Historically, hypnosis has been surrounded by mystery
and magic, and has been associated with a number of false and misleading ideas. Hollywood has certainly added to the
misconceptions. Here are some common questions I've been asked, and here are the truths.
Question: I'm afraid
that you can take control of my mind, and make me do things that I don't want to do. Is that true? Can you make
me bark like a dog or quack like a duck?
Answer: Absolutely not.
I cannot make anyone do anything that they wouldn't normally do. I have no "power" over anyone. Hypnosis is a
process of cooperation between me and my clients. I'm a teacher and a facilitator, nothing more. Based on my years
of experience, I can help anyone who would sincerely like to experience hypnosis to do so.
Question: What does hypnosis
feel like?
Answer: Hypnosis is generally
a calm, relaxing experience. In fact, during trance, people often discover how tense they really are, and can then take
steps to learn to relax and de-stress their bodies and minds.
Question: I'm really
a control freak, and don't think you can hypnotize me. Can you?
Answer: Not if you don't
want me to. If you want to experience hypnosis, I can help you, but it's a cooperative process between us. It's
not something I can "do" to you, but if you're willing, I can show you how. Remember, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.
And more important than control is your willingness, belief and motivation.
Question: So, can most
people be hypnotized?
Answer: Yes, most people
can experience hypnosis if they want to. The key word here is "want." The only exception might be people who are
mentally challenged.
Question: I've heard
that a person can get "stuck" in hypnosis. Is that true?
Answer: No, it's not
true. Can you get "stuck" in daydreaming? It's the same process. Sometimes people fall asleep during a session,
but it's no more difficult to terminate trance than it is to awaken someone. It's that simple.
Question: What if I tell
you things I don't want to reveal?
Answer: You won't.
That's another fallacy – that you can be made to reveal secrets. It's not possible. You won't do or say
anything that you wouldn't do or say going about your normal day.
However, anything you do say or experience while we're
in session is completely confidential. I'm bound by my own personal ethics and the Codes of Ethics of the organizations
that certify me not to reveal what we discuss or work on.
Question: What
if I'm not sure if hypnosis will work for me? Should I make an appointment and see what happens?
Answer: That's one option.
You could also just give me a call and we could talk briefly or perhaps meet. I'm happy to provide a free 15-minute
consultation.
