Frequently asked questions about hypnosis
Can anyone be hypnotized?
Twenty percent of the population can go into a state of hypnosis that is so deep they can undergo surgery without anesthesia. A further 60% can attain a medium state of hypnosis, when they can experience analgesia (lack of pain, but still with a sensation of touch). The last twenty percent can attain a light hypnotic trance, and with practice may be able to go deeper. Occasionally there are people who do not want to be hypnotized and are therefore resistant. They may treat it as a competition: who is stronger ... the hypnotist or me? Such people may hold misconceptions about hypnosis or have trust issues and are therefore fearful of giving up "control" to the hypnotist. People who do well in hypnosis tend to have average to above-average intelligence and are not mentally ill or emotionally disturbed.
Is hypnosis mind control?
Definitely not. The client is always aware of what is happening during a session of hypnosis and can choose at any time to open his or her eyes and terminate the session. Many people hold misconceptions about hypnosis from watching stage hypnotists on television who appear to control their subjects, having them bark like dogs and act foolishly. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, you are in control at all times and the hypnotist can never force you do to anything that you would not ordinarily do in an alert, wakeful state.
Will I be asleep or unconscious during hypnosis?
While some clients find hypnosis so relaxing that they will actually fall asleep, a state of hypnosis is a state of focused concentration and physical relaxation. You will be aware of what is happening during hypnosis and will not be asleep or unconscious. A good example is "highway hypnosis". Have you ever driven a familiar route to work or the mall and when you get there you realize that you were thinking about tonight's dinner or picking up the dry cleaning rather than paying attention to the journey? Our minds often wander during the day when we are doing routine activities: driving, sitting in meetings, listening to lectures or taking a walk. During these times we experience a light state of hypnosis and in fact may often get creative flashes of insight.
Is hypnosis dangerous?
Hypnosis is not inherently dangerous. However, it could be abused in the hands of an untrained or unscrupulous practitioner. It is therefore important to check the credentials of a practitioner before you become their client. Personal referrals are always the best. I can provide a list of clients who are willing to give a personal reference as to my character, skills and their experiences in hypnosis with me.
Note that in the state of North Carolina, only medically-trainined personnel, social workers and clinical psychogists may practice as "hypnotherapists". Certified hypnotists like myself may only offer "non-therapeutic" services.
Do insurance companies cover hypnosis?
Generally not. I suggest that you think of hypnosis as a service that you will pay for yourself. This will also mean that when you sign up for a course of hypnosis you are highly committed and value the services you will receive.
Can children be hypnotized?
Children younger than 10 already spend much of their time in an alpha brain wave state, and so respond particularly well to hypnotic techniques. In children, hypnosis is very good for habit disorders such as nail-biting or bed-wetting. The most hypnotizable ages are the early teens, up to about 16 years of age. After that the ability to respond to hypnosis decreases slightly with age.
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