What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural state of mind we all come in and out from several times a day. Such as when you are enjoying your favorite TV show and you lose sense of time and space; and even if someone is asking you something, you don’t hear it. Or when you are driving and all of a sudden you arrive at your destination and do not remember your transition to that place. Another example is when you are so focused on doing something that you totally lose track of time —some individuals even skip meals or don’t sleep once they get going. All these situations have in common high levels of concentration, loss sense of time, and surroundings, low frequency brain activity, and physical relaxation.
In hypnotherapy we induce this mental state to access the subconscious mind and remove mental and energetic blockages. It’s also used to enhance progress, create positive and helpful pathways and facilitate change. All this is done only with the client’s permission and is based on their desires and morals. Utilizing the golden rule of “no harm” that hypnotherapy is governed by.
Could Hypnosis be dangerous?
No, there is no danger associated with hypnosis unless you suffer from epilepsy, psychosis, or schizophrenia.
Is there any risk to get stuck or lost in a hypnotic trance?
No, there is zero risk to getting stuck or lost in trance. In fact, the client has the choice to interrupt the trance at any given moment.
Could the hypnotherapist gain control over my mind?
No, in fact, all the information given to the client during hypnosis will be previously discussed and agreed on before proceeding. The critical mind has the functionality to block out any information you do not agree with; therefore no one can make you do things you do not agree with doing, believing, or being… unless you are in a hypnosis show and you accept participation and are open to playing the game. When we talk about mind control, we make reference to the control you are going to develop over your own self. Empowerment is one of the basic components of hypnotherapy.
Is the practice of hypnosis a bad thing to do?
The practice of inducing the state of hypnosis is neutral and it has always existed. It has been present in all cultures and all religions. In fact, the practice of praying is categorized as a hypnotic trance; due to high levels of concentration, loss sense of time, loss sense of surrounding, and low brain wave frequencies activity. Some individuals may consider it bad because it is used in religions they consider bad, or it is against their own beliefs.
Not everyone is hypnotizable.
Everyone is hypnotizable. The only reason someone does not get hypnotized is because they choose not to be hypnotized. In hypnotherapy we always encourage our clients to exercise free will. It is an important element of empowerment.
What is the difference between hypnotherapy and psychotherapy?
In hypnotherapy we do not address mental illnesses, and we are not trained to diagnose anything. On the other hand, sometimes we do work with psychologists to give greater therapeutic benefit to clients we have in common. Traditional therapy usually takes longer to start working while hypnotherapy is designed to start working from the first appointment. Some psychologist use hypnosis for certain problems as well.