How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis is a state of hyperawareness where the conscious mind is in a state of abeyance.

Anyone who has every laughed or cried, or felt their heart race during a movie has already been under hypnosis. Reason being, you know that you are not the character, yet you react based on subconscious conditioning to what is on the screen. The same is true for back seat drivers who hit the break even though they are not driving.

Can anyone be hypnotized?

Everyone can experience the benefits of hypnosis, though people experience hypnosis and enter the state in a variety of different ways. It’s up to a skilled hypnotist to test all subjects and determine which hypnotic technique is best for each individual client.

What is hypnosis like?

Hypnosis is relaxed state of being, where the person being hypnotized is always in control. Even though they feel relaxed, hypnotized subjects remain fully awake.

Can the hypnotist make me do anything against my will?

No. You will never do or say anything under hypnosis you would not do otherwise.  The idea that you can lose control under hypnosis is based on misconceptions created by Hollywood and stage hypnotists. Stage hypnotists carefully select audience members who have a propensity or deep desire to entertain others then work with that particularly group to entertain an audience. Qualified hypnotists, in a medical setting, use the tool of hypnosis in partnership with clients to create healing and welleness.

How is this different from a stage show?

Hypnosis as used in a professional office is a healing or investigative process. The client's welfare is the paramount and the work is directed towards helping the client.

Is hypnosis medically approved?

Hypnosis was first officially recognized as a therapeutic tool by the British Government in 1952. Then, in 1958 both the British and the American Medical Associations (AMA) sanctioned the official use of hypnosis by physicians. In 1958, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) also approved hypnotherapy for use by professionally responsible individuals.

Does hypnosis really stop pain during surgery?

Patients who have used it say yes. Consider this: After you get dressed in the morning, do you feel your clothes on your skin all day long? Unless you put your awareness where your skin meets your clothes the answer is “no”. The reason you do not notice your clothing is that you mind anesthetizes the area. This process is also utilized with pain management and hypno-anesthesia. Both of these techniques are only to be employed with a medical referral.