Hypnotherapy FAQ
Since hypnotherapy is not a definite science and that we have seen hypnosis for entertainment purpose, has made many of us are sceptical about hypnotherapeutic procedures. We at Hypnotherapy Guide are providing some hypnotherapy FAQ that would help in dispelling the prevalent misconceptions and scepticism that you might have about hypnotherapy treatments.
1. What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is the process of letting the mind get relaxed and then attentively communicate with the subconscious state of mind where our perceptions, beliefs and desires that control our behaviour and conduct are stored. In that hyper relaxed state we allow ourselves to accept new ideas and perceptions and eradicate any harmful ideas and beliefs as we want it to be.
2. Is it different from stage hypnosis?
Yes it is a lot different thing. Stage hypnosis is done solely for the purpose of entertainment. A stage hypnotist chooses only the willing people from the audience who want to do ridiculous things on the stage as that would make them the star of attraction. However the “control factor” is still zero.
3. What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is the process of bringing a person’s mind to a relaxed state to communicate with the otherwise suppressed subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis for self-improvement to solve the conflict of the subconscious state of mind and hence get rid of any unwanted behaviours that have crept into our personality.
4. How does hypnosis work?
Human memories are highly responsive and susceptible to suggestions that lead to the acceptance of new ideas, beliefs and values. While in the hypnotic state this susceptibility increases to a great extent. At this state, hints to the subconscious mind can render us with the impressions and feelings that go with imagery and creativity to give rise to alterations within your beliefs and your emotions, and this can change your values, precepts and notions. This makes hypnosis a fantastically potent means to accomplish your aspirations. Often hypnosis used to be used with people who had phobias, like a fear of dentists. Nowdays thankfully therie is sedation!
5. How is a person hypnotized?
Hypnosis has not specific procedure. The aim is to put the mind in an extremely relaxed state so that it becomes numb from the outside effects and concentrates deeply. This leads to the opening up of the subconscious and the unconscious state of mind. To achieve this state various techniques are used like soothing tone, mental imagery, diverse exercises and techniques such as deep breathing, or even gentle words to bring about the pleasant and relaxed state of mind.
6. What does it feel like?
Under hypnosis what a person would feel depends on the mentality of the concerned person. It is a kind of daydreaming. Upon entering a deeper state of hypnosis some say that they feel light or weightless, while some other says that they feel heavy as if sinking into a couch. However, one thing that is common to all is that after a few sessions of hypnotherapy that all felt profoundly relaxed and an upbeat.
7. Will I be in control?
Hypnos is not “mind control” by anyone else. As against the common perception which has generated as a result of the stage shows of hypnosis, the reality is that within the state of hypnosis you are in control of your own mind more than ever. It’s your mind, and no one can make you do anything that you don’t want to do.
8. How safe is it? – can I get trapped in a hypnotic state?
Since by hypnosis you are in a hyper relaxed state and not in sleep, nobody can hold your mind in a trance like state. If you want to break out from hypnosis you can do it at any time you want and be just as normal to immediately start dealing with anything that needs your attention.
9. Can hypnosis really work for me?
Hypnosis can be effective on anyone however it is upon the willingness of the person who is being hypnotized that how easily he/she would reach a deeper state of hypnosis. You don’t have to give any effort whatsoever. All you need to do is to intently follow the instructions of the hypnotherapist. See here.
10. Will it work if someone’s sceptical?
Hypnosis works on everyone even if he or she is sceptical about the whole process. Hypnosis is not based on belief but a scientifically approved technique and can bring about desired changes on the person’s personality whether they are sceptical or not.
11. How long does it take to have an effect?
The effect of hypnotherapy becomes evident after the very first session itself with you becoming mentally relaxed and having a positive feeling about life. With every passing session the effect would only become stronger and let you get rid of the problem that you were suffering from. However the extent of the effect of hypnotherapy varies from person to person, depending upon at what point of mental agitation and distress they take up the treatment.
12. How much will I remember?
Strange as it may seem but the fact is, you will remember every word that is being said to you by the hypnotherapist, and every experience that you feel during the state of hypnosis. However you shall lose the minute details of your experience within a few days and it is only natural. This happens with your every day experience as you can’t subtly remember every details of your day to day experience. So it is advisable that you write down the details of what you have felt and heard under the hypnotic trance and this would help you clinically.
13. Can hypnosis hurt me?
Hypnosis can just be applied in positive direction. Leave alone your physical well being not even your morals, religious beliefs or anything you feel strongly about would be hurt. Only those areas of your conscience that you feel is disturbing your mental state would be slowly evolved into a positive state.
14. What’s the difference between self-hypnosis, “guided imagery,” “creative visualization” or meditation?
Actually there is not much difference. All these procedures serve to attain the goal of relaxing the body and mind and provide an opportunity to look into one’s own self. These names like “Guided Imagery” or “creative visualization” only create a less mystical and more scientific feeling so that common people come to accept it more readily.
15. What is “FALSE MEMORY SYNDROME (FMS)”?
As per definition False Memory Syndrome is a condition in which a person’s individuality and interpersonal relationships are guided by the retention of a painful experience of the past which is overtly delusive but in which the person potently believes. The advocates of FMS hold strong agnosticism against any therapist who they think to be promoting to identify repressed memories in any client. However hypnotherapist and psychotherapists maintain that no memory can ever exist without having its relation to any real life incident.
16. Are hypnotically recalled experiences really the subjects own or is it merely something they have read about or seen?
Mixed memory makes it particularly hard to sort out true from garbled or false remembrances. Hypnosis is a highly suggestive subject. What is revealed under hypnotic state has to be carefully interpreted with logical reasoning to get closer to the truth.
