion, prescribe hypnotherapy for pain control, hypnoanesthesia or relaxation. Drug addiction, family dynamics disorders, clinical depression and other such problems need to be treated by doctors and psychiatrists, who can, at their discretion, prescribe hypnotherapy as a supplementary treatment.” ~American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists.
Will I lose control?
This is another myth. You always have control, and you can always hear what’s going on. Hypnosis is nothing but a state of focused concentration. It is a natural state that you enter into at any given point during the day. Anytime you feel uncomfortable during a session you can just count yourself up from 1-5 and you will come back into the room and remember absolutely everything.
Will I bark like a dog or cluck like a chicken?
Not unless you want to! The hypnotherapist cannot make a client do anything they don’t want to do, all hypnosis is self hypnosis and anytime this happens in a stage setting is because the participants were completely willing. This is why it’s very important that, once you choose hypnosis as your healing methodology, you are completely ready and willing to make this change. Often times I will hear people say, “I tried hypnosis but it didn’t work for me,” the reason it didn’t work is because the client was not ready or willing to make the change. This happens when other people want you to change but you really don’t have the desire in yourself
What are other misconceptions about Hypnotherapy?
You will not become unconscious and you will be aware of everything at all times. Your will is not weakened in any way. As mentioned in above questions, you are in control and cannot be made to do anything against your will. You will not begin to reveal information you wish to keep secret. Hypnosis is not sleep!
One common misconception is that a hypnotized person loses their will and is partially or completely under the command of the hypnotist. Nothing could be further from the truth. This unfortunate belief is reinforced by many stage hypnotists and movies. You are in control of yourself, and cannot be made to do anything that is against your will.
Hypnosis, particularly the deeper forms, can appear to be like sleep because the person’s body is typically very still and quiet. There is usually a great deal of mental activity, and measurements of brain activity during hypnosis show a significant level of neurological activity.
My friend tried hypnosis to lose weight and it didn't work. Why?
When someone truly desires to change than they will. Often we decide we want to do something because other people have told us “its bad for me,” “we shouldn’t be doing it..” But, unless we reconcile this within ourselves and really desire this change than self sabotage will take over every time. All hypnosis is self hypnosis, the therapist has no control over anything other than what the client wants. This is also the self victimization response and gives the power away completely to the therapist..
How do I choose a good Hypnotherapist?
It’s very important to follow your inner guidance on this one, check their energy over the phone and through emails. If something feels “off” to you, listen to it, this is your inner guidance telling you to pay attention. If you have questions request a phone consultation and ask them whatever you want to in order to feel good about seeing them. Find a therapist who is warm, friendly and open. The bottom line is, you need to feel comfortable and safe so make sure to trust your gut on this one.. Feel free to ask about the therapists qualifications and if they belong to any professional organizations. You can also ask for references and ask how long they’ve been in business. If they don’t have any testimonials make sure to ask about it.
What are the benefits of Self-Hypnosis?
Self-hypnosis is a powerful skill to learn to help you cope with any modern day stressors. It can help you with relaxation, motivation, self improvement, fears, phobias, etc..
Self-hypnosis can help your mind and body recuperate from stress. This is perhaps one of the most important health benefits of self-hypnosis. In this modern day that we live in, we are getting caught up with too much stress from home, school or work that we tend to lose time for ourselves. Self-hypnosis is an activity which is considered a good outlet for letting your mind and body rest, allowing you to recover from the stress and pressures that can cause you health problems.
Self-hypnosis allows you to focus your mind on a specific task. It is is an activity that requires intense focus in order to be effective. If you try to hypnotize yourself into achieving a specific goal, the effect is multiplied many times than if you just think about achieving it. Self-hypnosis allows you to siphon and collect your thoughts in order to focus it on specific goals that you want to achieve. Whether you want to lose weight or stop smoking, self-hypnosis can help you better achieve your goals. This is one of the great health benefits of self-hypnosis because achieving your goals makes you feel better about yourself, which in turn results to self-improvement and increased self-perception.
Is Hypnosis dangerous?
No, hypnosis is not dangerous despite what you may have seen or heard in the movies. Remember, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The therapist has no control over your mind or your thoughts and if you don’t feel comfortable you can always count yourself up from 1-5. You will always remember the entire session and you will always wake up from every session.
Hypnosis is a safe and very beneficial modality for healing but make sure you find a therapist who is well trained, trustworthy and professional so you feel completely safe. Hypnosis is not a cure for mental illness, suicidal thoughts, depression or psychosis. Always seek a trained professional, psychiatrist or psychologist, if you suffer from any of these conditions.
What else is Hypnotherapy used for?
In the mental health area, it is used for getting rid of phobias, anxiety, sexual problems, alcoholism, smoking control, speech disorders, weight control, chronic pain, age regression therapy, self-esteem/ego strengthening, memory/concentration improvement and forensic work. In medicine, it uses include anesthesia and surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, control of bleeding, pain control, burn therapy, dermatology and habit control. Dentistry uses it to control fear, dental surgery, saliva control, gagging, bruxism, control of bleeding, tongue biting and general oral hygiene.
Can I get stuck in Hypnosis and not wake up?
No, that is impossible. You can never get stuck in Hypnosis because you do not lose control when you are hypnotized. Hypnosis is a cooperative relationship. When you are hypnotized, you retain full control over your mind and your body. Sometimes, people feel so relaxed and comfortable in Hypnosis that they may wish to remain in that state for a little longer. However, a simple suggestion for awakening (or alerting) is all that is needed to bring a subject back into the Waking State even if the subject has fallen asleep. Additionally, when the hypnotist stops talking, the subject will soon awaken on his own. Most importantly, you can come out of hypnosis any time you want.
What is the session fee, how much do you charge?
A full session is $150.00 unless stated otherwise. Discounts are offered on session pre-payment when you purchase 2 sessions together for $300, if needed, the third session is offered absolutely free! Please check out Groupon and Yelp as we also offer other seasonal deals occasionally. Note all sessions are strictly cash only which will be collected during appointment scheduling and payment remitted through PayPal (friends & family).
How many sessions will I need for my problem?
That varies between individuals and their issues. Plan on at least three sessions, and up to five or six for complex issue resolution. However,
most issues may not need more than three.
How long are the sessions?
The first session can be up to 90 Minutes. Second session’s approx. one hour depending on the client and the issue, 60-90 minutes are suggested for each session.
Do I need to bring anything to the session?
Just your open mind. Please wear something comfortable (and cash for payment).
How can I cancel my session if I need to?
We only allow fully refundable cancelations 48hrs prior to your appointments. Should an emergency arise within 48hrs, we will be happy to reschedule your session to another day upon availability.
I still have unanswered questions not listed above, can you help?
Please reach out to us using the Contact Form at https://www.wellnesshypno.com/contacts/ page or by dropping an email to
therapy@wellnesshypno.com. Calling (408) 499 3605 is however the fastest way of reaching us always.