Discover the Power of transpersonal hypnotherapy
FAQ about Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
Question: What is hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
Answer: Hypnosis is experienced as being in an increased state of relaxation and deeper awareness / level of consciousness that can allow for improved focus and concentration. Most people reach a level of trance or self-hypnosis in their everyday lives without even realizing it. For example, when a person is “absorbed” in a movie or TV show, or experiencing repetition (e.g. highway driving – suddenly you’re there!), or daydreaming.
Hypnotherapy is a form of guided relaxation using intent and focused awareness where the ideas (suggestions) expressed by the hypnotherapist are generally experienced more deeply and thus can create a new awareness and a shift in perception. A hypnotherapy session is personally tailored to the client, the content arising out of the shared exploration of the issue in a consultation prior to the session. Since the person undergoing hypnosis is the one with the power to change him/herself, the hypnotherapist acts as a facilitator during the personalized hypnosis session. The main requirement for achieving results is that the person has a conscious desire to change and thus agrees with the suggestions, allowing changes and self-healing to take place.
Question: Do people under hypnosis go to sleep or become unconscious?
Answer: No. A client should not expect to go to sleep! Hypnosis is a state of hyper-awareness that feels very relaxing. You are 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 being awake and asleep. Some fatigued people may go out of hypnosis by falling into natural sleep simply because they are tired, but then would need to be awakened; if a client is trying to recall a memory under hypnosis, he or she can’t do so while sleeping. On the other hand, if a person is listening to a self-hypnosis recording and falls asleep, the suggestions will most likely be received by the subconscious mind and be effective.
Question: Can everyone be hypnotized?
Answer: Yes, provided you have normal physiological and psychological functioning and therefore the ability to concentrate and / or relax. If a normal human being is willing, he or she may undergo hypnosis. There is a positive correlation between your willingness to relax and concentrate and the ability to undergo hypnosis.
Question: Can a person’s memory be erased?
Answer: No. If a person undergoing hypnosis wants to remember, 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 person wishes. The mind contains unconscious memories which are generally responsible for our attitudes, feelings, decisions, and behaviors. A clinical hypnotherapist can help a client transform a memory which may be causing problems.
Question: Do people do things under hypnosis that are against their morals or values?
Answer: No. Hypnosis cannot detach the ego. Generally, if a client is given a suggestion they do not agree with, they would simply refuse, laugh at it, or awaken (regain normal awareness). In stage /entertainment hypnosis the volunteers are often under the influence of alcohol and have come to the show for the purpose of relaxing, acting silly and having a good time, and are therefore easily encouraged to do so.
Question: What can be treated with hypnosis?
Answer: A qualified clinical hypnotherapist is trained to help alleviate or transform a multitude of symptoms and issues. These include: stress/anxiety relief, weight loss /management and body image, smoking cessation, sleep patterns, preparing for surgery, motion sickness, attracting abundance, phobias, career planning, higher self-esteem/ self-image, confidence, public speaking, better memory, enhanced creativity….. and more.
Talk with Gillian about any other issues you would like to address.