QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
About Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy
(Click on the questions below of interest to you.)
- What is hypnosis?
- Is it true that a person has to be weak willed, lack intelligence or be unbalanced to be hypnotized?
- Can a Hypnotherapist use hypnosis as a form of mind control or brainwashing?
- I've heard that a person can be made to do or say anything while in hypnosis.
- Is it true that when a person is hypnotized they are "out of it" and don't remember anything?
- It is said that a person cannot lie while in hypnosis.
- Can a person become "stuck" in hypnosis and never wake up?
- People from my church think that hypnosis is the work of the devil and an evil against God.
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What is hypnosis? Hypnosis is a state of mind, whereby the conscious mind becomes less critical, allowing the subconscious mind to accept suggestions more readily. While in hypnosis, a person's senses are "heightened" as well as their level of awareness. They experience a quieting of the mind, which enables them to accept positive suggestions.
Every person goes through a state of "hypnosis" naturally several times a day. It happens right before falling asleep at night and awakening in the morning. It is that physically drowsy feeling where the mind is still aware of its environment. Children are in hypnosis while they are "mesmerized" in front of the television. Hypnosis is a completely natural state.
The very word "hypnosis" can cause confusion. It was coined in the 1800s using the word "Hypnos" which means the Greek god of sleep. Unfortunately, by the time it was realized that there was no connection between hypnosis and sleep - it was too late to change people's perceptions. Over the years, various euphemisms have been used to describe the state of mind called hypnosis. Examples include: creative or guided imagery, autogenic training and suggestive therapy.
Is it true that a person has to be weak willed, lack intelligence or be unbalanced to be hypnotized? The more intelligent and well-balanced a person, the better they will do in hypnotherapy.
Can a Hypnotherapist use hypnosis as a form of mind control or brainwashing? There is only self-hypnosis and all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. A hypnotherapist is simply a guide who assists a person to utilize a power that they already possess. If a person doesn't want to be hypnotized, they can in no way be forced to be hypnotized.
I've heard that a person can be made to do or say anything while in hypnosis. While in hypnosis a person can become more relaxed; however, the conscious mind is always present, guarding against what is unacceptable to that person. Someone who is hypnotized for a stage show wishes to participate and therefore accepts silly suggestions.
Is it true that when a person is hypnotized they are "out of it"and don't remember anything? During hypnosis a person is highly alert and aware and completely in control. Generally they will remember everything.
It is said that a person cannot lie while in hypnosis.A person in hypnosis has complete possession of all of their faculties and can think for themselves, thus they can lie or tell the truth as they wish.
Can a person become "stuck" in hypnosis and never wake up? Hypnosis is a voluntary state so a person can terminate it at any time that they wish. Since they are never truly "asleep", they don't have to "wake up" from hypnotherapy.
People from my church think that hypnosis is the work of the devil and an evil against God. Hypnosis is not mind control so it is accepted by all religious groups and sects with the exception of Seventh Day Adventists and Christian Scientists. Some faiths practice self hypnosis, like meditation, as a part of their rituals.
There are many other areas, issues and problems that Hypnotherapy can help you with today.
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