What is Hypnosis?

Q: What is hypnosis and how does it work?
 Hypnosis is a very natural process of entering a state of deep relaxation. During this state of relaxation your subconscious (or unconscious mind) becomes more attentive and receptive to suggestion, and, thus, more open to change.
 
 
 
 Q: How do I know if I can be hypnotized?
 Hypnosis is a natural, though altered, state of mind. Most people experience hypnosis every day without realizing it, such as when you are driving and pass your turn-off or watching TV and don't remember what happened. Everyone goes through these natural, altered states before they fall asleep, and as they awaken.
 
 
 
 Q: Can a hypnotist make me do something I don't want to do?
 All hypnosis is actually "self-hypnosis." When hypnotized, you remain completely aware and can easily reject any inappropriate suggestions offered by the hypnotist. It is you who are in control, not your hypnotist. Your subconscious mind will only accept suggestions that are in alignment with your personal and moral values.
 
 
 
 Q: Can I get "stuck" in the hypnotic state?
 No, you can't get stuck. At the end of each session you are brought back to complete awareness by counting you "out". If for some reason counting did not happen, you would either come out of the hypnotic state on your own, or fall asleep due to the relaxing and pleasant feelings youÕve experienced in hypnosis.
 
 
 
 Q: Will I reveal too much when I am hypnotized?
 No. Since you are in charge, and letting yourself be hypnotized, your own mind determines how much or how little you wish to contribute to a hypnosis session. You can just as freely answer and not answer questions in a hypnotic state as you do in a wide-awake one.
 
 
 
 Q: What's the difference between the conscious and subconscious mind?
 The subconscious mind is where we store all our beliefs and values. It holds all of our memories. It also controls all of our automatic bodily functions, like breathing, and acts out all images, thoughts and ideas that have been there for over 21 days.
 
 The conscious mind judges, critiques, and approves or disapproves of what gets stored in the subconscious mind. Learning occurs in the conscious mind. It rejects or accepts ideas and beliefs, analyzes all the ÒdataÓ that is taken in through the senses, and makes decisions based on the data.
 
 
 
 Q: Is hypnosis dangerous?
 Just as with every other modality, hypnosis is safe if used properly and wisely by a well-trained hypnotist. What most clients experience at the end of the session is a sense of relaxation and a feeling of peace and harmony.