There are a lot of misconceptions about what hypnosis is and isn’t. I’ll never forget the look on my husband’s face the day I told him that I felt I was being guided to study hypnosis! I think he thought I was going to be waving a magic wand and calling people onto the stage and having them cluck like chickens!

The definition of Hypnosis, according to the National Guild of Hypnotists is, “Hypnosis refers to a state or condition in which the client becomes highly responsive to suggestions.”

Hypnosis is a heightened state of awareness while becoming totally relaxed. Most people believe that when hypnotized they are somehow giving up their control to the hypnotist, but in reality – you are always in control. It is not possible for anyone to convince you to do anything that you wouldn’t ordinarily do.

Hypnosis can help you create lasting changes by offering your subconscious mind positive suggestions during the session. These suggestions are formulated by a thorough pre-talk so that every single suggestion comes from you and your desires for change. You will never be receive suggestions that haven’t originated from our pre-talk and these positive suggestions are for your best and highest good.

Benefits of Hypnosis:

If I were to list all the benefits that one might achieve through hypnosis, the list would be so long that it might come across as too good to be true.

If you were to compare your mind to your computer, there are so many programs running in the background without you even realizing it. Hypnosis helps to close those files and programs that are slowing down your operating system and draining your energy and the result is enhanced focus and mental clarity. It also reduces stress, increases energy, boosts your immune system and improves performance.

Many people seek out hypnosis to rid themselves of negative habits such as smoking, overeating, nail biting or other addictive behaviors. Hypnosis is effective because it works directly with the part of the mind that keeps that habit in tact – the subconscious.

Others benefit from hypnosis by strengthening positive habits and behaviors through visual motor rehearsal or in other words, a visual dress rehearsal of the desired outcome in advance. Performers and athletes have the opportunity to mentally rehearse and actually see themselves “in the zone” giving the presentation, sinking the free throw, hitting a homerun, playing the solo at the concert. The mind sees no difference between real or imagined events and will go to work to make it your reality. The result is a calm, confident approach to what you already know you can do. Self-confidence and self-esteem are the natural byproducts and benefits from harnessing the power of your mind.   

How Does Hypnosis Work:

As I stated early, a successful hypnosis session begins with a thorough pre-talk where I ask you a series of questions to help clarify your desires for change. Next, I guide you into a deep state of hypnosis through an induction technique followed by progressive relaxation which helps to relax your body and opens up your subconscious mind to receive the positive suggestions.

These new and powerful suggestions become stored and strengthened within the subconscious mind and eventually become new beliefs through which all future decisions and actions flow. Old habits and fears are simply belief patterns that no longer serve you. Once we become aware of those beliefs, while under hypnosis we can uproot those unhealthy beliefs and plant new, healthy and positive beliefs. As a result, new, healthy, positive changes begin to take place.

Towards the end of the session, while still under hypnosis you will be taught a simple form of self-hypnosis that you can use daily after the session to strengthen and amplify the effects of the suggestions. Upon emerging from hypnosis you will feel calm and rested, like you just woke up from a nap.

The subconscious mind believes whatever you tell it. However, if you do not believe that you can be hypnotized, then this will be your truth and most likely your hypnosis will not work. Your success is based on your belief and trust.