Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What Is Hypnosis?
  2. What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Hypnosis?
  3. Is Hypnosis Dangerous?
  4. Who Can Be Hypnotized?
  5. What Does It Feel Like To Be Hypnotized?
  6. How Long Does It Take To Correct A Problem?
  7. Why Do Some Hypnosis Centers Claim That It Takes More Than 5-10 Sessions To Correct A Problem Such As Quitting Smoking Or Losing Weight?
  8. How Does The Type Of Hypnosis You Do Differ From What I've Seen Stage Hypnotists Do?
  9. What Is The Difference Between Hypnotherapy And Psychotherapy?
  10. How can I have a session over the phone?

Q. What Is Hypnosis?

A. In layman's terms hypnosis is a process where the participant allows access to the subconscious or action- oriented mind. Once access is gained, mutually agreed upon positive suggestions are provided which modify our perceptions/expectations of ourselves and others. Positive internal perceptions/expectations create positive outcomes. Or in the words of Buddha, "All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become." Hypnosis helps you harness the power of your subconscious mind to change your thoughts and become all you want to be.
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Q. What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Hypnosis?

A. The benefits of hypnosis are broad and far-reaching because of the power the subconscious mind has to take action and create change. Hypnosis helps to harness and direct that power for rapid, long lasting positive change. As a result, essentially any condition caused or influenced by the mind can be addressed using hypnosis. For example, you can alleviate phobias, change habits, (i.e. smoking, overeating, teeth grinding, nail biting) gain self-confidence, bring out hidden talents. You can improve memory, concentration, creativity and performance of all kinds. You can reduce stress, overcome negative mental attitudes, gain insights into yourself and others and much, much more. The potential benefits of hypnosis are virtually unlimited.
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Q. Is Hypnosis Dangerous?

A. Hypnosis is NOT dangerous. In fact, hypnosis is your mind's natural learning state and you pass through the state several times a day unbeknownst to you. People with epilepsy should not be hypnotized and those with heart conditions should avoid hypnosis sessions that evoke significant emotions. Hypnosis is a 100% consent state. You are in total control. Your hypnotist is simply a guide as all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. In hypnosis you have complete control over what you say and do and you can never become "trapped" in a hypnotic state.
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Q. Who Can Be Hypnotized?

A. 97% of the population can be hypnotized. The exceptions are those who are educationally subnormal (IQ below 70) or senile, as well as hard drug addicts or individuals under the influence of large amounts of alcohol. People of a higher intelligence level are typically more easily hypnotized. Back to the top
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Q. What Does It Feel Like To Be Hypnotized?

A. Contrary to popular belief, there are no significant physical feelings that go along with the state of hypnosis because hypnosis is a state of mind or consciousness not a physical state. People tend to describe a very pleasant feeling of extreme relaxation, a heaviness or lightness in their limbs or a slight change in temperature. Some people describe a sinking feeling as they relax more deeply. Almost everyone will experience a time distortion where an hour session feels much shorter. When in hypnosis you hear everything that is being said to you, you can talk freely and easily and will remember everything that happened during your session.
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Q. How Long Does It Take To Correct A Problem?

A. Because our minds operate much like a computer operates, and because hypnosis allows us to change the software in the organic computer of our mind it is extremely fast. The speed at which change takes place is one of the primary benefits of hypnosis. Many issues can be addressed in one or two sessions. Others that are more complex may take three to five sessions.
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Q. Why Do Some Hypnosis Centers Claim That It Takes More Than 5-10 Sessions To Correct a Problem Such As Quitting Smoking Or Losing Weight?

A. All centers work differently and build programs based on what they believe is the most effective, just as one doctor might prescribe a pill that you need to take 3x per day vs. another that you need to take only once a day. In addition, there are different types of hypnosis - some of which are more efficient and effective than others. For example highly personalized, one-on-one sessions will be more effective that generic sessions or sessions that involve pre-recorded materials. Lastly, some centers have much higher overhead than others, for example those that do extensive advertising vs. those that get the majority of their clients from referrals.
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Q. How Does The Type Of Hypnosis You Do Differ From What I've Seen Stage Hypnotists Do?

A. While there are similarities, as the subconscious mind is accessed in both cases, therapeutic hypnosis is designed to help people live more healthy, productive and enjoyable lives. Stage hypnosis is for entertainment purposes only.
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Q. What Is The Difference Between Hypnotherapy And Psychotherapy?

A. Psychotherapy makes changes to the subconscious by using the understanding and imagery of the conscious mind. Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, bypasses the conscious mind and works directly with the subconscious mind. In many cases Hypnotherapy is used in conjunction with Psychotherapy or other traditional counseling modalities.
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Q. How can I have a session over the phone?

A. Easily! Hypnosis is your mind's natural learning state, so you can enter the state anywhere. In fact, it's often easier to enter the state in a familiar environment such as your home. To enter the state you will simply follow your hypnotist's suggestions and as you can hear and converse easily while in the state you will have a running dialog as you're lead through the process to achieve success. It is ideal to have your first session in the office so you can meet and get to know your hypnotist and visa versa. Otherwise all you need is a quiet place where you'll be undisturbed for the duration of the session as well as a speaker phone or headset. Please note that some issues are not appropriate for phone work and for others your hypnotist may request that a friend or family member be present.
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