"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level

of thinking we were at when we created them."  Albert Einstein

FAQ

*How does hypnosis work?

Our minds work on two levels—the conscious and the subconscious. We make decisions, think, solve problems, and act with our conscious mind. The subconscious mind controls our habits. In the relaxed state known as hypnosis, we can communicate directly with the subconscious mind. This is why it is so quick and easy to change the beliefs, behaviors, and habits of a lifetime with hypnosis.

 *How well does hypnosis work?

 According to a comparison study reported in American Health Magazine, after 600 sessions of psychoanalysis, clients experienced a 38% recovery rate; after 22 sessions of behavioral therapy, clients experienced a 72% recovery rate; but after only 6 sessions of hypnotherapy, clients experienced a 93% recovery rate.

 *Is hypnosis recognized by the medical community?

Since the American Medical Association (AMA) approved the use of clinical hypnosis in the 1950s, thousands of people have found hypnosis to be an effective way to stop smoking, lose weight, relieve stress, build self-esteem, accelerate healing, manage pain and otherwise improve their lives.

 *Is Hypnosis Safe?

Hypnosis is completely safe. The client is aware and in control at every moment and can terminate the session at any time. Hypnosis is not sleep, nor can one get “stuck” in a state of hypnosis. You cannot be made to do something against your will! Hypnosis is a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable experience.

 *How will I know if I am hypnotized?

 Most people can’t tell the difference between the hypnotized and the waking states. Some people feel relaxed and lethargic, while others feel a lightness. One thing that people do notice is an inexplicable change in their daily behaviors.

*What is the difference between meditation and hypnosis?

Many people share with me that they have tried meditation for stress reduction. However, they have found it to be a bit difficult.  Meditation is about quieting the mind and hypnosis is about quieting the mind chatter and then filling the mind with suggestions for positive change.  Similar but different.

*What has scientific research about hypnosis shown?

Hypnosis has been recorded through brain scans (EEGs) and has shown different brain wave activities during various thought processes.

Because of this, it makes sense that all hypnosis is actually self-hypnosis. The professional hypnotherapist guides the client or teaches the client how to guide himself/herself into the Alpha to Theta brain wave states described below.

This is something humans do on our own all throughout the day; however, in a professional session, the hypnotherapist has the client focus on the goal s/he wants to achieve, such as losing weight, stopping smoking, increasing self-esteem or self-confidence, etc.

It is important that the client have a strong motivation or desire to achieve the goal as well as the ability to follow instructions.

*What are the four types of brain wave states (Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta) discovered by scientists?

BETA: Alertness and Concentration

You are wide-awake, alert. Your mind is sharp, focused. It makes connections quickly, easily and you’re primed to do work that requires your full attention. Beta waves range between 13-40 HZ.

ALPHA (light-trance state): Relaxation, Visualization, and Creativity

When you are truly relaxed, your brain activity slows from the rapid patterns of Beta into the more gentle waves of Alpha. Your awareness expands. You experience a liberating sense of peace and well-being. This is a place of deep relaxation, but not quite meditation.  Behavioral changes, such as smoking cessation, can take place in light trance. In biofeedback, Alpha waves range between 7-12 HZ.

When drifting in and out of sleep in the morning and right when going to bed in the evening, we are cycling through Alpha/Theta;  so we are going in and out of a hypnotic state.

THETA (deep hypnotized trance state): Meditation, Intuition, and Memory

The Theta state is where brain activity slows almost to the point of sleep, but not quite. Theta is the brain state where magic happens. Theta brings forward heightened receptivity, flashes of dreamlike imagery, inspiration, and long-forgotten memories. Theta can bring you into a deep state of hypnosis. Theta waves range between 4-7 HZ.

DELTA (deep sleep state for rejuvenation): Detached Awareness, Healing, and Sleep

Long, slow, and undulating, Delta is the slowest of all four brain wave frequencies. Most commonly associated with deep sleep, certain frequencies in the Delta range also trigger the release of Human Growth Hormone so beneficial for healing and regeneration. This is why sleep—deep, restorative sleep (the kind that Delta frequencies help induce)—is so essential to the healing process. Delta waves range between 0-4 HZ.

Interesting fact: In ancient Greece and Egypt, people would go to sleep in temples where high priests and priestesses would whisper into their ears words of healing, and the people would leave feeling rested and rejuvenated.

*What about hypnosis myths and misconceptions?

If you have ever seen hypnotism used as entertainment in a stage act, you've probably witnessed several of the myths or misconceptions about hypnosis in action. Legitimate clinical hypnotherapy practiced by a qualified professional is not the same process as that performed on stage for entertainment purposes.

 One misconception is that when one is in hypnosis, the hypnotherapist controls the subject’s mind and actions. In reality, the subject does hypnosis voluntarily for himself/herself, since all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. A hypnotist serves only as a knowledgeable guide or facilitator.

 Another misconception is that in hypnosis, you surrender your free will. The truth is that hypnosis is heightened state of concentration and focused attention. When you are in hypnosis, you do not lose your personality, your free will, or your personal strength.

“Hypnosis” is an old word used to describe an even older naturally occurring state of mind. Everyone experiences this state several times throughout each day: daydreaming; being completely absorbed in thought while reading, watching television, “zoning out” to music, or during artistic expression; arriving at your destination but not remembering the drive; and drifting off to sleep at night. All of these hypnotic moments are benefits of our natural ability to enter an altered state of mind.

 Interesting fact: Thomas Edison used self-hypnosis to solve state-of-the-art problems.

 *What exactly is an “altered state of mind”?

 When used therapeutically, an altered state of mind (hypnosis) features profound relaxation of both body and mind. In this state, a highly productive, laser-like focus of attention can be guided by the hypnotherapist to help you achieve your important goals, such as programming better habits, uncovering personal truths, improving health, and becoming happier.

 Hypnotic trance is achieved when the client follows the hypnotherapist’s instructions. Some people find it most effective to repeat the instructions in their minds with a "yes" mindset, wanting to experience hypnotic relaxation and knowing that it will happen. In this sense, it is self-hypnosis. Each person’s experience of hypnosis is unique and can change from one session to the next as the subconscious mind unfolds more with each session. But the client always remains in control of his or her experience and results.

 *Note from Clinical Hypnotherapist Mindy Ash:

Because all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, I spend time with my clients and teach a mini-lesson so they will learn how to guide themselves easily into hypnosis. It is fun, educational, and easy!

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