Q: What is hypnosis?
A: There are many ways of describing the state of hypnosis. A simple explanation is that it is a narrowing of focus, paying close attention to what the hypnotherapist is saying rather than to everything else that may be going on – the traffic passing, noises in the building or coming in from outside. It can be likened to the state of daydreaming, getting ‘lost’ in a favourite piece of music, book or television program. There are various levels of the trance state ranging from light to deep trance.
Q: Can everybody be hypnotised?
A: This is often another way of asking, ‘Can I be hypnotised?’ As almost all of us at some time during the day or evening will daydream, get ‘lost’ in a favourite piece of music, book or television program, we are actually in self-hypnosis. The only difference between self-hypnosis and the hypnosis apparently induced by the therapist is that the client EXPECTS the therapist to say or do something special to induce the trance state for a particular purpose, to quit smoking, release the fear of spiders, public speaking etc.
Anyone who can daydream etc, can usually go into a trance state deep enough for useful work to be done. It is important to understand that by seeking the help of a hypnotherapist to resolve an issue, there is an understanding or agreement that hypnosis and the trance state will be a part of the therapy. It is consensual.
Q: I can’t have been hypnotised, I heard every word the hypnotherapist said.
A: Sometimes a new client will inform me that they can’t be hypnotised. When questioned, the client will often tell me that they have been to another hypnotherapist and whilst in ‘trance’ they heard every word the therapist said. Unless the client goes into the Delta or sleep state, the client will usually hear every word that is said. In fact, hypnotised people are able to communicate and even move about if required. Depending on the form of work being done, it may be very important that there is communication between client and therapist during the trance or hypnosis phase.
Q: Will hypnosis make me different? Or, Will it change me?
A: No. The question presupposes that whilst in a trance or hypnotic state the client will somehow change in ways that are unforseen and possibly unwanted. People see a hypnotherapist in order to change unwanted behaviours, seek a new direction in life etc. When the client achieves the desired outcome, he or she will be different to the extent that the smoker is now a non-smoker, the person who had a phobia about, for example, spiders, is now free of the phobia. This however in no way alters the essence of who that person is.
Q: Will hypnosis get me to do something I don’t really want to do?
A: No. This question is related to a fear of losing control (as is the previous question) and behaving in ways that are considered embarrassing – making a fool of oneself and usually arises because of having seen stage hypnosis on television or on the stage. Do not confuse hypnosis for therapy with stage hypnosis.
As a clear statement, the hypnotherapist cannot make a person make or do anything that is contrary to their value system. Whilst in hypnosis in a therapy session, the client retains their critical faculties and is able to discern whether what the hypnotherapist is saying is congruent with their own value and belief system or not.
Q: Please don’t make me quack like a duck, or cluck like a chicken!
A: This is of course a direct reference to stage hypnosis where people appear to be ‘made’ to do a range of funny, embarrassing or crazy things whilst the audience laughs itself into stitches. People who volunteer to go on stage at such an even want to be part of the show and the entertainment. They are quite prepared to be laughed at and know that they will do things that are funny. Whilst these people are certainly in trance, it is effectively a consensual agreement between the volunteers and the hypnotist, but in this instance to be a part of the entertainment unlike the client who seeks the help of a hypnotherapist.
As getting a client to quack like a duck or cluck like a chicken etc. has no place in therapy, no client in a therapy situation will be ‘made’ to quack or cluck or skip or whatever.
Q: Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
A: No, you cannot get stuck in hypnosis. The hypnotherapist will ensure that you are completely back to full, waking consciousness before finishing the therapy session. Similar to the client’s ability to communicate whilst in trance, the client is in fact always in control and can come out of trance any time they choose. Should a client listen to a meditation or self-hypnosis recording and fall asleep, they will wake up at the usual time fully refreshed and fine – usually very relaxed and feeling very good.
Q: Is hypnosis safe?
A: Hypnosis is generally perfectly safe for anyone and for many conditions. However, hypnosis is contraindicated for people suffering mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: That depends on the presenting problem and often how long it has been a problem. Also, some people respond to the therapy and the hypnosis more quickly than others.
As an example, usually, I am able to assist a person to be a non-smoker after one 2 -2 1/2 hour session. Sometimes the client may need another 1-hour follow-up session. If a client has a deep seated trauma, then many sessions may be required and hypnosis is used in combination with appropriate psychotherapy work.
Q: Is hypnosis safe for pregnant women?
Yes, it is. Many decades ago Mrs Marie Mongan in America developed the Mongan Hypnobirthing method designed to assist the birthing mother and her partner to minimise the discomfort and fear that is so often attached to the act of giving birth. Marie Mongan’s Hypnobirthing courses are being offered in many countries world-wide and are become increasingly popular. Check out their website www.hypnobirthing.com/ and the many reviews as well as YouTube hypnobirthing stories.
Q: What problems is hypnosis useful for?
Hypnosis is useful for many conditions and includes but is not limited to –
Addictions
Anger
Anxiety
Depression
Eating Disorders
Fears & phobias such as - fear of flying, spider, birds, after a sporting injury, public speaking
Gambling
HypnoBirthing
Low self-esteem
Smoking
Weight
