Hypnosis - Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find some answers regarding hypnosis, hypnotherapy, hypnotherapists, hypnotists, how it feels to hypnotised, and common myths about hypnosis.

What is hypnosis?

First of all, contrary to common belief hypnosis is not a "sleep" state even though a person in hypnosis may appear to be sleeping.

Consider the best film you have ever seen and relive the emotion you felt watching it? Some people will cry or laugh or feel anger during a good movie, all indicators that they are so engrossed they are in fact in a light hypnotic state.

You drive to work one day and don't remember the journey. Why?
You were in a light trance, but had something unusual happened on the way your subconscious in a split second would have handed back control to your conscious. Recent studies using MRI techniques confirm increased sub-conscious activity and decreased conscious activity when a person is in the hypnotic state.

How does it feel?

It feels pretty much like a daydream to most people only more intense. Some may feel heavy, others reporting feeling lighter than normal. Everyone has a slightly different feeling, but in general they report a relaxed, pleasant experience. You will hear the therapist, any other sounds around you, and be able to talk, move and open your eyes if you wish. Some clients expect to be in Zombie like state after seeing all the hype in movies and stage shows, but the truth is that for most clients hypnosis feels "normal".

A mark of a good hynotherapist is that he/she will ensure you experience the true power of your sharply focussed sub-conscious mind during the session, thus validating your different state of awareness.

A small percentage of the population obtain a very deep hypnotic state in a short space of time, for them it is euphoric and they generally feel like staying there. Unfortunately they have to come back to reality at the end of the session!

Is hypnosis magic?

Hypnosis is not a magical cure, though the results often make it seem so. Hypnotherapy can often bring rapid results in comparison to some other traditional "talk" therapies.

Will I loose control, or give away my secrets?

Not at all. Contrary to popular belief in part due to the publics' exposure to stage shows you will not loose control of your mind. You will not do anything against your moral code, your beliefs, or say anything you don't want to. Something very important that clients should know, and I can't emphasize enough...

"All hypnosis is self hypnosis "

The hypnotic subject gives themselves permission to drift into the hypnotic state, and cannot be coerced. This is important to grasp as it is the basic building block upon which all client centred hypnosis is based. The hypnotherapist merely guides the subject by suggestion, but without the persons consent and enthusiasm there can be no realisation of useful trance, or therapeutic work realised. Self hypnosis is a powerful technique to learn which will benefit anyone for the rest of their life. The ability to relax the mind and concentrate on a goal is without doubt a powerful means to self achievement.

How is hypnosis induced?

There are many ways to bring about the hypnotic state including the famous swinging watch. The most common way nowadays is with the voice. A hypnotist or hypnotherapist will talk to you while you relax and simply listen to the story being told. There are many different scripts or stories to match personalities and a good professional will choose the best for you.

Is hypnosis dangerous?

No, it is a natural state of mind. Contrary to the commonly held belief you cannot get "stuck" in hypnosis. If a hypnotist where to hypnotize you and leave you alone, you would either remain in the restful condition much like a nap until you naturally came back to full consciousness, or after a while when you heard no further dialogue would return to normal consciousness.

Can anyone be hypnotized?

Yes pretty much anyone with a few exceptions. Some conditions are also contra-indicated for Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is not suitable for the psychotic person, and hypnosis may not be suitable for a person with epilepsy, though some good work has been done with epileptics by several therapists.

"My mind is too strong to be hypnotised"

A person who says they have a strong mind and cannot be hypnotised is of course correct. They will never be hypnotised unless they want to be. If they wish though they can use their strong will to allow themselves to benefit from hypnosis. Incidentally, they often make the best subjects getting great results in therapy.

Hypnotist, Hypnotherapist, Hypnotherapy, Hypno-analysis, I'm confused!

Hypnosis is a state of mind that can be self induced or brought about by another person who might be known as a hypnotist. A hypnotherapist is someone who uses hypnosis to bring about a beneficial change by the use of hypnotherapy techniques during hypnosis. Hypno-analysis is a form of hypnotherapy during which the hypnotherapist uses techniques to uncover the root causes of the problem.

Hypnotherapy and Hypno-analysis and a typical session are further explained here

You haven't answered my question about...

This is a short FAQ, answering most of the main questions that the general public ask. For a comprehensive discussion of hypnosis see this FAQ by Roy Hunter a well respected American therapist.