Clinical Hypnotherapy & NLP

Frequently Asked Questions about Hypnotherapy - If you have any further questions, or would like clarification please contact us.

• What is Hypnosis?    

The US Dept. of Education defines Hypnosis as “The bypass of the critical factor of the conscious mind and the acceptance of selective suggestive thinking by the subconscious mind.”

Hypnosis is a focused and suggestive state of mind, in which a person is still alert. This altered state allows for a Hypnotherapist to communicate with your subconscious mind directly bypassing any doubt or critical thinking of conscious mind.  The subconscious mind does not judge, doubt, or criticize new suggestion/message but simply accepts and stores it. In other words, hypnosis allows you to program and de-program or re-program your subconscious mind.

 Hypnosis is a natural and normal state of the mind in which the body experiences a state of deep physical relaxation while the mind remains clear, alert and focused.  In this altered state of awareness, the subconscious mind becomes open to suggestions that the client is willing to accept.

A person naturally enters this state informally many times during a normal day - just most of us are not aware that it is happening.  How many times have you been thinking about something while driving your car and suddenly realized that you missed your exit or arrive at your destination without realizing that you made all the right turns to get there?

Most of us go to the movies and get so caught up in the drama of the story we forget that we are only watching a movie. Most of us daydream from time to time.  All of these are examples of a natural state of hypnosis called "environmental hypnosis."

With Hypnotherapy, we can learn to access this state and have more reliable, predictable results from positive suggestions.

All successful hypnosis is self-hypnosis - the Hypnotherapist is simply your guide.

• What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis by a trained hypnotherapist to help a person to make positive changes in their life.  The use of hypnosis allows the hypnotherapist to bypass the critical areas of the conscious mind and access the subconscious mind directly. All our learned behaviours and habits, either good or bad, reside in the subconscious mind.

Hypnotherapy speeds up the process of positive change since the hypnotherapist is working directly with the subconscious mind. Old unwanted negative associations and patterns of behaviour can easily be removed and replaced with positive beneficial ones.  

• What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?    

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind in which the subconscious mind opens up, becoming very suggestible to new ideas.  Hypnotherapy is the process of using hypnosis by the trained hypnotherapist to help a person make positive, desired life style changes.

Basically – Hypnosis is a tool, Hypnotherapy is the professional application of that powerful tool.

• What can I expect?

Hypnotherapy sessions are directed by a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (CHt) - who helps you to unlock the power of your subconscious mind through guided trance-work & suggestion to resolve the issue at hand. All successful hypnosis is self-hypnosis - the Hypnotherapist is simply your guide.

A typical hypnotherapy session is scheduled to last about 60-90 minutes

A client should expect at the first session to learn about hypnosis & the hypnotic process & be guided into a series of intervals of hypnosis - to ensure the client feels at ease with hypnosis before undertaking therapeutic work.

• What can Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy be used for?

Hypnosis can be utilized in many ways, though the hypnotic state is not always called "hypnosis."  Hypnosis is used for entertainment purposes (stage shows) or in a clinical setting such as in hypnotherapy to make positive changes in a person's life.

It is used often in the medical and dental fields as well.  It is used by psychologists and psychiatrists as an adjunct to their treatments.  Self-hypnosis is an integral component in yoga, bio-feedback and meditation.

Top athletes are using self- hypnosis when they focus during competition to "get into the zone."

• What are the areas in which Hypnotherapy is helpful?

Hypnotherapy can help you to make changes in practically any area of your life.  Any bad habits or unwanted behaviours can easily be changed into more positive ones.  Fears and phobias can be eliminated.  You can easily stop smoking, release unwanted weight, improve your study habits or become more successful.  It is entirely up to you what issue you want to work on.

• How soon will I see the results?

Depending on the issue you are working on and how deeply rooted it is, the results may be immediate after the first session or it may take several sessions to resolve.

Hypnotherapy can be useful for a variety of issues, including but not limited to:

* Addictions

* Stress Reduction

* Age Regression

* Allergies / Asthma

* Body, mind healing

* Cancer Aid (complimentary treatment to conventional medicine)

* Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

* Concentration / Memory

* Depression

* Fear / Phobias

* Gastrointestinal Disorders (Ulcers, Colitis, Crohn's Disease)

* High Blood Pressure

* Insomnia

* Irritable Bowl Syndrome

* Motivation

* Pain Management

* Panic / Anxiety Attacks

* Public Speaking

* Relaxation

* Self-confidence

* Sexual Dysfunction

* Skin Disorders

* Sports Performance

* Stop Smoking

* Stuttering

* Visualization

* Weight Loss

• ·         How much does it cost?

