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"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is hypnosis? Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention combined with deep relaxation. In this state the critical and judgmental processes of the conscious mind are quieted while the subconscious becomes more open and receptive to positive suggestions. What if I can’t be hypnotized? The majority of the population can be hypnotized. In fact you probably go into and out of a light hypnotic state at least 50 times a day. Activities such as daydreaming, reading, driving, watching TV are done in a hypnotic trance. The exceptions are individuals who •are under the influence of drugs or alcohol •have developmental disabilities which interfere with the ability to focus and follow directions •who do not want to be hypnotized. Someone cannot be hypnotized against his or her will. Will I be made to do something against my will? Although the conscious mind is quieted or passive in the hypnotic state it is still aware. You are aware of everything being said and done during hypnotherapy. You are still in control of you and cannot be made to do anything against your will. If something offensive or disagreeable were to be suggested to you, you would most likely come out of the hypnotic state immediately. What about stage hypnosis, when people are made to do silly things? Remember that those people on stage volunteered to be there. They were willing participants and selected among those were individuals who the hypnotist found to be easily hypnotizable. With the audience, the charismatic hypnotist and the pressure to “go along with the show” some people will willing do silly things. Could I get stuck in hypnosis? Just as you cannot get stuck sleeping…you cannot get stuck in hypnosis. If the therapist stopped talking or left the room or your self-hypnosis tape stopped you would either fall asleep and awaken when sufficiently rested or gradually and naturally return to full awareness. What is a typical session like? Each session lasts from 75 to 90 minutes. On the first session you will be asked to fill out a case history questionnaire; providing necessary contact information as well as a basic family, social and medical history. Then a portion of time is set aside to discuss your goals and desired outcome. Next your therapist will describe the hypnosis process before beginning the hypnosis. Although the process will vary from client to client. A common hypnosis portion of the session lasts approximately 40 min beginning with deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, then a guided visualization or story to deepen the hypnotic state then the positive suggestions are presented to the receptive subconscious mind. Lastly you are emerged from hypnosis and given an opportunity to share and discuss your experience. How many sessions will I need? This will depend on the client and the issue being addressed. While a person can stop their smoking addiction in one 2 ½ hour session, most issues need at least two and up to six to effectively produce desired changes. Weight reduction, however, often requires a commitment of up to eight sessions to be effective. How will I know if hypnosis will work for me? Call Theresa Johnson, CHT at 503-577-1817 and schedule a FREE 30 minute, no-obligation consultation to see how hypnotherapy can be beneficial for you. |