Hypnotherapy FAQs

Hypnotherapy is a powerful approach to personal and professional improvement.  But most folks have questions about hypnotherapy.  Here I'll answer the most commonly asked questions about hypnotherapy.

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Question: What exactly is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of consciousness known as trance or hypnotic state. This lets the therapist help you explore deep-seated beliefs and attitudes that may hinder your progress towards personal goals. For instance, if you continually fail to maintain a healthy diet, a hypnotherapist may uncover a deep-rooted belief that you do not deserve to be fit, then adjust that perspective through hypnosis.

Question: Is hypnotherapy safe?
Absolutely. When conducted by a trained professional, hypnotherapy is a safe procedure.  Think of it like a guided meditation session; you are in control the entire time and can emerge from the hypnotic state whenever you want.

Question: Can everyone be hypnotized?
Yes.  Recall from our brain waves page that the hypnotic state is not only natural, it is a daily event.  Every time we go from wakefulness to sleep (or vice versa), we pass through that mind state where hypnosis occurs.  In other words, if you can fall asleep, you can be hypnotized.  We also enter a hypnotic state every time we get caught up in a good movie or a good book, every time we daydream, and every time we get lost in our thoughts.  The only difference is whether we passively enter this state, versus deliberately entering it.  That's a question of being willing, as opposed to any sort of "can" or "can't".  So if you're attending your session with an awareness of what hypnosis is, and a willingness to cooperate with your hypnotherapist, you can indeed be hypnotized.  

Question: What if I can't wake up from hypnosis?
This is a common concern for first-time hypnosis clients.  No need to worry – it's impossible to get “stuck” in hypnosis. You always maintain a level of awareness and control, which means you can choose to wake up from the hypnotic state at any time.  The bigger risk is that clients will slide into a peaceful sleep during a hypnosis session.  A hypnotherapist sometimes needs to nudge a client's chair to gently rouse them from falling asleep back into that alpha state that makes hypnosis possible.

Question: How does hypnotherapy feel?
The hypnotherapy experience varies from person to person. Mostly, you feel relaxed and in a state of heightened internal focus – a bit like day-dreaming or the moments just before falling asleep.

Question: How many sessions do I need?
The number of sessions you may need is entirely dependent on your individual goals and the complexity of the issues you want to address. Some people find that a single session is enough for their goals. Others may benefit from multiple sessions over several weeks or months.

Question: Will I lose control of myself during hypnosis?
Many people have witnessed Las Vegas-style stage hypnosis events, and believe that hypnosis "forces" people to do things they wouldn't normally do.  What they don't realize is that a stage hypnotist will test people's willingness to do those antics beforehand.  If you watch a stage hypnosis event closely, you'll notice that the stage hypnotist ends up sending a big fraction of the audience members back to the audience.  This is because he or she is quickly evaluating their willingness to participate in each upcoming activity.  Only those candidates who are extremely willing will be allowed to continue in the show.  Anyone who shows a bit of resistance, will be sent back to their seat. Hypnotherapy actually works in similar ways.  You'll approach the hypnotherapist with what you want to accomplish.  Your hypnotherapist will then discuss with you how the hypnosis session will proceed.  If you decide to proceed, you'll enter into hypnosis with that goal in mind.  Your own mental defense systems will end the hypnotic session if the hypnotherapist suggests anything that violates your ethics and intentions.  Bottom line, you remain in control of your actions, decisions, and whether you choose to be hypnotized, every single time.  

Question: Can I be made to do things against my will during hypnosis?
Absolutely not. Hypnotherapy is not a mind control technique and won't make you do anything you are unwilling to do, despite how it is sometimes portrayed in media and popular culture.

Question: How will I know if the hypnotherapy is working?
You will be able to tell if the hypnotherapy is working as you start noticing changes in your behavior, emotions, or physical wellbeing that align with your therapeutic goals.

Question: Are the effects of hypnotherapy permanent?
The effects of hypnotherapy can be long-lasting, and are often permanent.  However, sometimes life can throw changes at us, which then changes our beliefs, values and identities.  That in turn can introduce new situations that either bring up new elements of old issues, or completely new issues.  In that instance, another session can quickly bring relief.

Question: Can hypnotherapy erase memories?
No, hypnotherapy cannot erase memories. It can, however, help you deal with the emotions attached to those memories, making them less traumatic.

Question: Can hypnotherapy make me remember forgotten events?
Hypnotherapy can help retrieve forgotten memories by tapping into your subconscious mind. It can also help you adjust your perspective and/or emotions about past memories and events, to allow for healing and constructive growth.

Question: What can hypnotherapy treat?
Hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, stress, phobias, and unhealthy habits like smoking. It's also useful for managing pain, improving sleep, and boosting confidence.  Even advanced issues which require physicians or other mental health professionals, can benefit from a partnership between those professionals and a hypnotherapist.

Question: Can I hypnotize myself?
Yes, you can learn self-hypnosis, and use that to address various issues in the privacy of your own home.  If you'd like to learn more about self-hypnosis, visit the Transform Destiny website for a number of self-hypnosis classes and other personal improvement programs.  You can also use pre-recorded hypnotherapy recordings, which combine a professional recording, with the convenience of listening to it whenever it's convenient for your schedule.  For a range of pre-recorded hypnotherapy sessions on common topics, check out TranceOut.  

Question: How do I prepare for a hypnotherapy session?
You don't need to do much to prepare for a hypnotherapy session beyond coming with an open mind, willing to relax and cooperate with the hypnotherapist. It's helpful if you also come with clear goals for what you want to achieve.

Question: What happens in a typical hypnotherapy session?
A typical hypnotherapy session starts with a discussion about your goals and expectations. Then, your hypnotherapist will lead you into a state of hypnotic relaxation. In this state, he or she will communicate with your subconscious mind using well-established techniques, to help change your negative beliefs or habits.

Question: Can I drive after a hypnotherapy session?
Yes, you can drive after a hypnotherapy session. Most hypnotherapists will make sure to end your session with bringing you back to full wakefulness.  If you have any concerns about that, discuss that with your hypnotherapist in advance so that he or she is clear on the need to bring you back to full wakefulness.

Question: Is hypnotherapy covered by insurance?
This largely depends on the policy of your insurance provider. Some insurance providers cover some or all of the fee for hypnotherapy sessions. However, other coverage programs don't. It's best to check with your insurance provider to verify your coverage terms prior to your session.

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Do you have any additional questions which aren't answered here?  Contact me and I'll not only answer your question, I'll post it here so that others can learn too.

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