Costs will vary between therapists based upon breadth and depth of skill set – your Hypnotherapist will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have when you come in for your initial visit.  See our fees page for further information.

• Does Hypnotherapy work?

Yes, in fact, you probably know someone who has stopped smoking using hypnotherapy.  As seen from the study below, Hypnotherapy is an effective tool for healing, and changing behavioural and emotional programming.

A comparison study:

Psychoanalysis             :  38% recovery after 600 sessions
Behaviour Therapy       :  72% recovery after 22 sessions
Hypnotherapy              :  93% recovery after 6 sessions

2006 American Health Magazine

 

• How can I tell when I'm hypnotized?    

It depends on the individual. Some people are more aware of changes felt in their bodies than others but there are always definite physical signs of trance.  The levels of physical signs depend on how deep into the hypnotic state the person has allowed himself or herself to drift.  You may experience sensations of feeling very light or floating, very heavy, tingling sensations, dry mouth or just pleasantly relaxed.

Your Hypnotherapist will guide and inform you about these signs before your first trance state, so that you can readily identify when you enter Hypnosis.

• What does it feel like to be hypnotized? - Does it feel good?

It feels great!  Most people will experience different bodily sensations ranging from a dry mouth, limbs feeling very heavy or light, or tingling sensations.  Most people feel wonderfully relaxed and enjoy the hypnotic state very much.

• Can anyone be hypnotized?

Yes.  Any person of at least average intelligence with an ability to focus and concentrate can go into hypnosis.  The better one is able to concentrate and focus and the more intelligent a person is, the easier it is for him or her to go into the hypnotic trance and to achieve greater results with hypnosis.

Above all, the person must be willing. Willing is one of those “loaded” words – for our discussion it can be defined as “informed consent” – that is, you know what is going to happen to you, when it is going to happen, what it will feel like and that you are OK with it happening.  Co-operation and collaboration with the client and therapist is essential, even if it takes the initial form of following simple instructions.

• Will I be asleep or will I know what is going on around me?

No, you are definitely not asleep, though to an observer, your body appears to be sleeping because you are allowing a state of deep physical relaxation and your eyes are closed.  This has been a common misconception of what happens in hypnosis portrayed for many decades in the media, movies and television.

You are completely awake and aware of your surroundings.  You hear everything and remember everything that is being said by you and your therapist.

Since all your senses are measurably magnified many times, you are actually more alert and aware while you are in hypnosis than you are in your normal waking state.

 

• How does the Hypnotherapist put someone into hypnosis?

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis (meaning that the participant willingly and voluntarily chooses to accept suggestions to be guided into a state of trance), and the power comes from within the mind of the person being hypnotized and NOT from the Hypnotherapist.

The Hypnotherapist is merely the guide who directs and leads the person into the hypnotic state.  The Hypnotherapist induces the hypnotic trance by using certain words and phrases the subconscious mind understands, as well as using various techniques like deep breathing, imagery and tone of voice.

• Is Hypnosis dangerous?

No, hypnosis is not dangerous.  It is just a natural state of the mind induced and deepened in a formal setting by the hypnotherapist for purposes of helping the individual change certain habits or patterns of behaviour.  The mind has natural defences built in which will automatically reject any suggestions it deems harmful.

No one has EVER been harmed by Hypnosis when practised by a trained professional.

• Is Hypnosis "mind control"?

No, hypnosis is not mind control.  All hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  The hypnotherapist cannot make you do or say anything you ordinarily would not be willing to do, unless you wanted to.  You always remain in control and are awake and alert the whole time.

• Will I lose control when I'm under hypnosis?

No, you will not lose control while you are in hypnosis. You are fully conscious and very aware of what is being suggested. You are always in control. The mind will reject any undesired suggestions automatically. Your Hypnotherapist will give you instructions on how to end trance or a session at anytime.

In the cases of using hypnosis for pain management or behaviour changes (i.e. smoking), you are actually increasing the level of control you have over your mind and body.

