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| Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis |
| 1. How do I know I can be hypnotized? Everyone is able to achieve the state of hypnosis. It is the same physiological state you fall into just before sleep each night. The alpha level of brain wave activity. Alpha is that state between full wakefulness and sleep that we all experience at least twice a day - when we awaken in the morning and fall asleep at night. However, there is a very small percentage of people who will not allow themselves to be hypnotized. It is important to have redirected attention, imagination, expectation and to believe. If a person has a low IQ, is unable to concentrate, or does not want to be hypnotized, they will not have a successful outcome. |
| 2. Is it dangerous? What if I don't come out of it? No, it is not dangerous. Hypnosis was approved by the American Medical Association in 1958 as a safe practice with no harmful side effects. To date, no one has been seriously hurt with hypnosis. Even if the hypnotherapist were to suffer a heart attack or otherwise not be present, you would come out of it naturally on your own, or simply fall asleep and then wake up as you normally would. |
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3. How many sessions will I need? How often?
The number of sessions it will take depends on the nature of your desires. Generally, anywhere from 3 to 9 sessions are recommended. In most cases, the sessions are once a week for approximately an hour. The Stop Smoking Program is a little varied, in that you must be seen two consecutive days, as to monitor the first 24 hours in order to repeat and reinforce the suggestions. The third session is 3 to 10 days later. |
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4. How will I know that I am hypnotized? What does it feel like?
The feeling is very similar to that of just before you fall asleep at night, or just before you awaken in the morning; a "daydreaming" feeling. You may experience a floating sensation and your mind may seem to wander. Your fingers may twitch, and your eyes will show signs of REM (rapid eye movement, indicated by the fluttering of the eyelids). These are all natural. The most important thing is that you are comfortable and feel safe with your hypnotherapist. |
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5. Can a hypnotherapist make you do something that is embarrassing, shocking or irreversible? (such as clucking like a chicken, barking like a dog, acting like a newborn)
No, you will not do anything you do not think is acceptable. That is, you cannot be "made" to violate your own values or accepted patterns of behavior. Clucking like a chicken or barking like a dog are the type of thing you would see at a carnival, fair or another form of entertainment. This is also a valid form of hypnosis, however it is strictly for the purpose of entertainment and is not to be confused with the therapeutic value of clinical hypnosis. |