| Frequently Asked Questions |
Scroll down for answers to the following questions:
- Can anyone be hypnotized?
- Will I do things I will regret?
- How effective is hypnosis?
- Can my problem be solved in one session?
- How many sessions will it take for me to resolve my issue?
- Can hypnosis be done in groups?
For information on Brief, Solution-Focused Counseling, click on the "Focused Counseling" link to the left. |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
|
Can anyone be hypnotized?
Yes. Some people go into a trance quickly, and some more slowly. Addressing any concerns will facilitate the process. Self-described "skeptics" have achieved success with hypnosis. You need only be open to the process to achieve your goals.
|
Will I do things I will regret?
Under hypnosis you will only do or say things you want. Many people think otherwise as a result of seeing stage hypnotists who are masters at selecting people who are very hypnotizable and who are more likely to do things most of us would not do in public settings. You will have complete control over your actions during the session, and are encouraged to stop the process should you feel uncomfortable for any reason.
|
How effective is hypnosis?
Very. Hypnosis changes your internal response to situations by changing the neuropathways in your brain, in much the same way "muscle memory" does. As you practice the new behaviors in your mind, you re-learn how to respond to old situations. Some people report with surprise that this learning has generalized to other life areas. For best results you might be encouraged to do some very simple work on your own. |
Can my problem be solved in one session?
Many people believe that hypnosis works like "magic" and can resolve an issue in one or two sessions. Hypnosis is not magic but, in some cases, one or two sessions are all that is needed to resolve an issue. This is likely to occur most often in cases of symptom relief (for example, eliminating test or public speaking anxiety), or performance enhancement (for example, perfecting a golf swing). You would likely need to do some work on your own to sustain your progress. The "homework" is often very simple and can fit easily into your day. However, some issues are best treated over a period of time. Read on... |
How many sessions will it take for me to resolve my issue?
It varies. If you have engaged in habits that have lasted years and have persisted despite negative consequences, you might best expect to meet for several sessions. Weight loss is an example of a situation that will likely take several sessions, and smoking cessation offers support beyond the first session (although the expectation is that you will be smoke free after the first session). Some of the results are dependent on your doing the homework (listening to a short CD regularly), so the best results are achieved when you are motivated to follow through. Finally, you might need a "booster" at a later time, or you might accomplish your goals permanently in a short time. Ultimately you are the best judge as to when your symptoms are resolved. |
Can hypnosis be done in groups?
Yes. In some cases group hypnosis can be effective. It can also be a cost-saver for clients and lucrative for the hypnotist. However, it should be noted that hypnosis generally has higher success rates when done on an individual basis as the cueing can then be tailored to your specific needs. In addition, when hypnosis is done individually, the hypnotherapist can monitor your reactions for any adverse effects, and can either stop the process, or change course in the cueing, thus ensuring your safety. Only you can decide the venue in which you feel most comfortable. |
|