• Aren't people who can easily be hypnotized just gullible, stupid or weak-minded?

Quite the opposite!  A gullible, unintelligent or weak-minded person is incapable of maintaining the necessary focus and concentration necessary to go into the hypnotic state.

• Won't being hypnotized make me become weak-minded or cause me to develop a "weak will"?

No, hypnosis is used often to boost a person's concentration and mental acuity.

• How much will I remember when I emerge? Will I forget everything that went on?

Most people remember everything that went on while they were in hypnosis, but sometimes, if they went into a particularly deep state, they may choose to forget what happened.  Part of the effectiveness of the process of Hypnotherapy is the ability to remember with the conscious mind what it has forgotten for various reasons. The subconscious mind actually remembers everything that ever happens to us. We access this part of the mind during some therapeutic techniques to remind us of events that have shaped our emotions and behaviors.

One of the wonderful natural by-products of working with a professional Hypnotherapist over time is an improved memory.

• How deep into a trance will I go?

That depends entirely upon the individual as to how willing he or she is to enter into the hypnotic state and how far he is willing to let himself go.

Some people are naturally able to enter a deeper hypnotic state (somnambulists, flexible cognitive personalities), while others are capable of entering into deeper states because they have been hypnotized in the past, practice yoga or meditation.  It is not important how deep you go, just that you are willing to accept suggestions given to you by your Hypnotherapist.

• Does the Hypnotherapist have any special "powers"?

Absolutely not!  The Hypnotherapist is just an ordinary person with very specialized training and experience.  They have had special training to learn how to speak directly to your subconscious mind in a way it understands.  There are no Svengalis or Hypnotists like you see in the movies.  The Hypnotherapist has no mystical or supernatural powers. Hypnotherapy is a science, not a belief system.

• Can the Hypnotherapist make me do things against my will - like in the movies?

No!  A Hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything against your will, morality or ethics.  What you have seen in the movies is fantasy. A hypnotist cannot call you up on the telephone and order you to rob a bank or any other crime.  Your mind has natural defenses against harmful suggestions. It will always protect itself.

• Will I wake up afterward? What will happen if I don't?

No, you will not be asleep! You will be always able to emerge from hypnosis anytime you want to although the majority of people who are hypnotized will come out of the state when brought out by the hypnotherapist.

On occasion, someone will choose to remain in the hypnotic state because they either entered a particularly deep state or it feels so good they want to remain in hypnosis. Professional Hypnotherapists have been trained to identify this and work the client to emerge and re-enter that deep state on their own at anytime.

• Does Hypnotherapy work for everybody?

This depends entirely upon you.  If you are serious and really want to work on the issue and improve your life, then Hypnotherapy will work wonders.  If you really don't want to give up that bad habit or change, and just are not being entirely honest with yourself, then hypnotherapy will not be as effective for you.

• Why use hypnosis when I have my "will power"?

"Will power" or desire alone is often not enough or sufficient to change a long standing or deeply ingrained habit or behavior.  Will power along with logic and reasoning are functions of the conscious mind. Will power is meant to give us a short boost of mental energy to get through short term experiences, it was never meant as a permanent solution to any problem. The one thing we all know about will power is that it is only a matter of time before it fails.

All habits, learned behaviours, patterns and attitudes reside within the domain of your subconscious mind.

Your conscious mind consists of only about 5-10% of your total mind power.  The remaining 90% of your mind power is your subconscious mind.  Which of the two is stronger - the 5% conscious mind or the 95% subconscious mind?  If the negative behavior or bad habit is deeply rooted in your subconscious mind or you have had it for many years, then your "will power" alone won't be strong enough to change or eliminate it.

"Will power" or sheer determination can help you to accomplish your goal, but in some cases,  your "will power"  itself can be detrimental.  Your conscious mind can sabotage your "will power" so you won't be able to change.  There are many reasons (both conscious and subconscious) as to why we behave the way we do.  Most of us become "comfortable" in our position in life.  Any changes made can be scary - so sometimes the conscious mind will sabotage you - to keep you where you are so you remain in your current comfort zone.

Hypnosis, when used by a trained hypnotherapist, can speak directly to the subconscious mind where all the habits, learned behaviours and attitudes reside, thus bypassing the conscious mind entirely.  This is a very effective, quick, and permanent path to success.

