Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
I was a bit skeptical, but after my first session, I was totally convinced hypnotherapy was what I needed to help me. It added another layer of defense for quitting.
Will I really be asleep? Hypnosis is not the kind of sleep you experience at night. Your body may be so relaxed that it feels as if it is asleep, however your mind is fully focused, awake, and conscious of everything that goes on when you are in hypnosis. You can move, talk, and express emotion as usual.
Will I divulge even my private information while in hypnosis? You will only reveal information that you choose to reveal. In hypnosis your will and volition are intact and so you will not act on any suggestion or respond to any question in a way that you would not feel comfortable about while out of hypnosis.
Will I say or do uncomfortable things I would not normally do? You will not do anything silly or embarrassing, such as clucking like a chicken. Sometimes the goal you wish to achieve indicates that a process involving exploring and gaining insight of a past experience will be helpful. You may experience some emotional discomfort, however you will be fully supported with compassion and care. Clients generally feel that the benefits of this intervention by far outweigh any emotional discomfort they may have felt.
Will I lose control? You will not lose control of yourself. You are in control at all times. You can open your eyes, ask questions, or decide to stop a session at anytime you choose during the process. Hypnosis does involve a certain amount of “letting go” and opening up to a new experience. For this reason, it is imperative for clients to feel trust and comfort in the therapeutic relationship for a successful outcome.
What if I don’t wake up? Do not worry. This only happens in bad movies and novels. People do not get stuck in hypnosis. You can decide to leave hypnosis at any time you choose. Sometimes clients are so relaxed that they may slip into ordinary sleep. If this happens, you will be asked to “come up a level now” and the session will resume. If this occurs when you are practicing self hypnosis techniques you have learned, you may take a short nap and wake up feeling refreshed.
Can I be made to do things I do not want to do? No. You will be fully aware and able to resist instructions that you feel are at odds with your wishes or moral standards.
What if I can’t be hypnotized? Anyone who wants to be hypnotized can be hypnotized. The most important factors for success are openness to new experiences and a trusting, comfortable relationship with your therapist. Some people need more time and practice but still benefit.
Should I use hypnosis? The state of hypnosis is very safe and it is beneficial for most people, however some health issues and client circumstances require medical attention or psychotherapy prior to or in tandem with hypnotherapy. If you are under a doctor’s or counselor’s care, and you are considering the use of hypnotherapy as an adjunct to your treatment, it is mandatory that you talk about this with your care provider first. It is optimal for providers to collaborate and coordinate with you and one another to provide the best outcome possible.
Can people hypnotize themselves? Absolutely. Do you have a hobby you become so absorbed in that you lose track of time and everything going on around you? Have you ever driven home on “auto pilot” thinking about something going on at work or with your kids, realizing suddenly that you are in your driveway? You feel mild surprise that you got there so fast and that you don’t really recall much about the drive. We all experience hypnosis frequently and spontaneously. All hypnosis is self hypnosis. It is just easier to learn and direct purposefully under the guidance of a skilled hypnotherapist. You will be coached to use hypnosis to deeply relax, effectively focus your attention where you choose, and to find solutions and abilities inside yourself much more effectively.
Are all hypnotherapists trained equally? NO. Hypnosis is not restricted or regulated by law in many states in the U.S. This means that anyone, regardless of education, training or experience can offer services. It is possible to take a weekend or online course in hypnotherapy, or complete 400-600 hours of training and practice to become a “certified hypnotherapist”. Titles such as Certified Hypnotherapist have little or no bearing on the quality of the training or qualifications of a hypnotherapist to treat health problems. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly explore the credentials of hypnotherapists you are considering engaging for services.