Hypnotherapy/hypnosis.

What is the conscious mind?

The conscious mind is the part of the mind that we are aware of the most. The part responsible for logic, reasoning, decision-making, and willpower. The decisions the conscious mind makes can be quite flawed since it is dependent on the quality of information supplied.

What is the subconscious mind?

It is the part of the mind that is mostly below the level of our awareness. It is responsible for ideomotor responses and memories (along with many other functions). It is the area where all our memories and feelings reside. Memories trigger emotions. Hypnotic suggestion is used to access the subconscious mind.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Yes. The only requirement is the desire to be hypnotised (or at least allowing it to happen), plus an understanding of what you need to do to achieve the hypnotic state (follow direct suggestions). The level of hypnotic depth varies from person to person. Most therapy sessions do not require more than a light trance state.

Is hypnosis real?

The state of hypnosis is 100% real and has been scientifically proven using EEG machines to monitor the brainwaves of subjects during hypnosis.

What does hypnosis feel like?

It is very subjective; however, most people say they feel calm and deeply relaxed, even though they were very aware of everything happening around them. Everyone’s experience is different, and this experience will vary from session to session.

Hypnosis is a natural state. You experience it several times a day. You can achieve it without the aid of a hypnotist (self-hypnosis). It is the state just before awakening and before drifting into sleep. It is when you are daydreaming or when you ‘zone out’ when you do tasks that involve no active thinking. 

Some people find it initially hard to “switch-off” in the initial session. However, you might find it easier in subsequent sessions.  Relaxation is not a prerequisite for hypnosis to be effective. Mostly, a trance is all that is needed. There are many ways to induce a hypnotic trance state and it just might be a question of finding the style that suits you best. Being hypnotised might not feel as you expect it to, but this does not mean that you are not in a state of hypnosis.

During hypnosis, Am I asleep?

No! Hypnosis is a conscious state. It is a focused state of attention. If you were unconscious, you would not be able to follow the hypnotist’s instructions. However, some people may drift naturally into sleep, as it is very relaxing.

In hypnosis, Will I be in control?

Yes. You are in control always. You can reject any suggestions you do not wish to accept. You can re-alert yourself immediately and without direction from the hypnotist at any time. You would not do or say anything during a hypnosis session that you did not want to.

In hypnosis, Will I remember what happened during the session?

It varies from person to person. Some people remember parts and others nothing at all. There is no need to have a conscious recollection of the session for change to occur.

Will I get stuck in hypnosis?

No. Hypnosis needs dialogue to continue. The hypnotic state can be terminated at any time you choose. You create the hypnotic state (self-hypnosis), and therefore you can bring yourself out at any time you wish.

Will I reveal secrets during hypnosis?

No. Although, this is a common fear expressed by most people. It is just as easy to lie in hypnosis, as it is out of hypnosis. You will never do or say anything that you do not want to.

Will I reveal long forgotten memories in hypnosis?

Although hypnotherapy can effectively go back to a past event (remembered or forgotten), you cannot trust the accuracy of those memories as a true representation of events.