How does hypnosis feel?

Since hypnosis is a natural state of mind, clients are often surprised that they hear every word. Unless one enters a deeper state, or at least a medium state, he or she may not "feel" any different than when relaxing in their favorite easy chair with a good book. One may feel quite mellow, and may feel weightless or perhaps very heavy as if sinking into the chair. If one enters a deep state of hypnosis the feeling may even be euphoric. In a light state, it is entirely possible for the client to believe that he or she was not actually hypnotized because it felt identical to the waking state.

How do you induce hypnosis?

A. Fixation of attention, or "fixed gaze" methods, were primarily used during the 1800's, and are the ones usually used by Hollywood. Many people do not respond to eye fixation inductions; thus, a hypnotist employing only this type of induction could easily mislabel people who might respond quite well to other induction types as "insusceptible".
B. Progressive relaxation methods are frequently used on self-hypnosis tapes, as well as by some facilitators of meditation. It is common for those who actually use progressive relaxation methods of this type to deny their use of hypnosis. Some even go so far as to say they don't believe in hypnosis, even though their relaxation techniques are actually hypnotic.
C. Loss of equilibrium: most of us seem to have an inherited desire to be gently rocked, as is evidenced by the millions of rocking chairs available. Mothers "hypnotize" their babies to sleep by rocking them.
D. Shock to nervous system: the paternal "rapid" inductions frequently used by stage hypnotists are examples of this induction type, employing a sudden emphatic command given in a surprising manner. The participant or client will experience a "moment of passivity" during which he or she will either resist the trance, or "let go" and drop quickly into hypnosis.

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

It's more a question of semantics, for they are one and the same. However, many hypnotherapists feel that the term "hypnotist" refers to someone a) who has not been formally trained and/or uses hypnosis for the purpose of entertainment such as stage shows, and b) believes that the use of hypnosis for self-improvement and/or the release of problems constitutes hypnotherapy. All hypnotherapy employs hypnosis; but not all hypnosis is hypnotherapy.
Additionally, mastering the art of hypnosis does not necessarily mean one is qualified as a hypnotherapist.

What makes hypnotherapy different than cognitive therapy?

Cognitive counseling deals with issues at a cognitive level; and many of life's problems require just that. When someone has to make difficult cognitive decisions, competent professional help is absolutely essential. For example, hypnotherapy is not a substitute for marriage counseling. But when it comes to changing habits or behaviors regulated by the subconscious, hypnotherapy can be a wonderful tool to facilitate change. However, hypnosis is not a panacea for all of life's problems, and it should not be advertised as such.
It's also important to realize that a competent hypnotherapist recognizes that he or she is not licensed to diagnose (unless trained and licensed to do so).

While a physician, psychologist, or licensed mental health practitioner may be qualified to diagnose or "label" the cause of someone's problem, it is advisable for the hypnotherapist to avoid doing so. A diagnostician formulates a professional opinion on the cause of a problem. A competent hypnotherapist may ask the client's unconscious mind to disclose the cause, and then either proceeds or refers accordingly, based on the information disclosed.

How can hypnosis be used to quit smoking or manage weight?

There are many roads leading from Tampa to Los Angeles; likewise there are many ways to successfully help someone quit smoking or lose weight. But the key is simple: The client must choose to change. If this is not so, long-term success is very unlikely. Hypnosis cannot make someone quit smoking or lose weight.

Hypnosis can simply make the process of becoming a non-smoker an easy one. Hypnosis can make the process of losing weight an easy one by increasing a desire to exercise or eat healthfully, but it is not magic. If the client has no desire to eat healthfully, and does not want to exercise, then success is highly unlikely through the use of hypnosis.

Can hypnosis be used to reduce pain and/or suffering from illness?

Yes, hypnosis can be very effective in alleviating unwarranted pain in the body and discomfort from many ailments. It is important to realize though that pain is a warning that something needs attention with the body, and it needs to be diagnosed by someone qualified to do so. Any competent hypnotherapist knows the importance of requiring a written referral from an examining physician before ever using hypnosis to reduce pain or other physical symptoms. The only exception for those who are unlicensed to practice medicine is if the examining physician is physically present and/or is supervising the hypnotic process.

Is hypnosis dangerous?

Because all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, and the client is in complete control at all times, hypnosis in and of itself is not dangerous. If it were, we would all be in jeopardy every time we get engrossed in a good book, movie, or TV show.

If hypnosis is used in conjunction with drugs or medication, adverse effects may occur; however, it should be noted that the adverse effects are predominately a result of the drugs or medication. An unlicensed hypnotherapist is not allowed to prescribe medication or use chemical intervention with hypnosis; therefore, hypnosis only has the potential to become "dangerous" if it is used by licensed healthcare professionals entitled to administer medication.

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