FAQs

Questions and answers about hypnosis

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity response to suggestion. It is similar to that experienced when daydreaming or concentrating and oblivious to distraction. It allows greater use of subconscious mind by quieting the conscious mind. In that process, research has shown electrical changes in the brain during hypnosis; the brain waves of a hypnotized person are usually different from those of a person in the normal waking state. Most people can be guided into hypnosis, although the ability varies from person to person. Techniques vary but usually involve deep relaxation accompanied by the focusing of the mind (as on an object or the voice of the hypnotist). Hypnosis is mostly used to make desired changes in behavior or thinking and also as an aid in medical practice, especially for anesthesia and pain relief and in childbirth.

What is the history of hypnosis?

Hypnosis under various names has been used for all of recorded history. Suggestive therapy is perhaps the oldest of the therapeutic methods. Modern clinical hypnosis is usually dated from about 1773. The term hypnosis was coined by James Braid, M.D., in approximately 1841. The American Medical Associated approved of the use of hypnosis as appropriate therapeutic techniques in 1958. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis was founded in 1957.

What training is required?

In most states anyone can use hypnosis as we see in hobbyists and stage hypnotists. Licensure and certification are not required many states. However the certified hypnotists at Beyond Your Best, LLC are clinical hypnotists who focus on client empowerment and pursuit of desired changes.

Professionals using hypnosis usually take postgraduate courses with a minimum of 100 hours of instruction in a supervised setting. The National Guild of Hypnotists is the largest such association and like other professional groups, certified members participate in continuing education activity, every year, to improve their skills and maintain their certification.

How is hypnosis typically used to treat problems or enhance performance?

Examples of the hypnosis utilization include;

Performance Enhancement — Hypnosis can assist in enhancing physical or mental performance in athletics, study/test taking, information retention, stress management, human relations and sales. Athletes who use hypnosis include Michael Jordon, Mary Lou Retton and Kobe Bryant. Hypnosis also helps Ellen Degeneres, Kevin Costner and Matt Damon. Notables who discovered hypnosis include Thomas Edison, Jackie Onassis, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein and Mozart.

Behavioral Health — habit control such as smoking, hair pulling and weight control, and specific issues like fears, depression, anxiety, sexual problems, alcoholism, speech problems, chronic pain, self-esteem/ego strengthening, memory/concentration improvement, and forensic work with witnesses or victims.

Medicine — Psychiatry, anesthesia and surgery, childbirth, psychosomatic disease, gynecology, control of bleeding, burn therapy, dermatology, pain control, and habit control.

Dentistry — fear of dentistry, dental surgery, bruxism, control of bleeding, tongue biting, saliva control, orthodontia, gagging, ease of dentures, and general oral hygiene.

Are there physical or emotional conditions, which do not lend themselves to hypnotic treatment?

Like nurses, doctors and lawyers, hypnotists can be generalists, specialists or a combination. Your hypnotist will do a personal assessment, before individual sessions, to determine if your needs and their skill set are good match. A client may be referred to a hypnotist in a different specialty. Sometimes the hypnotist will suggest that they work in concert with your other providers. The client always has the final word in these matters and the certified hypnotists at Beyond Your Best, LLC takes confidentiality and discretion very seriously. Persons with significant emotional problems, such as borderline psychosis, may not be appropriate patients for hypnosis treatment unless their illness is controlled with mediation or with guidance from their mental health professional

How long for my program to yield the desired results?

Length of hypnotic treatment is like most other treatment regimens, it varies depending on the individual, nature of the issue and acuity of the issue or desired change. An individual’s program may be as short as one session, most are 3-4 and some programs take more for the client to obtain their desired results. Booster or reinforcing sessions may be recommended and some clients prefer to come back regularly.

How much does the hypnotherapy cost?

Per hour cost will vary, depending of section of the country. Since fees vary in different parts of the nation, you should feel free to discuss finances openly with your hypnotist.

Can I learn to hypnotize myself?

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The professional hypnotist is a facilitator/teacher to help you achieve and learn this pleasant relaxed state. Some professionals tape record sessions for their patients, to be used between sessions or in place of repeated sessions. A good example is the use of hypnosis in treatment of chronic pain. Tapes are frequently made for pain patients to be used by them as needed.

How would I find a qualified hypnotist?

Online search services carry listings for hypnotists. Be sure to select a name where the hypnotist lists appropriate credentials and training. You can also obtain the names of hypnotists in your area by contacting the National Guild of Hypnotists at www.ngh.net.

What if I can’t come out of hypnosis?

In the hands of a trained professional there is no danger in the use of hypnosis. Since the patient holds the control, there is no difficulty in terminating the hypnotic state. (You might take a brief nap; that’s good thing, yes?)