Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis
Hypnosis is simply using the power of your subconscious mind to help you change behaviors based on your belief system. Under Lynn’s guidance, a client drifts into a relaxed, focused state of concentration which opens their subconscious mind to suggestions and positive changes. Lynn has seen such success with hypnotherapy she is now reaching out to a larger audience. Her Self-Hypnosis CDs can guide you through powerful images and messages that break through barriers and self doubts and take control of that power within to overcome overeating, insomnia and smoking.
Those who received hypnosis lost more weight than 90 percent of those not receiving hypnosis and maintained the weight loss two years after treatment ended.
- University of Connecticut, Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy for obesity. 1996.
On average, hypnosis was over three times as effective as nicotine replacement methods and 15 times as effective as trying to quit alone.
- University of Iowa, Journal of Applied Psychology, How One in Five Give Up Smoking. October 1992.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation that opens the subconscious to positive suggestions to overcome blocks or self destructive behaviors. It is simply a tool that accesses power from within, to take control over our own behavior. It powers up our motivation and commitment to reaching our goals for healthy nutrition, sustainable exercise and even academic or athletic excellence.
Your beliefs, whether they are limiting or empowering, determine your actions and filter what you see, hear and feel. While you may think you are aware of your beliefs, sometimes you may not be aware of the impact negative beliefs have on our emotions and behavior.
Our beliefs filter, interpret, embellish or edit our perceptions and the way we respond to our world. In this way, beliefs can act as self-fulfilling prophecies influencing our decisions about over-eating or having a cigarette.
Hypnosis allows you to tap into the subconscious and make sure that the two levels of your mind, your conscious and your subconscious, are in sync when it comes to achieving your goals.
Misconceptions about Hypnosis
Hypnosis will not make you do anything you don’t want to do, Lynn is quick to point out. It does not "over-ride" the individual's personality, ethics or awareness, nor does it control the client, or the client’s subconscious, in any way. The person may not be able to fully remember every moment of the hypnotic experience, but such memory lapses are not due to a loss of attentiveness, but rather stem from interference with the memory encoding process. At all times, there is a part of the hypnotized individual's mental faculties that is unaffected – observing everything that is going on – and able to break out of the trance state instantly if necessary. This is called "the hidden observer."
You should also be aware that anyone with as little as a single weekend of training may call themselves a hypnotherapist. When looking for a hypnotherapist, it is important to remember that hypnosis as a treatment does not exist in isolation from other treatments. It is important to find a trained professional who has both experience with hypnosis and professional training in counseling so that you will receive therapy tailored specifically to your personal needs.
Clinical Hypnotherapy Allows You to Take Control
In this short video, Lynn speaks about her experiences with hypnotherapy and addresses some common misconceptions about hypnosis.
Hypnosis is a safe and natural state.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is simply a state of concentration and focused attention in a relaxed body. It is the same state that occurs in every person just before going to sleep.
What are common myths and misconceptions about hypnosis?
Hypnosis is not something that someone does to you. No one controls your mind. No one can make you reveal something during hypnosis that you don’t wish to reveal and no one can be hypnotized if they don’t want to be.
Will I be able to be hypnotized?
Yes, because a hypnotic trance is a natural state that you have already experienced just before going to sleep, or when you are absorbed in a movie or book and don’t notice anything around you. You will be able to be hypnotized if you wish to be. As with any positive change in our lives, it only comes about through our own desire and motivation.
While hypnotized you do not sleep or lose consciousness.
Is hypnosis safe?
Absolutely! As long as you are working with a professional who is trained in the application of hypnotherapy. Don’t hesitate to ask your therapist about their professional training and experience.
Is it possible to put myself into a hypnotic trance?
Yes. With practice and especially after being taught the process, most people can enter into a self-hypnotic state. This is particularly useful for those wishing to reinforce positive change because it can be accomplished on your own schedule.
Will my health insurance cover the cost?
Hypnotherapy is often used in combination with other forms of treatment. Check the benefits of your heath plan to determine the coverage for working with a professional therapist or counselor.
How many sessions will I need?
This is determined by each person’s circumstances. But, significant positive change is typically brought about in 1-3 sessions.