Isn't traditional "talk therapy" just as effective?

This depends upon the nature of the issue you are working on.  If the issue is a behavior or habit you want to change, you will need to access the subconscious mind to affect the necessary changes.  All learned behaviors, habits, attitudes and beliefs reside in the subconscious mind.  "Talk therapy" accesses your conscious mind, not your subconscious mind.  You can make changes using "talk therapy", but it takes a lot longer to do than using hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy accesses the subconscious mind directly.

• Does hypnotherapy replace more traditional practices, like seeing a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist?

No.  Hypnotherapy is used for behavior modification and life style improvements - like stopping biting one's fingernails, losing weight or stopping smoking.  It may be an adjunct to traditional medical or psychological treatments, but it is not meant to be a replacement.

• What if I am on medication?  Can I still use hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Absolutely.  Hypnotherapy and hypnosis can help many areas, including pain control, insomnia, controlling weight and stopping smoking, to name a few.  Depending on the nature of the problem and the reasons why you are taking the medication, you may be able to reduce your need for medication (with guidance from the medical professional that prescribed in the first place).

• Why don't more people use hypnosis or get hypnotherapy sessions?

Up until recently, most of the general public has been in the dark concerning hypnosis and the benefits of hypnotherapy.  There are a lot of misconceptions in circulation about hypnosis - what it is or isn't. Many people just are not aware that hypnotherapy is available to help them overcome their issues.

The majority of people who learn about the benefits of hypnotherapy are eager to try it.  Why continue to suffer from an issue when you can change it? When you have a cavity, you go to the dentist.  It's a matter of educating people about hypnotherapy and its benefits.

• I practice meditation and do yoga.  Is this the same thing?

No.  Yoga and meditation are a form of hypnosis since you are focusing your mind and energies.  People use these to be able to focus, concentrate better and relax.  Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, is goal-orientated.

The state of hypnosis is induced by the hypnotherapist to work on a specific issue to make a particular change in your life.  You are taken into the hypnotic state, and then taken completely out of hypnosis.  Yoga and meditation also take you into the hypnotic state, but the purpose of each discipline is different.

•  Is there a difference between self-hypnosis, "guided imagery," and "creative visualization"? 

Self-hypnosis is the process by which one takes him or herself into the hypnotic state and doesn't necessarily need to visualize anything, so there are differences.They all have proven therapeutic value, hypnosis is just the most powerful

• Can't I do this myself?  Why do I need to see a hypnotherapist or have sessions?

No.  You are in your current state because you have created it for yourself. Most of us would fix ourselves if we knew how.  If your car or computer is broken, do most people try to fix it themselves if they have no working knowledge about cars or computers?  You would only make things worse if you tried to take it apart.

You need to go to someone who knows what they are doing to get the problem fixed.  Most of us may be aware we have an issue in our lives we want to change, but we aren't born with the knowledge how to fix it.  You need to see a "specialist" - a trained hypnotherapist who can help you overcome your specific issue.

• How many sessions will it take?

This depends entirely upon the nature of the issue, how long you have had it and how serious you are in working on it.  The number of sessions it will take cannot be determined until the initial consultation however, generally speaking – you can expect to have 4 to 6 sessions to work on any specific issue and rarely more than 12.

• How do I choose the right Hypnotherapist?

Choosing an hypnotherapist, like choosing any other professional, means finding someone that you can work and develop trust with; and someone willing to work with you until the issue is resolved and you see results.

Adam studies and practices with the highest of standards and ethics in mind and believes in your right and power to make good things happen in your life.

Choosing the right health practitioner for you is essential for the peace of mind that will lead to healing and recovery. Just like any other relationship you will want to feel that it is easy for you to trust that individual. When you arrive for your session, the space should feel comfortable and inviting. Ensure that this is someone that you can rely on to be professional.

Here are some helpful questions to consider:

* Do they call you back after you leave a message?
* Do they offer a consultation before they begin the session- either on your first appointment or separately?
* Do they encourage you to ask questions?
* Do they answer your questions about hypnotherapy knowledgeably and openly?
* Do they ask you questions that are relevant to your healing?
* Is your time and privacy respected?
* How will your sessions be conducted?