Hypnosis and hypnotherapy have been around for centuries, but most people are still curious about what it is and how it works.  Books and the media often present a helpless victim totally controlled by the evil hypnotist.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a mental state where the body and conscious mind are fully relax while the subconscious mind is alert, awake and able to receive suggestions.  Hypnosis is a process of communication-education to the person’s mind that allows the subconscious and conscious mind to believe the same thing.

How does Hypnosis work? 

While the conscious mind rest, the hypnotherapist makes suggestions to the subconscious mind.  This way the intellectual mind does not argue with or change the suggestions. If the suggestions do not conflict with the person’s belief system, moral and ethical views, the subconscious mind accepts the suggestion as true. Over a period of time the subconscious mind informs the alert conscious mind of the new reality.

Who can be Hypnotized? 

Anyone who has the desire and is willing and able to follow the hypnotherapist instructions can be hypnotized.

Can Hypnosis make me loss weight, quit smoking, etc.? 

Hypnosis can not MAKE you do anything.  Sorry you can’t eat burgers, fries and shakes and be hypnotized to make the calories not count.  If you want to make life changes, Hypnosis CAN help you make those changes easier and faster.

In what areas is Hypnotherapy helpful?

Addictions, Body and Mind Healing, Pain, Fears/Phobias, Guided Imagery for Secular or Spiritual Growth, Health, Improved Concentration and Learning Skills, Medical and Dental Procedures, Child Birth, Nail Biting, Teeth Grinding, Regressions, Public Speaking, Relaxation, Sports Skills, Smoking, Weight Control and many more.  Some areas require a physician’s referral.

How much of the mind does the therapist control? 

None.  The person is always in control of his/her mind.  The subconscious mind will not accept suggestions that go against a person’s morals, religion, self-preservation or ego.  The subconscious will accept only suggestions that are in the person’s belief system.

What is a hypnotist? 

Unfortunately, in Texas there are no standards for training or identifying a hypnotist.  Some have learned to hypnotize from a friend in the college Psych. Department.  A day or a weekend course program has certified some.  Others have read a book. Psychiatrists, psychologists, dentists and ministers may train through their professional schools.  Some national and international organizations in an effort to provide qualified hypnotherapists offer extensive training programs and require certification testing.

How do I know if my hypnotist is qualified to help me? 

Be an informed consumer.  Ask if the person is certified and by what organization.  Ask what the organization requires to certify a hypnotherapist.  It could be a wonderful training course, testing and continuing education or it could be a check made out in the right amount.  Ask what experience the person has in working with problems like yours.  Some hypnotists have health field backgrounds.  Some like ministers have a religious background. Sports trainers often learn and use hypnosis. The most important question may be whether you feel comfortable and trusting with the person.  Never work with a person who is too busy to talk with you and answer your questions before you start a session. 

For more information you may contact Diane Pope, MSN,RN,CHt.