FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Hypnotherapy FAQs

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of relaxation and/or a level of concentration that the average individual reaches daily. Self-hypnosis is accomplished most often when an individual is absorbed in a TV program, experiencing repetition (highway driving), or daydreaming. “Hypnotherapy” is a form of guided relaxation using concentration where the ideas expressed (suggestions) by the therapist are generally experienced more vividly, which in turn creates a new awareness. Depending on a person’s motivations, there may be a shift in attitude about specific subject matters, such as habits and stress. The only requirement for getting therapeutic results is that the person has a conscious desire to change, or in other words, is in agreement with the suggestions.

Do people do things under hypnosis that are against their morals or values?

No. Hypnosis cannot detach the ego. As a general rule, if a client were given a suggestion he or she did not agree with, he or she would simply refuse, laugh at it, or awaken from hypnosis. In stage hypnosis, the volunteers are usually under the influence of alcohol and have come to the show for the purpose of relaxing, acting silly, and having a good time. Therefore, they are easily encouraged to do so. Because inhibitions are often reduced under hypnosis, the subject is more likely to experience his or her inner character traits and motivations. Yet, if an individual deems these inner character traits inappropriate, they do not reveal them. Beliefs and values continue to stay intact during any act that involves hypnosis.

Can a person’s memory be erased?

No. If an individual undergoing hypnosis wants to remember what happened under hypnosis or have memories from the past, he or she will. In some cases, if the client wants to forget something, amnesia can be produced with a post-hypnotic suggestion, but it wears off as quickly as the subject wishes. However, a certified hypnotherapist can help a person transform a memory that may be causing problems. The mind contains unconscious memories which generally are responsible for our decisions, attitudes, feelings, and behaviors.

Can everyone be hypnotized?

Yes, provided an individual has normal physiological and psychological functioning, and therefore the ability to concentrate and relax. As long as a normal human being is willing, he or she may undergo hypnosis. Insusceptible people are simply not willing. There is a positive correlation between a person’s willingness to relax and concentrate and the ability to undergo hypnosis.

Do people under hypnosis go to sleep or become unconscious?

No. An individual should not expect to go to sleep. Hypnosis is a state of hyper-awareness that feels very relaxing. An individual is completely aware of everything that is occurring in the surrounding environment, as well as that which is happening in the inner mind. Hypnosis is a state of consciousness located somewhere between awake and asleep. Some fatigued people may go out of hypnosis by falling into natural sleep, simply because they are tired. In this case, if a person is trying to recall a memory, he or she can’t do it while sleeping, so he or she needs to be awakened. On the other hand, if a person is listening to a self-hypnosis tape and falls out of hypnosis into sleep, the suggestions will likely still be effective. Sleep is also a learning state.

What can be treated with hypnotherapy?

A qualified clinical hypnotherapist has the capabilities to help alleviate or transform a multitude of symptoms and problems. Many hypnotherapists carry credentials in other professional fields and therefore utilize hypnosis within the context of their specialty areas. For example, most clinical psychologists use hypnosis as an adjunct to psychotherapy methods. In contrast, a clinical hypnotherapist will use suggestive therapy, and sometimes regressive hypnosis, as the primary intervention to transform a problem or reach a therapeutic goal.