Q:What exactly is hypnosis?
A: A good "nutshell" description would be to say that hypnosis is a state of focused or fixed concentration in which you allow yourself to become highly responsive to suggestion. Although mental and physical relaxation are strongly recommended in order to enhance the trance, anyone who has difficulty in achieving total relaxation is still able to benefit from hypnosis
In hypnosis, the senses become alert or even acute and the subconscious mind becomes relaxed and open to accept helpful and beneficial suggestions. Daydreaming, fantasizing and driving on 'auto-pilot' are all light states of hypnosis. Everyone experiences light states of hypnosis every day. The person in hypnosis has complete control at all times. The hypnotist is a trained professional facilitator, who skillfully who shows the client how to work with, and communicate with their subconscious mind.
Q:How does hypnosis work?
Our minds work on two levels: the conscious and the unconscious. We make decisions, think, and act with our conscious mind. In the everyday waking state, the conscious mind filters and edits processed information passing from the conscious mind to the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind controls our habits. In the altered state known as hypnosis, we can allow the conscious judgmental mind to be bypassed, communicating directly with the subconscious, so that beliefs, habits and behaviors can be modified according to the wishes and desires of the client. This is why it is so quick and easy to change habits of a lifetime with hypnosis.
Q: Is a hypnotized person asleep?
A: No. Hypnosis is not what we know as traditional sleep. In hypnosis, the conscious mind becomes subdued, but it is not asleep. The subconscious mind becomes open, highly focused and receptive to helpful, beneficial suggestions that it can choose to accept or reject.
Q: Do people in hypnosis have full control?
A: Absolutely, yes! Since the state of hypnosis is a 100% consent state, a hypnotist cannot hypnotize you if you aren’t in total agreement. All hypnosis is actually "self-hypnosis." You, the client, are allowing the hypnotist to guide you into an altered state. Once you consent to hypnosis and are in a hypnotic trance, you are still free to reject and/or receive any suggestion at any time. You are in complete control during the hypnosis process and will not do or say anything that you don't want to do, or that is against your will, or that you would not normally do. Nobody can be forced into hypnosis. Hypnosis is a very safe, powerful and effective tool which can be used to reinforce desired changes such as weight-loss, becoming smoke-free, or reducing stress, as long as you truly want the changes for yourself. If you have been pressured into a change by a family member or friends, but the true desire to change is not yours, even the most experienced hypnotist will not be able to get you to change.
Q: What does a hypnotic trance feel like?
A: Each person experiences hypnotic trance in their own way. There is no right or wrong way. However, most people report feeling relaxed and completely at ease.
A person in hypnosis is aware of everything that is going on around them. They are able to adjust positions if they need to, talk with they hypnotist and make decisions and choices. Even though the experience is different for everybody, the majority of people agree that hypnosis is a pleasant state of deep inner calm and physical relaxation. Deep hypnosis is similar in some ways to the kind of profound trance found in meditation. The main difference is that with hypnosis, there is a specific goal in mind as well as a state of heightened suggestibility.
In hypnosis, you are able fully aware of your surroundings. When hypnosis is facilitated by a trained expert you feel calm, comfortable and totally relaxed.
Q: What is a consulting hypnotist?
A: A consulting hypnotist uses his/her hypnosis skills to assist clients in creating and maintaining positive behavioral change without analyzing or diagnosing.
The National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) along with leaders of many hypnosis organizations, are all in agreement that a hypnotist should receive proper hypnosis education prior to working with the general public. Prior to certification as an NGH certified Hypnotist/Hypnotherapist, students must have received a minimum of 100 hours hypnosis training through an NGH certified instructor (CI).
Note: 120 hours is the required number of training hours by the Internationa Medical & Dental Association, (IMDHA).
The title "Certified Consulting Hypnotist" (CH) is awarded to those who successfully graduate from the course, earning a minimumn of 85% in a written examination which is set by the NGH.
In compliance with NGH & IMDHA standards, continuing education is a yearly requirement for maintaining certification.
Q: I am currently seeing a psychiatrist for deep anxiety issues. Would I be able to use hypnosis as well?
A: This is a very important question. A certified consulting hypnotist is not qualified to diagnose or analyze. However, with a written referral from your medical doctor and/or your psychiatrist, hypnosis with a qualified consulting hypnotist can be a very beneficial complementary treatment.
Q: Is hypnosis officially recognized or approved?
A: Yes. In 1958, the American Medical Association accepted hypnosis as a viable form of treatment. In addition to being useful and helpful in treating behavioral and motivational issues, there is a place for hypnotism in the production of anesthesia or analgesia for surgical and dental operations, and in suitable subjects it is an effective method of relieving pain in childbirth without altering the normal course of labor.
Q: What is stage hypnosis?
A: A hypnotic trance is often induced in stage hypnosis. However, the stage hypnotist uses his/her skills for entertainment purposes only. Consulting hypnotists use their skills to assist people in making positive life changes. It would be unethical, improper and frankly impossible for a consulting hypnotist to attempt to get a client to do anything against their will. It simply cannot happen.
Q: Is hypnosis completely safe?
A: Absolutely! As long as the hypnosis is facilitated by an accredited hypnotist. Always ask to see your hypnotist's credentials.
Q: What can hypnosis be used for?
A: Hypnosis is a very effective tool for may things such eliminating bad habits, learning new coping strategies, increasing motivation, clarifying personal and professional goals and creating positive behavioral changes and healthier lifestyles.
Q: Can anyone go into hypnosis?
A: Most people can go into hypnosis. The exceptions are people who either consciously or subconsciously put up a barrier. Around 90 per cent of the general population can be hypnotized to varying degrees.
Q: Will I reveal too much when I am hypnotized?
A: Since you are in charge throughout, and allowing yourself be hypnotized, your own mind determines how much or how little you wish to contribute to a hypnosis session. You can choose to freely answer and not answer questions in a hypnotic state the same way that you do in a fully awake state.
Q: How long are the sessions and what is included in the initial session?
A: The initial visit includes the consultation to identify the desired goals, an assessment of issue history and potential challenges, a short tutorial outlining how the hypnosis works, an action plan, and the actual hypnosis process. Self-hypnosis is taught to every client at the conclusion of the initial session. This session could take between 90 minutes to 2 hours. Subsequent follow-up visits, if needed, or hypnosis sessions for multiple goals, are one hour long.
Q: How many sessions will I need
A: In order to be completely successful, clients are recommended to invest in a minimum of 3 sessions. A good professional hypnotist will discuss the best action plan for each client at the initial meeting.
Q: Are the sessions group or one-on-one?
A: Group sessions as well as one-on-one sessions are available.
Q: Do you offer hypnosis courses and group sessions?
A: Yes. Full-day group courses are available to corporations, schools or any other group of people wishing to master the many benefits of hypnosis and self-hypnosis. Please follow the groups sessions link at the top or bottom of this page for more information.
Email Susan, Gracehypnosis@Gmail.com or call 905-827-4973 to make an individual hypnosis appointment or for information on group sessions or certified hypnosis training.
Home |
The Process |
FAQ's |
Applications |
The Toolbox |
Public Workshops |
Training |
Susan's Bio