What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a tool that can help you just like it has helped millions of other people to take back control of their lives.

Whether you are trying to overcome an old habit, or wanting to incorporate a new healthy habit, hypnosis can be used for your personal and professional achievement.

Hypnosis is used to help you reach goals when nothing else has helped.

The U.S. government defines hypnosis as follows: It is the bypass of the critical factor and the establishment of acceptable selective thinking.

Some people say Hypnosis is a state of Relaxation. Others say it is focused concentration. Others may compare it to a daydream. It is all that and so much more. And although science can not agree on a definition or even “how” it works, one thing they do agree on, and that is this: IT WORKS! My favorite definition is this: Hypnosis is a trance-like state in which you are deeply relaxed, both mentally and physically, so that you become more suggestible.

Hypnosis is a consensual state, which means that it takes two willing participants. You might want to think of your hypnotist or hypnotherapist as a coach who will be guiding you into this wonderful state of relaxation. Or, imagine two people doing a ballroom dance – you cannot have both people leading, and you cannot have no one leading. But when one person (who is knowledgeable about the dance) leads and the other follows, you will see some beautiful results. Terry will assist you in learning how to achieve this state by guiding you into it.

Once you are in hypnosis, you will then receive what are called hypnotic suggestions. These suggestions will enable you to use the power of your mind at a very deep level (subconscious and unconscious) so that you can then make the positive changes you desire.

Scientists, psychologists, medical professionals (nurses, physicians, etc.), and hypnotists have been using hypnosis for over 200 years. Hypnosis was accepted by the American Medical Association in 1958 and is used regularly in this arena. It can help patients overcome chronic pain, create anesthesia, and heal psychogenic illnesses, just to name a few. Hypnosis and self-hypnosis have been shown to be very effective in reducing stress and stress-related illnesses. Hypnosis can also help mothers give birth to their children with little or no pain.

7th Path Self-hypnosis is a wonderful mind-body-spirit approach to self-hypnosis and can be a wonderful part of a good personal growth or self-help program. See 7th path section.

Is hypnosis safe?

Absolutely! Hypnosis is totally safe. As a matter of fact, The American Medical Association approved it in 1958. Not only is hypnosis totally safe, it is naturally occurring so everyone has been in hypnosis at some time or another (ie when you are just about to fall asleep at night, or when you are driving on a highway and you lose track of time, or when you are immersed in a good book or a great movie). Hypnosis is a very pleasant experience and you will usually feel very relaxed when in hypnosis. Like when getting a massage, hypnosis is a special time out of your day that is just for you, a time to let go of any random or non supportive thoughts or concerns. Ahhhh . . . . .

Myths and Misconceptions

You can get stuck in hypnosis. It is impossible to get stuck in hypnosis. You can emerge yourself at any time if you choose to.

The hypnotist or hypnotherapist has control over you. This is the most common myth and it comes from Hollywood (Movies like Shallow Hal and Office Space) and Stage Hypnosis. But as in ALL myths, it simply is not true. You have total control during the sessions. If a hypnotist ever did suggest something that you did not agree with, for whatever reason, you would simply dismiss the suggestion. If the hypnotist continued to suggest things that you were not comfortable with, you would actually emerge yourself. You have total control during hypnosis.

You will tell your deep, dark secrets. At all levels of the mind (conscious, subconscious, and unconscious), there are protective functions at work for your protection.

I will be asleep or out of it. Many people think or assume that hypnosis is like a deep sleep and that they won’t remember what happened during the session but that is not the case. You will be deeply relaxed “as if” you were asleep, but your mind will be receptive and attentive to everything that is said. You will be able to hear the hypnotist’s voice throughout the session. So although you will be deeply relaxed, you will not be asleep or out of it..

I can’t be hypnotized. Not that long ago, it was believed that only about 20% of the population could be hypnotized. But now we know that pretty much everyone can be hypnotized. As long as the client is of normal intelligence, and is willing and able to follow instructions, she/he will do fine. And, the more you do hypnosis, the more easily it will be for you to go into hypnosis (and the deeper you will go).

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is the applied use of hypnosis. In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, therapy is defined at the treatment of bodily, mental, or behavioral disorders. Therapy can also be defined as anything that is done to move someone toward health and wholeness. Thus, hypnotherapy is nothing more than the use of hypnosis to help a client move toward health and wholeness.
Note: For any medically related issues, a doctor’s note will be required.

Can I be hypnotized?

Of course you can! Anyone of at least normal intelligence, who has the willingness to follow instructions can experience hypnosis and use it to improve his or her life. This includes children and teenagers.

And guess what? you already have been hypnotized, many times. Hypnosis is a normal state= of mind that everyone has experienced on several occasions. In fact, such mind, often times people don’t even realize when they are hypnotized. Normal, everyday occurs driving down the road and lose track time, or, focusing book or television program, notice what going around you. So, yes, for most people, it’s easy to be all need willing able follow instructions hypnotist, can make wonderful, positive changes in your life.