For more information or to
schedule an appointment
please call

877-800-6443

1) What is hypnosis?
2) How can you put someone under hypnosis?
3) While under hypnosis, can I be forced to do something against my will?
4) What type of results can I expect to achieve?
5) What areas can hypnosis be helpful in?
6) Will I remember what happened?
7) What is a National Guild of Hypnotists Certification?
8) What does a typical first hypnosis session consist of?
9) How many sessions will be necessary to accomplish the program?

1Q: What is hypnosis?

A: Hypnosis dates back over 200 years and is believed to have been founded by a physician - Franz Anton Mesmer, although the term hypnosis wasn’t used until 1843.  Hypnosis is a more alert state of consciousness that we each have experienced from time to time however may not realize it.  Have you ever noticed how focused someone is when they watch the Superbowl, read a great thriller, listen to an amazing speaker – they get so caught up in what they are watching.  Under hypnosis, you are mindful of your surroundings and what is going on.  In fact, the brain wave activity of someone under hypnosis is consistent with the activity of someone awake and alert (not asleep) based on studies utilizing an electroencephalogram (EEG).  While in hypnosis, an individual is capable of logic and reasoning, which is very different from a sleep state. 

2Q: How can you put someone under hypnosis?

A: A hypnotic state can be initiated by using various relaxation techniques, guided imagery/visualization exercises, goal setting techniques, reframing and a soothing voice to induce a hypnotic state.  You may feel drowsiness, relaxation, fluttering of your eyelids, a feeling of lightness, a sense of calm and various other feelings depending upon the individual client. 

3Q: While under hypnosis, can I be forced to do something against my will? 

A: The short answer is No.

Some of the misconceptions surrounding hypnosis are based on what you’ve seen in movies, possibly read in fiction novels, television programs, a hypnotist show or cartoons.  An individual cannot be put under hypnosis unless it’s willingly.  Once in a state of hypnosis, the foundation of the client’s value system remains in tact.  You are completely in control and will not do anything you wouldn’t normally do.  That means you cannot be forced to exhibit silly behaviors like you may have seen on television.  You will not disclose anything more than you are comfortable with so there shouldn’t be any concerns about revealing embarrassing or confidential information.  Hypnotists are trained to be professionals.  You want to be careful in your selection process and identify someone that you feel comfortable with, confident in his or her ability and that has the proper qualifications (Certified Hypnotist).

4Q: What type of results can I expect to achieve?

The links below will allow you to review reporting about the benefits of hypnosis.

http://nydailynews.healthology.com/alternative-medicine/article58.htm
NY Daily News – Weight Management, Pain, and Phobias

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9801E1DC143FF93AA15751C1A96E958260
NY Times – Sports Performance

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Health/WomensHealth/story?id=3533002&page=1
ABC News – Surgery

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,304425,00.html
FOX News - Stop Smoking

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/30/AR2007113001997.html
Washington Post – Children with Abdominal Pain

A:  Although numerous studies support the achievement of favorable results through hypnosis, by law the services we render are held out to the public as non-therapeutic hypnotism, defined as the use of hypnosis to inculcate positive thinking and the capacity for self-hypnosis. We do not represent our services as any form of medical, behavioral or mental health care, and despite favorable research to the contrary, by law, we may make no health benefit claims for our services. As consulting hypnotists, we help our clients inculcate positive thinking and the capacity for self-hypnosis wherein we coach, teach, guide, instruct, or train motivated individuals to achieve their goals. 

5Q: What areas can hypnosis be helpful in?

A: Keep in mind, as with most activities you perform, you will only get out of it what you put into it.  It’s absolutely necessary to be open to and committed to the process.  People have sought hypnosis for many reasons for instance weight loss, smoking cessation, insomnia, sports performance issues, phobias, self-improvement, insomnia, regression, stress, pain management, child birth, empowerment, motivation and for so many other purposes (review tab on 99 Ways Hypnosis Can Help).  A hypnotist is there to guide you and facilitate the behavior change that you desire.  You have to determine what is your best course of action in achieving your desired results and if hypnosis is a viable option for you personally.  Hypnosis has been around for centuries and is becoming a more and more common option in achieving goals and objectives/facilitating a behavioral change.

6Q: Will I remember what happened?

A: You generally will be aware of what has occurred and what you experienced during the session, however it may take some time to fully digest what has transpired.  You may experience time distortion regarding how long you were under hypnosis.  In rare occurrences, you may not remember what has transpired but the majority of individuals do remember.

7Q: What is a National Guild of Hypnotists Certification?

A: The National Guild of Hypnotists Inc. is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1951 and is currently operating in the United States and Canada.  It was established as an open forum where practitioners can exchange ideas, while protecting and preserving the practice of hypnosis.  They have established an extensive list of ethical principles and mandate compliance in areas that include but are not limited to making the clients well being and safety a priority.  In order to become certified, an intense and comprehensive training program is required along with an examination at two stages of the training to ensure you have been properly trained.

8Q: What does a typical first hypnosis session consist of?

A: A typical first session consists of an intake and hypnosis to address the area of opportunity. The intake portion involves answering any questions the client might have, discussing the exact nature of the problem, and identifying exactly what a client wants to achieve. While in hypnosis the client will receive suggestions that will assist in promoting accelerated change. In addition to learning self hypnosis, the client will receive a recording of a hypnosis session that can be downloaded onto a computer or an iPod.

9Q: How many sessions will be necessary to accomplish the program?

A: The number of sessions necessary to accomplish the program will vary based on the client and the type of issue that needs to be addressed. Some clients require just 1 session while require more. The Stop Smoking program typically requires 2 sessions while the Phobia/Fear Management program typically requires 2-3 sessions. Please see the Specialty Areas page for more details.